Renault has given its Megane E-Tech hatchback a midlife facelift that significantly boosts styling, driving range and onboard tech. Four years on from its launch, the Volkswagen ID.3
Renault has given its Megane E-Tech hatchback a midlife facelift that significantly boosts styling, driving range and onboard tech.
Four years on from its launch, the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born rival also gains a streamlined trim line-up to keep things simple.
More than two in three Megane E-Tech electric buyers are new to electric vehicles, and the latest version has been developed to make that transition easier, with technology designed to support daily use as well as longer journeys.
As before, the Megane E-Tech electric is available with a single powertrain, which uses a 220hp electric motor that’s good for a top speed of 99mph and 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds.
It’s powered by a new 67kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery that delivers up to 310 miles of WLTP range – up from 285 for the current model. Peak DC charging speed has increased from 130kW to 165kW, cutting the 15-80% charge time to around 24 minutes.
The Megane E-Tech electric is equipped with an 11kW AC charger. Vehicle-to-load capability allows users to power a 220V device of up to 3,700W using an adaptor, while vehicle-to-grid functionality, depending on market availability, can feed electricity back into the grid and help reduce home charging costs.
The multi-link rear suspension improves stability and control, while the steering has been optimised for a more direct response. To accommodate the new battery, the springs and dampers have been redesigned and the steering retuned.
Renault also offers a One Pedal function, allowing drivers to accelerate and slow to a complete stop using only the accelerator pedal. Four levels of regenerative braking, complemented by One Pedal mode, can be selected using the steering wheel paddles.
To accommodate its larger battery pack, the updated Megane E-Tech Electric stands 20mm taller, yet it commands a significantly more dynamic exterior design with a stronger road presence. Aside from the headlights, every front-end component is completely new, featuring a prominent, body-coloured front bumper that gives the car a sportier appearance. The previous side air intakes have been replaced by a striking new light signature comprised of eight diamond-shaped elements in a chequerboard pattern; positioned at the outer edges of the bumper, these elements visually widen the car to look more planted.
Despite these updates, the Megane E-Tech retains its iconic design silhouette. Key returning features include a generous wheelbase, a high waistline, a sloping roofline, flush door handles and distinctive wheelarches filled out by 19- or 20-inch alloys.
The range has been restructured around two trim levels: Techno and Esprit Alpine. Techno features a dynamic exterior look, body-coloured front bumper trim and new 19-inch alloy wheels. Esprit Alpine adds specific 20-inch alloy wheels and distinctive design details.
The new Megane E-Tech electric is available in six body colours, including a new Satin Blue shade, with two-tone configurations also available. Inside, the Techno variant steps up interior quality with a new soft-touch TEP dashboard wrap, while Esprit Alpine receives updated interior styling including a new spectral grey door panel trim. The cabin features personalised LED ambient lighting, allowing drivers to match the interior glow to their mood.
The cockpit is centred around Renault’s openR link system, which features an inverted L-shaped dual-screen setup. Across all models, this configuration pairs a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display with a 12-inch central touchscreen.
The openR link system with Google built-in provides access to key Google services and a wide range of in-car apps from the central display. Google Assistant manages voice control of main functions, while Google Maps supports navigation and EV route planning.
The arrival of Google Gemini enables drivers to interact with the vehicle using more natural, conversational speech. The system can understand intent, maintain context across requests and provide relevant responses in real time.
Drivers also get access to a catalogue of more than 100 in-car apps available through Google Play. Renault also includes three years of internet connectivity, allowing customers to use downloaded apps without taking out an additional subscription or sharing a smartphone connection.
New features include driver recognition, using a camera in the windscreen pillar. Once a profile has been created with a facial scan, the vehicle can automatically activate personalised settings, including driving position, favourite media and the openR link environment. Renault ensures total data privacy by keeping this scan stored exclusively in the vehicle, rather than on the cloud.
A new Smart Mode function replaces MySense, automatically switching between Multi-Sense driving modes according to the driver’s behaviour. A wireless charger compatible with the Qi2 standard, and MagSafe on iPhone, is also available.
More than 30 safety and driver assistance systems are available. Key upgrades include intelligent adaptive cruise control, improved realistic in-dash view, emergency stop assist, predictive eco driving advice and Safety Score, Safety Coach and Safety Monitor functions, which analyse driving behaviour and provide personalised advice.
The digital experience extends beyond the cabin via the new ‘my rnlt’ companion mobile app. Drivers can plan EV routes and send them directly to the vehicle via Google Maps, monitor charge status and range, control charging remotely, pre-condition the cabin, access key vehicle information and identify nearby charging points. Renault plans a staged European rollout before bringing the app to its entire line-up.
The simplified model range is designed to make the customer choice easier while increasing standard equipment.
UK trims and specification are yet to be confirmed but in mainland Europe Techno comes with a broad range of equipment as standard, including the 12-inch openR link twin-screen display with Google built-in, EV route planning, heat pump, battery pre-conditioning and new 19-inch alloy wheels.
Esprit Alpine adds more distinctive exterior styling, 20-inch alloy wheels, power massage seats, a Harman Kardon premium audio system and an extended range of driver assistance systems.
Prices are expected to align with the current entry price of £31,295, which includes the £1,500 Electric Car Grant, and could even drop below the current model if the Megane gets the full £3,750 grant.
