In 2022, production of the combustion engine Renault Megane came to an end after 27 years. The Megane was positioned to compete with the Ford Focus as an affordable family car.
Although new ICE Meganes were no longer available, Renault swiftly introduced their successor, the Renault Megane E-Tech. In late 2022, a full ten years after launching their first and, at that point, only electric vehicle, the Zoe, Renault opened order books for the Megane E-Tech, their first fully electric family car.
Representing Renault’s ‘Generation 2.0’ electric vehicles and is built on the CMF-EV platform, developed specifically for battery-powered cars by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The lineup began with the Equilibre trim, followed by the Techno and the top-tier Launch Edition.Equipped with a 60kWh battery, the EV boasts a WLTP-certified range of 280 miles.
Winning awards including:
- Small Car of the Year in the Company Car & Van Awards 2025
- Technology Award at DrivingElectric Awards 2023
- Small Company Car of the Year in the Auto Express New Car Awards 2022
- Best Electric Hatch at the Top Gear Electric Awards 2022
At its launch, the Megane E-Tech earned the top Euro NCAP safety rating of 5 stars. It achieved a score of 85% for adult occupant protection and 88% for child occupant safety. Bolstered by 26 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and 65% for Vulnerable Road Users which contributed to a safety assist score of 79%.
In 2022, the Megane E-Tech EV60, featuring a 106kW electric FWD automatic, also achieved five stars in the Green NCAP sustainable rating scheme, reaching nearly maximum scores due to the exceptional energy efficiency of its electric powertrains.
Performance
The motor is exceptionally compact, weighing just 145 kg—10% lighter than the previous generation motor used in the Zoe,and it eliminates the need for rare earth metals. The Mégane E-Tech, can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds.
Design
Mégane E-Tech incorporates unique or recycled materials in its design. The dashboard features a textile finish, and the seat upholstery in mid-range Techno models and above is made from 100% recycled materials. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster pairs with a 9-inch OpenR infotainment display in mid-range Techno models and higher; this fully connected system allows for over-the-air software updates.
The exterior of the Techno is distinguished by stylish 20-inch Soren alloy wheels, fully adaptive LED headlights with automatic high/low beam functionality, front and rear signature lighting with dynamic turn signals, contrasting door mirrors, and a shark fin antenna.
At the top of the range, the Launch Edition features 20-inch Enos alloy wheels and a gold F1 blade. The interior is enhanced with a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a smart rear-view mirror, and an around view 3D camera system.
Every model comes equipped with a comprehensive range of safety and driver assistance features, along with popular customer favorites such as USB-C charging ports, a wireless charging pad, heated steering wheel and front seats, ambient lighting, puddle lamps, heated door mirrors, automatically folding wing mirrors, ISOFIX points and a hands-free key card with keyless entry.
Six colours are available – Ceramic Grey, Shadow Grey, Glacier White, Diamond Black, Ceramic Grey, Flame Red, and Midnight Blue – with the choice of a contrasting roof design in either Diamond Black, Shadow Grey, depending on model.
Size and Space
Comparable in size to the Vauxhall Mokka and Fiat 600e, the Megane E-Tech falls into the compact hatchback category. The boot offers a capacity of 440 liters, with the seats down this increases to 1332 liters.
Dimensions:
- Length: 4,200 mm
- Width: 1,780 mm (without mirrors)
- Height: 1,505 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,700 mm.
Lease Electric's Review
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Over the past week, the Lease Electric Team has been testing the Renault Megane Techno+. At first glance, it's a complete transformation. The design departs from the signature features of previous Renault models, giving the Megane a much more distinct look. With its low profile, sloping roofline, and large 20" wheels, the Megane E-Tech offers a sporty and modern look.
At the front, the Megane sports the elegant ‘Art Deco’ Renault badge, complemented by the brand's sleek, C-shaped headlights. The lower part of the ‘C’ is extended to create a reverse light line that runs across the top of the bumper. One of our favourite features is the dynamic LED lighting, that move and flow as you approach the Megane.
Simple touches, like the automatic folding door handles at the front, the discreetly designed rear handles, enhance the overall appeal.
Inside, we were pleasantly surprised. Gone are the days of Renault’s simple and somewhat bland interiors. The Techno+ model features a dashboard covered in recycled fabric, with suede inserts on the doors. The combination of light grey materials and double yellow stitching on the seats adds a modern, stylish touch. The windows are generously sized, allowing plenty of natural light. The interior would benefit from higher-quality carpet, though this can easily be hidden with a good-quality car mat.
