Renault has expanded the line-up for its Megane E-Tech electric hatch with a new range-topping trim.

The new Iconic grade sits at the top of the Megane E-Tech lineup

The flagship Iconic grade carries over the specification of the limited version Launch Edition, but also adds in a heat pump and extra paint options.

Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular with EV drivers due to their ability to increase efficiency, in particular during colder weather, and Renault says it’s made the addition to the Megane in response to customer demand while also enhancing residual values.

The patented heat pump captures and reuses ‘wasted heat’ from the battery and electric motor to warm the cabin and optimise range.

Data from the carmaker shows it maximises driving range by up to 9% in cold weather. Official WLTP electric driving range stays at 280 miles.

Megane E-Tech Iconic customers can also choose from two-tone paint options, combining their favourite paint colour on the body and choosing between diamond black or shadow grey on the roof.

Body colour options range across solid, metallic or special metallic paints: glacier white, diamond black, shadow grey, ceramic grey and midnight blue.

The new trim also gets bespoke features such as 20-inch Enos alloy wheels and a gold F1 blade, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, smart rear-view mirror, and around view 3D camera system.

Other features carried over from the existing line-up include 12.3-inch dashboard display, nine-inch multimedia display, and Android Automotive OS with integrated Google services from the Techno trim.

The new Iconic trim is priced from £41,995 and joins the existing Equilibre and Techno versions. Entry-level versions start from £36,995.