Renault Megane E-Tech Review 2024

Written by Andy Brady

8/10
heycar ratingElectric hatch with French flair
  • 2022
  • Family hatch
  • EV

Quick overview

Pros

  • Stylish inside and out
  • Easy-to-use Android-based infotainment system
  • Can travel up to 280 miles between charges

Cons

  • Access to the boot isn't great
  • Too many stalks sticking out from behind the steering wheel
  • Keen drivers will have more fun in a Cupra Born

Overall verdict on the Renault Megane E-Tech

"The Renault Megane E-Tech is a significant addition to the ever expanding range of excellent electric cars on sale today. Its stylish looks, superb cabin and impressive range means it's sure to be popular with buyers looking to trade their traditional family car in for an electric vehicle."

Renault Megane E-Tech Review 2023: side profile

The Renault Megane has gone through a bit of a transformation. No longer is it a staid family hatch that lives in the shadows of the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, It's now an extremely stylish electric car with a quality cabin and impressive electric range. Badged the Renault Megane E-Tech, this striking new hatchback is set to rival models like the Kia Niro EV, Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.3. Find out if it hits the mark with our Renault Megane E-Tech review.


Sharing its mechanical bits with the bigger Nissan Ariya, the Renault Megane E-Tech represents a significant step towards electrification for the French carmaker. Previously, its only electric offering had been the Renault Zoe city car - one of the cheapest electric cars that's now starting to look a bit past its best in an increasingly competitive market.


So why should the Renault Megane E-Tech be on your shortlist? For a start, it combines stylish SUV-like looks with a genuinely lovely cabin. Long gone are the days when electric cars had pretty dismal interiors because the development budget was concentrated on the tech - the Megane E-Tech's interior is probably the best we've ever seen in a Renault, with (recycled) soft-touch materials and a user-friendly Android infotainment system.


It's spacious enough to use as your main family car, while there's a generous amount of kit as standard. Even the most affordable Renault Megane E-Tech Equilibre comes with a smart fabric-covered dashboard, a nine-inch navigation system, a reversing camera, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Look for a Renault Megane E-Tech Techno for 20-inch alloys, a premium sound system, fancy interior lighting and adaptive cruise control.


Renault offers the Megane E-Tech with two different batteries: 40kWh and 60kWh. The smaller battery provides an electric range of 190 miles, while the bigger unit is good for 280 miles. In the UK, only the latter is offered - making the Megane E-Tech one of the longest-range electric cars on the market.


You might expect an electric car to be refined but, all too often, the lack of an engine exposes unwanted rattles and an excessive amount of wind or tyre noise. The Renault Megane E-Tech is extremely quiet, though, doing a much better job of isolating you from the outside world than the MG4.


It's not quite as fun to drive as the MG4 (or the Cupra Born), but the Megane E-Tech rides well for an electric vehicle, while its 220PS electric motor means there's more than enough power for joining a motorway or making the odd rapid overtake. It'll accelerate to 62mph in around 7.5 seconds which is borderline hot hatch territory.


We like that you can adjust the amount of regenerative braking using paddles behind the steering wheel (that means you can slow the car down using the electric motor rather than the brakes) but, other than that, driving the Renault Megane E-Tech won't come as a shock to anyone who's new to the world of electric vehicles. In fact, we'd say it's almost the perfect introduction to the world of EVs - thanks to its impressive range, superb refinement and little need for compromise.


Looking for a used car for sale? We've got 100s of Renault Approved Used Cars for Sale for you to choose from, including a wide range of Renault Megane E-Tech cars for sale.

If you're looking for an electric family car that looks stylish, has a superb interior and comes fully loaded with standard equipment, the Renault Megane E-Tech is a great choice. Its impressive range of up to 280 miles will be more than enough for most drivers, while we're big fans of the Android-based infotainment system. If you need a big boot with easy access you might be better looking at the Kia Niro EV, though, while both the MG4 and Cupra Born are a little more fun to drive.

Don't dismiss the entry-level Renault Megane E-Tech Equilibre. It's far from basic - with the same nine-inch navigation system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as pricier models, while the smaller 18-inch alloy wheels are actually quite an appealing choice for those looking to prioritise ride comfort.


Image-conscious buyers will want the Renault Megane E-Tech Techno, though. That comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, fancy LED headlights with dynamic turn signals and tinted rear windows. It also adds some desirable technology, such as front/rear park assist, adapative cruise control and automatic high/low beam.

If you're in the market for an electric family hatch, you're also going to want to look at the Volkswagen ID.3 and its sportier relation, the Cupra Born. The MG4 is worth a look, too, especially as it offers excellent value for money and - like the Cupra - is a little more fun to drive than the Megane E-Tech.


