Renault Megane reborn as ‘Megane E-Tech Electric’

THE Megane, once a stalwart of Renault’s passenger car portfolio, has been reinvented as an all-electric SUV as alluded to by last year’s Megane eVision concept.

Underpinned by the Alliance’s new CMF-EV modular platform, the Megane E-Tech Electric – to use its full name – has retained many of the concept car’s key attributes, including its 4210mm length and 2700mm wheelbase, while the roofline is just 5mm lower.

Including the mirrors, the production version measures between 1770-1780mm wide whereas the concept was slightly wider at 1800mm.

Even away from the dimensions, the clearest direct relation between to two is the production version’s front lighting signature, including the full width light bar – albeit with more traditional LEDs and globes – as well as the same squared-off, concave rose-gold bumper inserts.

Under the aerodynamically optimised skin will be the choice of two different battery-electric powertrains; one developing 96kW/250Nm and one developing 160kW/350Nm.

Each version can be paired to either a 40kWh or 60kWh lithium-ion battery pack, gifting the Megane an effective range of up to 300km and 470Nm on the WLTP cycle respectively.

In terms of performance, Renault says the most potent version will launch from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds and push on to 160km/h.

Six variants have been confirmed so far, the main differences being powertrain configuration and charging capabilities; up to 22kW AC and 130kW DC, the latter said to add up to 300km of range in 30 minutes.

The batteries themselves are only 110mm tall and are housed under the floor, resulting in a centre of gravity 90mm lower than that of a current internal combustion Megane, even with the new car’s taller and more SUV-like build.

As with most electrified vehicles, the Megane E-Tech Electric is fitted with a multi-level regenerative braking system providing four settings that range from virtually no regen through to a true one-pedal drive experience.

Inside the cabin, the dash and cockpit are dominated by what Renault calls the ‘OpenR single-screen’ – an L-shaped display comprising the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as the portrait 12-inch infotainment and HVAC control screen.

Not all variants will get this futuristic feature, with base models confirmed to make do with a more traditional two-screen set-up; one for the instrument cluster and another (horizontal 9.0-inch) for the infotainment.

Other standard equipment highlights include large-diameter aerodynamic alloy wheels, integrated automatic door handles, ambient lighting and recycled and sustainable trim materials along with Alcantara upholstery and Nuo wood inserts.

Up to 26 advanced driver-assistance systems are fitted to the Megane E-Tech Electric, most of which have been bundled under several smaller umbrellas.

Just some of these include active driver assist, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, forward and reverse auto emergency braking, safe exit assist, a 360-degree camera, full auto park and smart rearview mirrors.

Full specifications and a detailed model line-up will be released closer to the global launch next year.

Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo said the “Megane E-Tech Electric embodies the electric revolution that Renault started a decade ago”.

“By democratising the electric technology, new Megane succeeds in making the electric vehicle affordable, with no compromise on efficiency and driving pleasure,” he said.

“What this vehicle conveys is emotion, we have created it as the GTI of electric vehicles.”