Renault has opened pre-orders for its Mégane E-Tech 100% Electric hatchback, which is priced from £35,995. 

The Mégane E-Tech Electric is the first vehicle to benefit from a new purpose-built platform, and the first model to launch in Luca de Meo’s ‘Renaulution’ plan

Showcased at the Munich Motor Show, the Mégane E-Tech Electric is the first Renault to be built on the Alliance-developed CMF-EV platform, also being used for the Nissan Ariya. 

It’s also the first model in the Renaulution five-year strategic plan revealed at the start of the year, which will see Renault launch 14 core vehicles by 2025, of which seven will be fully electric. 

Just one of the two battery capacities originally announced is being offered in the UK; the larger 60kWh pack delivers up to 280 miles (WLTP) and includes a 130kW DC charger as standard – making it possible to charge from 0 to 186 miles in around 30 minutes. The battery is also 40% smaller than that of the Zoe and said to be the thinnest on the market, making for a lower centre of gravity is lower and more agile performance.  

It’s connected to a new compact motor that weighs only 145 kg – 10% less than the previous generation motor currently used by Zoe – and doesn’t require the use of rare earth metals. The 220hp unit delivers 300Nm and accelerates the Mégane E-Tech from 0 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds.  

The UK line-up consists of three grades – Equilibre, Techno, and a range-topping Launch Edition.  

The entry Equilibre specification comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, air conditioning, one-touch electric windows, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, rear park assist and rear-view camera. Onboard tech brings a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 9-inch infotainment display with navigation, with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected services including over-the-air software updates, 4-speaker Arkamys audio system and two front USB-C ports. 

All models come with a five-metre Mode 3 charging cable, as standard and a hands-free keycard with keyless entry, together with a range of safety and driver assistance systems including distance warning alert, traffic sign recognition and automatic emergency braking with junction assist including pedestrian and cyclist alerts. 

The Techno model is priced at £38,495 and adds in 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 both front and rear park assist. 

Its exterior is also marked out with 20-inch alloy wheels, full adaptive LED headlights with automatic high/low beam, front and rear signature lighting with dynamic turn signals, and a shark fin antenna. The interior gains upgraded upholstery, tinted rear windows, a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and multi-sense customised driving modes and 48-colour interior ambient lighting.  

Other additional features are automatic dual-zone climate control, automatic windscreen wipers, height and electric lumbar adjustment on front seats, a full range of Google services, wireless smartphone charging and an upgraded Arkamys audio system with six speakers. 

The top-of-the-range £39,995 Launch Edition in the UK builds on this with unique 20-inch alloy wheels and a gold F1 blade, while the interior gains a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, smart rear-view mirror, and around-view 3D camera system. 

The Mégane E-Tech also comes with a standard five-year manufacturing warranty and eight-year battery warranty.  

A number of PCP finance packages are also available and can include the supply and installation of a home charging solution through Groupe Renault’s Mobilize division.  

First deliveries of the Mégane E-Tech are expected later in the year.