We'd also recommend the excellent Kia Niro EV (particularly if practicality is a priority), while you could also take a look at the Citroen e-C4 and the popular Nissan Leaf.

Comfort and design: Renault Megane E-Tech interior

"Renault is firing shots at Volkswagen with its Megane E-Tech interior. It feels superbly finished, surprisingly spacious and the Android-based infotainment is modern and easy to use."

Renault Megane E-Tech Review 2023: interior dashboard

The Renault Megane E-Tech manages to strike an impressive balance between user-friendliness and modern technology inside. The large digital instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, while the navigation system is angled slightly towards the driver making it easy to glance at on the move.


There are toggles for the climate control below the infotainment system, although you do have to tap the digital display to turn on the heated seats or steering wheel. There are almost too many buttons on the steering wheel - not to mention a plethora of stalks operating everything from the sound system to selecting drive or reverse. It would only take a slightly tired driver to prod the wrong one by mistake.


Still, we think the Megane E-Tech's interior looks just as stylish as its exterior, helped by the fabric-covered dashboard and contrast stitching around the cabin. And it's comfortable, too, although you'll need a Renault Megane E-Tech Techno for adjustable lumbar support. There's a wide range of adjustment in the driver's seat - so you can crank it up for a good view if you like, or lower your bum to the floor if you'd prefer.


Visibility is generally pretty good, helped by chunky door mirrors. That said, the small rear windscreen does mean you'll be pretty reliant on technology when reversing into a parking space - good job parking sensors and a reversing camera are standard across the range.


One negative we will say about the Renault Megane E-Tech's interior - and it's an issue that afflicts many modern cars - is there are quite a lot of shiny silver finishes and digital displays that soon start to show both dust and fingerprints.

Generally, the Renault Megane E-Tech feels very well finished inside. The grey fabric seats (made from recycled plastic bottles) look just as classy as leather, while features like the carpeted door bins are a nice touch.


There are a few harsh plastics here and there - the centre console feels pretty robust, and the power button stands out for its, erm, simplicity - but the textured dashboard and shiny black finish around the infotainment means the cabin feels a step above the Volkswagen ID.3's.

The Renault Megane E-Tech comes with a nine-inch infotainment system which uses an Android-based infotainment system. This means it'll be familiar to anyone who's used an Android phone, with clear menu layouts and speedy reactions to touch and swipe inputs.


It's similar to using Android Auto but goes a step further - as it's integrated into the car, you can use Google Maps to plan journeys and it'll take into account the car's battery status and plan charging stops if required. You can also shout 'Hey Google, turn on the heated seats' and it'll do just that.


You can also use the Google Play Store to download your favourite apps, while user profiles mean you can personalise the infotainment setup for different drivers. If you'd prefer to just use your smartphone, you can plug it in and use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto instead.


Tesla fans in the UK will be disappointed that the Megane E-Tech isn't offered with the large portrait infotainment display that's available in some markets. The nine-inch media system is competitive with most rivals in terms of size, although the reversing camera isn't quite as high-resolution as some systems.


As well as the central nine-inch display, the Renault Megane E-Tech is available with an impressive 12.3-inch digital driver's display. Not only does this look suitably high-tech, it can also be configured to show a choice of displays - such as traditional dials or even a Google Maps display.


A car as refined as the Megane E-Tech deserves a premium sound system, says Renault. Depending on trim level, the Renault Megane E-Tech either comes with a four- or six-speaker sound system developed by French firm Arkamys, or a nine-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The Renault Megane E-Tech has a relatively wide and very deep boot. There isn’t an adjustable false floor, either, so there’s a high lip for lifting items over - although you do get a little bit of extra stowage space for hiding away your cables. Overall, the boot can carry up to 440 litres of luggage, which is more than a Volkswagen ID.3 but less than a Kia Niro EV.


If you need more space, the rear seats split 60:40 and drop to provide more load capacity. There is a noticeable step up from the boot floor, though, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if you need a flat load bay with the rear seats lowered.


Boot aside, the Renault Megane E-Tech is a spacious family hatchback. Two adults will be reasonably comfortable in the rear. The relatively low seating position means there’s loads of headroom in the back, too, although there isn’t a huge amount of space for moving your feet around.


The front feels spacious and airy, thanks to a relatively open centre console and a deep front windscreen. You get a reasonably large storage area in the centre cubby, while the door bins can fit a bottle of water and a few odds and ends. There’s a handy storage tray for your mobile phone, too.

