Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Renault Megane E-Tech - Electric motor, drive and performance

The Renault Megane E-Tech is refined, good to drive and offers just enough power

Electric motor, drive and performance rating

4.1

How we review cars
Pros
  • Interior quality
  • Infotainment system
  • Good boot size
Cons
  • Low speed ride
  • Efficiency could be better
  • Rear space a little tight
Find your Renault Megane
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Megane E-Tech uses the same CMF-EV platform as the all-electric Nissan Ariya, although Renault has designed its own electric motor, which drives the front wheels and provides sufficient power.

The French manufacturer has also focused on eliminating excess weight from the Megane, keeping the battery and motor as compact as possible and using lightweight materials, such as aluminium, for the doors. A kerb weight of 1,636kg isn’t exactly Lotus-like, but it saves around 200kg compared with rivals such as the Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.3.

Refinement is a real strength of the Megane E-Tech, particularly at higher motorway speeds where little wind or road noise enters the cabin. It’s also good to drive on a twisty B-road, although not quite as fun as an MG4

Advertisement - Article continues below

The throttle pedal is easy to modulate in its Normal driving mode (it can be a bit too sharp in its Sport setting), and the Megane also includes four levels of brake regeneration that you can flick between on the fly using the steering wheel-mounted paddles. The one downside is that the brake pedal automatically depresses when regenerative braking occurs, giving a disconcerting feeling of the pedal disappearing from under your foot when you go to cover the brakes when coasting downhill or towards a junction.

Light, quick steering helps when driving around town and manoeuvring in tight car parks, and even when riding on 20-inch wheels, potholes and bumps are rounded off nicely. Unfortunately, its low-speed ride is a little busy, but it’s never harsh or unsettled like it can be in the Smart #1, so the Megane E-Tech is generally very comfortable and composed.

0-62mph acceleration and top speed

With the Megane E-Tech’s single electric motor producing 217bhp, 0-62mph takes 7.5 seconds, and it has a top speed of 99mph. Its 300Nm of instantly available torque means it feels quite spritely off the line, which can be beneficial in and around town. That is slower than the Smart #1 and Volvo EX30, but still plenty fast enough compared with traditionally powered petrol and diesel family cars.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,075Avg. savings £1,664 off RRP*Used from £14,990
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,155Avg. savings £1,844 off RRP*Used from £8,199
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £27,795Avg. savings £2,400 off RRP*Used from £18,203
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

MINI Aceman review
MINI Aceman - front

MINI Aceman review

In-depth reviews
14 Feb 2025
MG4 EV review
MG4 - main image

MG4 EV review

In-depth reviews
14 Feb 2025

Most Popular

It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced
Opinion - expensive cars

It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced

Not matter how good a new car might be, Mike Rutherford thinks it will ultimately fail if it's overpriced
Opinion
16 Feb 2025
New Kia EV4 revealed at last! Volkswagen ID.3 rival incoming
Kia EV4 saloon - front

New Kia EV4 revealed at last! Volkswagen ID.3 rival incoming

First official images of Kia’s electric family car have surfaced, and it looks all but identical to the concept
News
16 Feb 2025
New Nissan Leaf and Micra confirmed for 2025, plus next-generation hybrid tech for Qashqai
New Nissan Leaf - front 3/4

New Nissan Leaf and Micra confirmed for 2025, plus next-generation hybrid tech for Qashqai

Nissan’s big plans for 2025 may also include a new plug-in hybrid system for the X-Trail
News
17 Feb 2025