We have tested the new Renault Mégane, which is already on sale in Spain. What happens is that this Mégane is no longer gasoline or diesel; What’s more, it’s not even a hybrid: now it’s a (and that’s what it’s called) Mégane E-Tech 100% Electric. We present it to you in this video:
With this Mégane, Renault has done more or less the same as Ford with the Mustang Mach-E and what Fiat has done with the electric 500: take advantage of the historical pull of their respective names to name their new alternatives without a combustion engine. Therefore, the current Mégane with combustion engines will coexist, at least for a good season, with the new electric model.
A compact with crossover airs
In any case, this is still a compact segment car that is, in fact, relatively short, measuring just 4.20 meters in length. And being electric, it will have to deal with rivals as established as the Nissan Leaf, the Volkswagen ID.3. and the Cupra Born, to which we can add the electric Hyundai Kona and the Citroën ë-C4 if we take into account the crossover style presented by the Renault.
The passenger compartment conveys an impression of quality clearly superior to that of the Renault Mégane that we knew; and in the specific case of the driver’s position, those largely responsible for its modernization are the digital screens that give access to its new multimedia system. The instrument panel measures 12.3 inches, while the central screen can be 9” horizontally or 12” vertically.
Here, Renault has made the pragmatic decision to team up with Google so that its Android Automotive operating system serves as the basis for in-vehicle infotainment, which the brand calls OpenR Link. It includes Google services such as the Play Store, Maps and of course the Google Assistant, so that just by using our personal account we save ourselves having to connect the phone through Android Auto, which is always possible. And of course, connectivity with Apple CarPlay is also offered, even without cables.
The back row offers a surprising amplitude if we take into account the external dimensions of the vehicle. Above all, for legroom, but also for the correct shoulder width and ceiling height. Seating three people will still not be a great idea, but at least there’s no transmission tunnel to bother the feet.
For its part, the trunk offers 440 liters with the five seats in use; and it also has an extra 22-liter space under the floor to house the charging cables. What is missing, unfortunately, is a spare wheel.
Two battery alternatives and two other motor
The electric Mégane E-Tech offers two battery capacity options. The 40 kWh net homologates 300 km of autonomy in the WLTP cycle, while the 60 kWh promises to reach 470 km. In both cases, the lithium-ion battery has liquid cooling and a heat pump; and the brand sets its guarantee at 8 years with at least 70% capacity.
The maximum recharging power will depend on the type of battery but also on the configuration chosen by the customer. Thus, any of the two batteries gives a choice between 7.4 and 22 kW with alternating current; and in direct current, while the 40 kWh battery supports a maximum of 85 kW (or directly does not accept direct current in the basic configuration), the 60 kWh battery is capable of reaching 130 kW. Deciding will not be an easy task…
It is also possible to choose between a 96 kW (equivalent to 131 hp) motor, which is available with any battery option, and a much more powerful 160 kW (or 218 hp) motor, which is reserved for the larger battery. , the 60 kWh. Both one and the other have their maximum speed limited to 160 km/h; but the 160 kW stands out for its greater torque (300 Nm compared to 250) and for its greater acceleration: it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in a brief 7.4 seconds. With this combination of battery and motor, the approved consumption is 16.1 kWh / 100 km.
The question of the engines leads us to another key question: although Renault places the Volkswagen ID.3 as a great rival of the electric Mégane, their respective platforms present a great difference in the case of mounting a single propeller. And, while the German is a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive car, the French is a front-engine, front-wheel drive car.
Each of these philosophies has its own advantages and disadvantages: some are measurable, some are subjective and some are purely emotional. In my opinion, what matters above all is that the car is fun to drive; and this front-wheel drive electric Mégane is. Much more than I expected, honestly. We tell you everything in detail in our video, so don’t miss it!
What prices does the new Renault Mégane E-Tech have?
The new electric Renault Mégane E-Tech is already on sale in Spain. Prices, before aid, start at 35,200 euros for the model with a 40 kWh battery, 96 kW motor, 7 kW alternating current charge and that does not support direct current.
If we are going to need it, the most affordable version will arrive soon with the same propellant, the same battery, the possibility of charging at 85 kW in continuous and 22 in alternating, and a price of 37,100 euros. From there, the different combinations of propellant, battery and finish raise the rate to a maximum of 47,700 euros.
- The new Renault Mégane E-Tech is already on sale at coche.net
- Find your used Renault Mégane