Handling and ride quality: What is the Renault Megane E-Tech like to drive?

"Unlike the Cupra Born or MG4, the Renault Megane E-Tech's electric motor powers the front wheels. That means it doesn't feel quite as agile, but it's set up for comfort rather than sportiness - and we kinda like that."

Renault Megane E-Tech Review 2023: rear dynamic

Even with the huge 20-inch alloy wheels of our Renault Megane E-Tech Techno test car, it rides surprisingly well for a heavy electric car. We're far too used to EVs crashing over broken road surfaces, but the Megane E-Tech deals with potholes and speed bumps almost as well as a softy-sprung petrol car.


The steering is light, which is great around town, but it doesn't feel too nervous at motorway speeds either. Accelerate hard out of a junction or a bend in the wet and you'll hear the chirrup of a front wheel spinning away, but the Megane E-Tech generally feels reassuringly safe to drive and handles well.


For a relatively high-riding car, the Megane E-Tech remains pretty flat in corners, too, although you're going to want to look at the sporty Cupra Born instead if you're keen for an electric car with a dose of athleticism.

The Renault Megane E-Tech's 60kWh battery pack is paired with a 220PS electric motor, which provides pretty punchy performance for a family hatch. Officially it'll accelerate to 62mph from a standstill in around 7.5 seconds, but figures don't really do the Megane justice. It'll surge forwards with all the urgency we've now come to expect from electric vehicles but, unlike some competitors, the performance doesn't drop off as you edge towards motorway speeds.


There are paddles behind the steering wheel which allow you to adjust the amount of regen when you lift off the accelerator pedal. Essentially, this means you can crank up the 'engine' braking so that the Megane slows down quite significantly when you lift off the gas - good news for efficiency as it essentially pumps energy (that would ordinarily be wasted) back into the batteries.


This regenerative braking is great when you're driving around town as you'll rarely have to touch the brakes although, unlike some electric cars, the Megane E-Tech won't come to a complete stop under regenerative braking. You can also reduce the amount of regenerative braking so that the car coasts like a normal car when you lift off the accelerator - better for motorway or open-road driving when you don't want to slow down unnecessarily.

Renault sells the Megane E-Tech across Europe with two different sizes of battery: 40kWh and 60kWh. The smaller battery model provides an electric range of up to 190 miles, while the bigger battery version can officially travel up to 280 miles between charges. That's according to WLTP tests which are designed to be reflective of real-world conditions and are useful for comparing electric cars like-for-like. Of course, the actual range you'll see will depend on a wide range of factors, including the type of driving you cover and even things like the weather conditions and outside temperature.


In the first instance, Renault will only sell the Megane E-Tech with the bigger 60kWh battery in the UK. Its 280-mile range is competitive against rivals - a mid-range (and similarly priced) Volkswagen ID.3 Pro can manage up to 264 miles, while a Citroen e-C4 only manages 219 miles.

Renault's clear focus on quality with the Megane E-Tech extends as far as its noise and vibration levels. It's a very serene car to travel in, with much less wind and road noise than budget alternatives like the MG 4 and even the Volkswagen ID.3.


Of course, with the lack of a grumbly petrol or diesel engine, you'd expect any EV to feel very refined. But the Megane E-Tech goes a step further - you could hear a pin drop in the cabin. It does a genuinely excellent job of isolating you from the outside world.

The Renault Megane E-Tech has been tested by independent experts Euro NCAP and awarded a full five stars for safety - a marked improvement over the Renault Zoe electric city car. That means it's fundamentally a very safe car to travel in should the worst happen, while there's also a long list of standard driver-assistance technology on hand to reduce the chances of a collision in the first place.


One such system is the automatic emergency braking feature, which uses cameras and sensors to monitor your surroundings. If it detects sharp braking from another vehicle, pedestrians crossing the road or a cycling cutting in front of you, it'll alert the driver and apply the brakes if necessary.


Other highlights of the Megane E-Tech's safety systems include a driver drowsiness alert feature, which tells you when it's time to take a break, while a distance warning alert notifies you when you're too close to the car in front.


High-spec Renault Megane E-Tech Techno and Launch Edition models go a step further, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane centring providing level two autonomous driving.

Charging times: How much does it cost to charge the Renault Megane E-Tech?

"The Renault Megane E-Tech can be charged at speeds of up to 130kW, which means it'll take around half an hour to charge from 15% to 80% using a suitable rapid charger."

Renault Megane E-Tech Review 2023: front static

The fastest public chargers also tend to be the most expensive, so expect to pay around £30 for the charge mentioned above. If you expect to use public rapid chargers regularly, you might find you save cash by taking out a subscription to one of the big providers (such as BP Pulse or Ionity).