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Recycled materials surround the glossy screen panel. This setup includes a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 9-inch central monitor. While the screens are large and easy to navigate, Renault has ensured you can control climate via slim, silver buttons below the infotainment screen, just above the wireless charging pad.
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The steering wheel has a slightly unusual, yet comfortable shape and is equipped with various buttons to control cruise control and the display behind the wheel. Surrounding stalks make it easy to shift the car into Drive, Neutral, Reverse, or Park, adjust the lights (if you want to override the automatic setting), control the wipers, and manage media source and volume. Paddles allow you to control regenerative braking, and the ‘My Sense’ button makes it simple to switch between driving modes; Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Personal.
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Behind the wheel, the 9-inch central monitor displays all necessary information in high-resolution, clear, and uncluttered detail. Depending on the ‘view’ selected (using the button on the steering wheel), the screen can also show Google Maps, providing easy-to-follow navigation, another of our favourite features.
Driving the Megane was a comfortable experience. It’s easy to drive, and switching between modes was done at the click of the MySense button. The ride was smooth, with bumps and poor road surfaces absorbed well. It handled both narrow country lanes and motorway driving with ease, but we did not test the Megane over a long distance, just our usual commutes.
Visibility overall was good, though the rear window was fairly small. The wing mirrors automatically dip when reversing, and the guidance camera is clear and easy to follow. The headlights provided excellent visibility at night, and responded well in automatic mode.
For some team members, the car felt a bit sluggish when pulling away, leading them to prefer driving in Sport Mode. However, for one of us, the car felt punchy and engaging, so it’s worth taking a test drive to form your own opinion.
The regenerative braking system, controlled via paddles behind the steering wheel, took some time to get used to, but it offered additional control.
We didn’t reach the 280-mile WLTP range; on a full 100% charge, we managed 190 miles. Considering this is a demo car, driven by multiple people with different driving styles (and likely less efficiently than someone would drive their own car), the 190 miles isn’t considered a real-world range by the Lease Electric Team.
The cabin warms up quickly, and the heated front seats, along with the steering wheel, significantly boost comfort. The front area feels spacious, with a large central storage compartment that doubles as an armrest.
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The infotainment system stands out with its incredibly clear graphics, responsiveness, and user-friendly interface. The sound quality is good, with speakers evenly distributing sound throughout the cabin. Connecting to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is quick and seamless, and integration with Google allows for easy voice control and navigation. The 48-color ambient lighting further enhances the cabin's overall atmosphere, adjustable through both the infotainment system and with the change of driving mode. Volume is controlled using buttons on a stalk behind the steering wheel, we felt these would have been better poisitioned on the steering wheel, but would be easy to get used to.
We didn’t have any back seat passengers to offer their perspective on the space, but it looked relatively standard for a car in this category. It is likely that depending on the drivers position, it might feel a little cramped in the back. The seats themselves were comfortable, but slightly narrow. The air conditioning and heating vents were centrally located, with two USB-C ports positioned below for convenience.
The boot is generous in size, though much of the space is in depth, dropping below the boot line. With seats folded down, there are two levels of boot floor, making it tricky to comfortably fit larger items. We believe adding a boot shelf would make this space more practical and user-friendly. To open the boot, simply press a small button that sits flush on the tailgate. Our tip: keep your car clean, or your hands might end up getting a little dirty.
Charging was quick and straightforward, just like most EVs. The cable fits neatly into the compartment under the boot carpet and connects easily to the car. The charging port is located at the front, on the passenger side. To connect to a CCS (fast charger), simply pull out the cap beneath the standard plug socket. Don’t worry it's attached to the car, so you won’t lose it.To disconnect, just press the unlock button next to the plug socket.
Overall, the Lease Electric team was impressed with the Renault Megane E-Tech. The design is a noticeable upgrade from the traditionalICE Meganes we're used to seeing on the roads. Improvements in both features and interior make a big difference. We especially liked the dynamic LED headlights, which react and begin their sequence as the key holder approaches the car, a clever and stylish touch. The infotainment system is clear, responsive, and easy to integrate with our phones, while the physical climate control buttons were definitely a highlight.
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Our favorite hidden gem? The French Cockerel, tucked away for those with a sharp eye to discover in their new Renault Megane E-Tech.
If you're considering the Nissan Leaf, Kia Niro EV, VW ID.3 or the Cupra Born the Renault Megane E-Tech is definitely worth a look.