Renault Megane E-TECH test – quietly better than most

How good an electric car is is often told by how many miles you've driven during testing. Even in our editorial office, we drove more than 2,000 kilometers with it in just over 14 days. The test car has traveled more than 34,000 kilometers so far. This is not an extremely important piece of information, but it gives us an insight into the fact that people - i.e. automotive journalists - are happy to drive a lot of kilometers with this car. This is extremely positive for an electric car and reveals that it is great car – so, a great electric car. But let's go in order. Test – Renault Megane E-TECH!

Exterior design

When designing the exterior Renault in the last period, he boldly draws moves. And I have to admit, yes Renault Megane E-tech it works extremely conceptually - i.e. as a concept on the road. I like this because it shows the courage of the brand to jump a few years ahead of its time with its product. The multitude of futuristic details is best seen in the taillights with extremely attractive graphics and understated design and lighting performance. The story is similar on the front. The multitude of microelements gives us the feeling that this is a car from 2030 and not 2023. It must be emphasized overall body compliance, which from every angle looks like it was designed by a truly homogeneous and unified team of designers. So there are no more different stories in the form, but a common vision. We liked the car. But it was also admired by others, who mostly wondered what kind of car it is, despite the fact that the Megane e-tech has been on the road for a long time. It always surprises passers-by. But design is not only visual. It is also functional. For example, to clean the windshield, the car does not spray in the classic way, but the washing water comes from the wipers. Smart and simple and somewhat "French". I have to admit that I didn't notice the car too much before the test itself, I wasn't a big fan of it, but the design got under my skin relatively quickly. I myself value details, micro little things, attention that shows concern for the whole. And there is a lot of passion and love in this car.

Due to its bold futurism and heart-warming design, it gets a very high rating.
Rating: 8.5 / 10

Build quality

He has in the past Renault some challenges with build quality. However, I must say that the test car despite 34,000 kilometers driven he had no perceived problems that he would have noticed and announced during the service visit. In terms of body composition, body parts and paintwork, the car matched for miles, with no major quirks. The minimal number of pebbles on the front part indicates that the varnish is properly processed and hard enough. I also didn't discover any inside "crickets" and severe wear and tear of materials. Steering wheel in smooth leather it was showing signs of wear, but those that are typical for this mileage. The rest, like the seats and such, were still in top shape. The car was in the highest equipment, which means that the seats were leather, but despite the kilometers driven, they looked like new, without wrinkles. So in this segment, also because Renault has made progress, I can give it a good rating.
Rating: 8 / 10

Interior design

Interior design follows the exterior. Which means that some of the exterior futurism is easily carried over to the interior. Above all, the exterior and interior of the car are remarkably consistent, as if they were designed by a single team. I praise the design of the dashboard and the infotainment system. There is certainly no shortage of details here, from the ambient lighting to the interesting use of materials. It should also be praised steering wheel shape, which is extremely cute. The fact that it's not perfectly round is kind of exciting. He is also pleased that in fact every function is also accessible via buttons on the steering wheel. Otherwise, it is in storage"button” for practically every thing. Which is otherwise "non-futuristic", but extremely practical and also safe. I don't find the right "handles" for gears, wipers and radio to be problematic either, and I didn't have problems with them like most journalists. They were even cool and useful to me in a way. Getting used to the functionality is really short.

But let's move on. The car is on front seats very spacious. On the latter, the space will only be sufficient for children up to 170 cm. It's kind of the height at which you can still sit on the back seat without much complaining. They represent a significant problem low-set seats, which prevent rear-seat passengers from putting their feet under the seats. Especially if the seat in front is fully lowered by the driver or passenger. So for "big" (read - tall) families, this car will not serve as a first car, but it is excellent in all other respects. This is the trunk that automotive journalists are moaning about, but I was really impressed with it myself. It is a relatively short but generously deep luggage compartment, in which our family, which always travels with too many things, easily packed things for a weekend trip. This happens to us extremely rarely, even in cars with much larger volumes of luggage space. So it's not all in the size itself, but in the technique, or the practical shape of the trunk. The car offers so 440 perfectly designed liters, in which suitcases stack like lego blocks. And suitcases of different dimensions and formats. Miraculous? No way. This car is more the exception than the rule, as the power goes to the front wheels. That is why there is really a lot of space in the back of the car, because there are no engines. The car is simply cool inside! This is also why it gets a high rating without any problems.
Rating: 8 / 10

Information system

Cooperation with Google it should be more logical to more manufacturers. And in a way, I'm glad it is Renault seized the opportunity and descended into this relationship. This mainly means that it will someone worked with the program, who knows these matters really well - i.e. Google. And that things will improve with time, as they are currently far from ideal. But I can say that they are on the right track. So, things are still too "covered up", but there is still light and hope at the end of the tunnel, that Google Android Auto is a good solution for the infotainment system or the entire operating system of a smart car. It takes some getting used to, but once the basics are mastered, everything becomes extremely logical. So, they get into the blood.