The most economical way of charging the Renault Megane E-Tech will be by plugging it in at home overnight. A full charge using a 7kW home wallbox will take a little over nine hours, with the cost depending on your home electricity tariff.


You can charge the Renault Megane E-Tech using a typical three-pin domestic socket but it's not something we'd recommend on a regular basis - a full charge will take more than 30 hours.

It's fair to say Renault doesn't have the best reliability record. The brand was one of the worst performers in the latest HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index, while older Meganes are known to be quite problematic for used car buyers.


However... anecdotally, we're hearing fewer reports of issues with Renault's latest models, while the brand has been investing heavily in quality control in recent years. Like all electric cars, the Renault Megane E-Tech has much fewer moving parts to go wrong than a petrol or diesel alternative. It also shares many of its mechanical bits with the Nissan Ariya which should be good for long-term reliability.

The Renault Megane E-Tech has been placed in insurance groups 26 or 27 depending on trim level. What that means in reality depends on a multitude of factors - things like your home address, age, driving experience and annual mileage all combine to determine the price you'll pay for insurance.


Some insurers do charge a premium for electric cars like the Megane E-Tech due to their complexity, not to mention the punchy performance compared to combustion-engined car. We'd always recommend shopping around for quotes, but the Megane E-Tech shouldn't cost any more to insure than a Nissan Leaf or Kia Niro EV.

If you buy an electric car (such as the Renault Megane E-Tech) before 2025, you won't pay any VED (road tax). It's exempt from the £40,000 premium car surcharge, too, which could save you a considerable chunk of money compared to an expensive petrol or diesel alternative.

How much should you be paying for a used Renault Megane E-Tech?

"Prices for a new Renault Megane E-Tech start from around £37,000, which puts it in the same league as the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born and Kia Niro."

Renault Megane E-Tech Review 2023: front dynamic

You do get more for your money with the Renault Megane E-Tech, though. Even the most affordable model comes with a rear-view camera, heated seats and a nine-inch navigation system - you can't say the same for many of its competitors. You'll pay a premium of a couple of grand for the top-spec models, with the Renault Megane E-Tech Launch Edition priced from around £41,000.


As with many of the best electric cars, you'll struggle to negotiate a discount for the Renault Megane E-Tech. High demand is likely to continue for a while yet, leading to strong values and long waiting lists for a new model. If you're in a hurry, there are a handful of dealers with cars in stock, but you're unlikely to save much money compared to a brand new Megane E-Tech.

The Renault Megane E-Tech will initially be available in three trim levels in the UK: Equilibre, Techno and a special Launch Edition model. The brand says it's keeping things simple by only offering these models, along with zero options or option packs.


The entry-level Renault Megane E-Tech Equilibre comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights. Inside, the Equilibre features black fabric seats, a fabric-covered dash and interior ambient lighting. Manual air con is standard, as well as a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. The Megane E-Tech also comes with rear park assist and a rear-view camera, as well as the 12.3-inch digital driver's display and nine-inch infotainment system with navigation. A four-speaker Arkamys sound system is standard as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.


Driver-assist highlights on the Renault Megane E-Tech Equilibre include a distance warning alert, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking with junction assist including pedestrian and cyclist alerts, cruise control with speed limiter, driver drowsiness alert, emergency lane keeping assist with oncoming traffic and road-edge detection and hill start assist.


The Renault Megane E-Tech Techno adds 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beam, contrasting door mirrors and a shark fin antenna. Inside, the Techno features grey/black upholstery with synthetic leather with recycled materials, 48-colour ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, height and electric lumbar adjustment for both front seats, Google services including Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play store, wireless smartphone charging and an upgraded audio system with six speakers and two rear-mounted USB-C ports.


Driver-assistance tech on the Techno includes adaptive cruise control with speed limiter and lane centring, traffic sign recognition with overspeed prevention, blind spot recognition and intervention, rear cross traffic alert with rear automatic braking and front/rear park assist.


The Renault Megane E-Tech Launch Edition comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, a gold F1 blade, nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, smart rear-view mirror and an around-view 3D camera system.


Ask the heycar experts: common questions

The regular petrol- or diesel-powered Renault Megane has now been discontinued in favour of the electric Renault Megane E-Tech.
The Renault Megane E-Tech is available in Europe with two battery sizes: 40kWh or 60kWh. Only the bigger battery model is sold in the UK.
The Renault Megane E-Tech is a very safe electric car. It comes with a long list of driver-assist technology as standard, while independent experts Euro NCAP awarded it five stars for safety.