Buying guide: choosing the right electric Renault Megane

While Renault has already lifted the veil on its new electric Megane, the raised compact inaugurates its configurator. What allow us to familiarize ourselves with its range.

After the Zoé and a few wanderings in the electric car segment, Renault is moving up a gear and unveiling the new 100% electric Renault Megane e-Tech (that's its real name!). Faithful to the heralding concept car, the compact and raised sedan now includes the manufacturer's online configurator.

Which battery to choose for the Renault Megane e-Tech?

The newcomer to the Diamond offers a choice of two different batteries on the three trim levels Equilibre, Techno and Iconic. The first, with a capacity of 40 kWh, promises up to 300 km of autonomy over a WLTP certification cycle. The second climbs to 60 kWh of capacity and then displays a range of 450 km. In both cases, Renault announces a similar theoretical consumption of 13.33 kWh/100 km.

But battery choice isn't just a matter of usage in the case of the Megane. Because it is these two units that condition the engine power levels, but also those of the AC and DC recharges. Thus, the EV40 version is only available with the Standard Charge version, which includes a 130 hp motor, an AC recharge of 7 kW maximum (50 km of autonomy in 1 hour), and forgets any possibility of rapid recharging.

To take advantage of the fast terminals (if the user has use of them), it will be necessary to check the EV60 version, which is available in Super Charge and Optimum Charge versions. In both cases, the DC charging power of 130 kW (300 km range in 30 minutes) is similar. On the other hand, the first offers a 7 kW AC system, while the second climbs to the power of 22 kW (150 km of autonomy in 1 hour). Note that the new heat pump only appears in the options catalog with this EV60 version. This promises, like all equivalent systems, to maintain autonomy even in cold weather by controlling consumption.

It's all about usage (and budget, no doubt), but we regret that Renault is holding buyers hostage and only offering 22kW AC charging on the highest battery level. Because remember that it was one of the strengths of the Renault ZOE, where only the DC charging system was offered as an option. But fortunately, Renault does not completely lock its range and all battery choices are possible with all finishes. So only the equipment will vary over the levels.

Which version to choose for the Renault Megane e-Tech?

The range opens with the Equilibre version, which includes the reversing camera and 12-inch digital instrumentation combined with a 9-inch central screen, cruise control, fatigue detector and 18-inch rims. Sufficient equipment, which can be enhanced with the Winter Comfort Pack (heated leather steering wheel and heated seats), Comfort (automatic air conditioning, air purifier, 4 USB ports) or City (electric and heated mirrors, front radar , rear and side), all of which can be combined.

In an intermediate position is the Techno version which, as its name suggests, puts the package on embedded technologies: the central touch screen climbs to 12 inches and from there offers the Google system as standard. This finish is also fitted as standard with Multi Sense with satellite control on the steering wheel and all the packs of the previous version, such as heated equipment for example. It therefore inaugurates new optional packs with Augmented Vision and Advanced Driving Assist (digital central mirror, 360° camera, adaptive cruise control, Full Auto Park, etc.). Note that the Advanced Driving Assist and Augmented Vision packs can be selected separately.

But this level of finish offers greater latitude in terms of exterior customization with, in addition to the 6 solid colors, 13 optional biton liveries with a grey, white or black roof. It also gains 20-inch rims and leatherette upholstery.

At the very top of the range is the ultimate Iconic version, which offers 5 exclusively two-tone shades, combined with a golden F1 front blade. Here it offers the possibility of opting for Light Sand or Black Titanium leather upholstery. The optional packs of the Techno finish are still present, but it gains standard electric and massaging front seats, Harman Kardon audio and dark-tinted windows.

A range that could start at €34,000

For the moment, the new 100% electric Megane e-Tech is only available for pre-order. You must leave an imprint by bank card for the amount of €500, which is not debited and which can be canceled at any time and free of charge.

Renault should communicate the complete price list and the price of the options upstream of the effective marketing of the compact, from next February. Estimates have the Megane starting at around €34,000, almost as much as a Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Performance (45kWh battery and 150hp motor) and just below a Hyundai Kona Electric 39 ( 39 kWh battery and 136 hp motor).