As for the music scene that I love, the car spoiled us, which is great. This means that on the road trip through Italy we really listened to Italian cancones as loud as possible. The sound quality is good, which he took care of Harman Kardon, which with Renault has not worked so successfully in the past. However, this time he really created a good product. The sum of all pluses and some minuses gives the infotainment system 7.5 points out of 10.
Rating: 7.5 / 10

Smart electric car

Regardless of cooperation with Google, here too we come across the fact that, in fact, when it comes to "smartness", all car manufacturers are wrong. The story begins already with the mobile application, which has a limited set of functions, connects and refreshes slowly. But it only enables some really basic functions. The most annoying thing is that you can't see the charging speed of the car - you can see the time when it is connected to the charging station, and a number of other little things. For example, locking and unlocking the car or cooling to a specific vehicle temperature only cools to the preset temperature. I have to praise the otherwise evergreen unlocking and locking of the car with the smart key that is part of it Renault solutions for a decade and makes you forget about searching your bags for your key. Which I can only highly praise.

On the other hand, I could blame “Google Maps”, which I could not tame in a way to show the satellite view that I otherwise use on Apple CarPlay. It's a shame, because many of us have really gotten used to it. But it's true that I didn't go into too much detail.

But let's get back to navigation, which is the key to success or the hearts of e-mobility car enthusiasts. This, of course, works through Google Maps and in many respects it is much better than the competition, but still certain things are not quite there yet. However, the car's battery adapts to the navigation and prepares for charging. This is the progress we want. However, there are still some challenges in route planning, such as filters for selected charging networks and similar, certain operating presets.

But still, the situation is quite good, or better than many European competitors. And with hope for the future, mainly because of Google, which we believe will be able to solve the challenges. Still, I can't give the car more than 7/10 points.
Rating: 7 / 10

Location on the road

Quick and concise. The car drives as good as it can be driven front wheel drive car. So good, but still not as good as driving, for example Cupra Born with rear wheel drive. But he doesn't care Megane E-TECH very close behind and in certain shades even better. Here I am mainly referring to "lightness", where the low weight of this electric car is known, as it weighs only 1,711 kilograms, which is slightly less than the direct competition. And the weight and the position on the road have a lot in common, or they grow in relationship. The car could thus be characterized as a nice playful, adequately sprung and, in terms of feelings, a safe and predictable car.

That's also why the driver likes to push it a little through corners, where the car leans slightly laterally, but everything is within the limits of understanding. However, it is also difficult to predict understeer or oversteer, which is really rare. Somewhat disturbed by feelings at wild acceleration, where the car can even sway a bit. Of course, it must therefore be a "bad" or slippery surface. But still, I have to commend this segment. The noticeable difference between driving modes, which affect driving characteristics.

This means comfort on the highway, and sport in corners and in the city. I also praise the ability to adjust the gas pedal for driving with one foot. As many as three levels are enough to set things perfectly for different environments. Those of us who are used to driving with one pedal can no longer do without it. Personally, I always drive with the highest setting, even on highways, because I think that's how I make the most of the car's recuperation.
Rating: 8 / 10

Drive

It is basically the Renault Zoe, or the drive that comes from this car story of Renault. Here, engineers accumulated kilometers and honed technologies. This is also why the Renault-Nissan group really have a lot of electric kilometers under their belt. Technically, a car can handle 160 kW, 220 horses in the vernacular. Accelerates up to 100 km/h in conservative but official conditions 7.4 seconds. We measured the time ourselves at around 6.9 seconds. Throws on the front wheels 300 Nm of torque. And it is basically extremely economical. This means that it compensates for some deficit in the form of the car's drag coefficient, which is not ideal and amounts to 0.29 cd. But in combination with the low weight of the vehicle (1711 kg) and extremely efficient electric motors, this car is more efficient than MEB platforms (Volkswagen Group). The car also has a heat pump, which I consider a necessity in e-mobility. The car spent 2,000 km on a test with 16 charges 18.5 kWh per 100 km. She was more than that ⅔ kilometers completed along highways. Which means the result is outstanding and far beyond expectations. Basically, it was shockingly and unexpectedly low. Also because I drive an electric car in exactly the same way as a normal car. This means that I do not "sail" behind trucks and similar things. So normal driving between 120 and 130 km/h. At times, of course, more and sometimes less. But in the end, the average speed is comparable to a completely normal ICE car. So by heart.

