Renault Megane E-Tech Electric | Test Drive

21 January 2023 Redazione News, Tested

Words Matteo Lavazza / Photos Richard Montagner

The millions of kilometers traveled by all the Zoe around the world since 2013 have finally led to the next step of the so-called “Renaulution”, the gradual transformation that the French brand intends to pursue in the name of electrification. This is emphasized by the arrival of the new Megane, which for the occasion stops being a five doors hatchback – layout that nevertheless remains on the list – and becomes a crossover thanks to the Megane E-Tech Electric. A completely new model that does not hide its intentions, that is to fight for the same slice of the market for example represented by the VW ID.3.

Seeing it in first person reshuffles the idea I got from the first photographs I’ve seen. I realize that the dimensions are smaller than expected and that the soft lines of the body are perfectly suited to a daily coexistence, leaving the huge optional 20-inch alloy wheels of the model under test and the particular full design at the front and at the rear act as a catalyst, offering an extremely personal and futuristic aesthetic, yet in line with the family feeling imposed by Renault for its most recent models. Engineers stowed the battery pack under the floor and this helps to maintain a low center of gravity and overall dimensions like 4.2 meters in length, 1.77 in width and just 1.5 in height. As mentioned, there is a lot of body panels and apparently little glass surface, at least a truthful situation with regard to the incredibly small rear window, which makes mandatory the presence of the rear view camera. The central rear-view mirror, which goes from traditional to digital with a simple click, provides extra help during maneuvers as well.

The Megane E-Tech Electric is available with two different engines, the most interesting of which is our EV60 which, thanks to the electric motor with 60 kWh batteries, is able to deliver 218 horsepower, 300 Nm of torque and guarantee an average mileage of about 400 km. All with traction on the front axle and a single-speed gearbox. By the way, the electric motor is positioned right under the front hood, but know that the luggage compartment at the back is still more than adequate for a trip out of town. The entry level is then called EV40 and with a 40 kWh battery combines 130 hp with a reduced mileage than our model.

The 100% electric Megane is very attractive from an aesthetic point of view, with retractable door handles both front and rear – the first that come out with locks open, while at the back are hidden in the pillar – a sloping line and a cabin that smells of premium, both for the materials used as for the care in the assembly. In fact, we have a completely new cockpit that boasts two large digital displays: 12.3″ one in front of the driver and a 12” positioned vertically in the center of the dashboard with the excellent infotainment and navigation system with Google-powered maps. Providentially there are some physical buttons for the climate controls, so as to make their use more practical and intuitive, especially when the car is moving.

In the central tunnel there is no gear lever, positioned to the left of the steering wheel, where to tell the truth there is a lot happening, since we also find the wiper lever and the classic command for the radio every Renault customer knows well. After having washed the windshield instead of putting into reverse, the Megan EV60 is a phenomenal car in many ways. First of all for the technological package it carries with it, with an elastic and brilliant engine, but at the same time able to better manage the range left through the Multisense button located in the lower part of the steering wheel with a square design and an excellent grip. Among the various driving modes we find Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual, each capable of acting on the energy expenditure involved. There are two small paddles on the steering wheel, which are certainly not there for changing gears, but to increase or decrease the engine brake when the throttle is released. It should be emphasized that although it is possible to drive with only one pedal – as it happens with many other EVs – the Megane will always require the intervention of the foot on the brake in order to stop the car completely, for example in city traffic.

The EV60 is brilliant and fun to drive, while maintaining high on-board comfort and therefore with a predominantly soft steering and an attitude that favors softness when cornering. The front is quite precise and traction is excellent even on bumpy and slippery surfaces. For the EV60 we are talking about at least 409 km of range, an excellent value for this kind of segment. Over time you learn that on long distances it is more convenient to take an extra charging break, rather than a single stop, given that from 80% to 100% it takes on average two thirds of the time it takes to go from 20% to 80%. From a 4.5 kW socket you will recharge about 31 km in an hour, while at 22 kW you will go to 150 km, 340 km instead for fast charging at 50 kW ports. The flap is located on the front right wheel arch and it is fully manual.

During our first drive with the Megane E-Tech Electric we were favorably impressed, but a thorough test and a daily coexistence – which for electric cars proves to be fundamental – confirmed how interesting this model is even for those who usually do not add Renault among the brands to consider. With the EV60, especially in the luxurious Iconic spec, you really have everything you need in a latest generation crossover, including a look that does not go unnoticed and that makes every moment spent at the wheel more pleasant than usual. Prices start at € 36,800 for the EV40 and become significant going to at least € 43,500 for the EV60.