However, it is true that he drives a little more strategically when I cover, for example, longer distances. Basically, I have to point out that this car had comparable real fuel consumption to the Tesla Model 3, which surprised me immensely, if not shocked me. I dare to say that it is even more economical than stated outside the highway kilometers. However, I am bothered by the limitation of the top speed to something over 165 km/h. Here the bar should be at least at 180 km/h. But still, it deserves an almost perfect 8.5/10.
Rating: 8.5 / 10

Battery

Renault has experience and fully transfers it to the present. Therefore, there are no big concerns here either. They are cars like these Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf have done as many kilometers as few brands in the world. And within the group, this knowledge and experience are inherited. Renault really knows what is important in e-mobility. It allows for the first time 22 kW vehicle charging at home socket, which is a rarity and twice as fast as the industry average. To put it colloquially, the car is connected to the home socket, if you have the connection power, from 0 to 100% charges in three hours. Of course, in theory, which is not far from practice.

And because you are charging the vehicle mostly at home, that's great. At the same time, when you arrive at your destination, for example on a trip to the Italian city of Grado or Venice, you don't need Ionity fast charging, but you can charge your car up to 100% in less than three hours on a normal infrastructure - i.e. at a "normal city charging station". In other words, as much as you spent on the way, you can fill up at such a filling station in a good hour, which is not enough for an Aperol spritz. So much so that charging is practically 2x faster on a classic charger.

The test model had 60 kWh a large battery (64 kWh gross), with a 400V architecture which meant it was charging just over 125 kW when the battery was ready and almost completely empty on the Ionity fast charger. Unfortunately, the joy of fast charging turns rather quickly, or too quickly, into rather "average charging", which means that the curve is quite protective for the battery and bad for the nerves of the person charging. However, it should be emphasized that the car is in the gray average of comparable cars. Maybe a little worse in these fast charging speeds, but he gets them back with "fast" domestic and normal charging.

In any case from 10 to 80% he needed around 40 minutes, which again isn't too bad. As I found the range to be exceptional, the charging experience was good, and I did not notice any battery degradation after 32,000 km from the journalists, I give the battery segment an 8/10 without any bad conscience. Of course it gets 8 because of the 22 kW charging.
Rating: 8 / 10

The first car in the family

That said, the car really isn't big, and if it had a slightly longer wheelbase and existed as a station wagon, it would be almost ideal. That's how it is in the Golf segment. The trunk has an ideal shape and it is larger compared to the competition, and it miraculously fits luggage. The car can be charged at the destination faster than the competition, up to 22 kW, which I consider a special plus for him. On the road, however, it is only averagely fast when charging at fast charging stations. If I take into account that these trips are relatively few for the average user, the matter is not even that disturbing. You will only be at fast charging stations a few times a year.

Megane E-tech is not a business traveler either. It's just not made for it, but it will get there Munich Airport managed without a problem with one half hour power stop. But it will be a problem when the children grow up and if you have basketball players in the family. Then this car is too small. However, if your children are still small and will not be too big in the next five years, a car is highly recommended. It can carry up to 80 kg of luggage on the roof. It can also drag something a little, up to 750 kg. And this proves that it has an advantage, for Slovenians a big advantage over the Volkswagen ID.3 or Cupra Born, because like true Slovenians you won't have to give up, for example, riding bikes on a tow bar. Or "squeak" on the roof. That's also why a pretty good rating of 7.5/10.
Rating: 7.5 / 10

Value for money

Unfortunately, all cars have to be compared to the Tesla. We cannot avoid it here either. The test model was the most luxuriously equipped version at the launch of the model and it really had a lot of equipment. Its price was around 50,000 euros. But I suggest you check the online offer at the dealers. You will notice that a very comparably equipped car can be found around 39,900 euros including all discounts and subsidies, which is still very competitive with the Tesla Model 3. In fact, the price is practically comparable to it.

Of course, unlike Tesla, you get those typical French charm and if you are a fan of french then you know what i mean. The French always do something a little differently, and here they are really similar to Tesla. They always come up with their own specialties, which they package in their own way. And that's good. Also because all these features in this car are features in the right direction. And if you like different things and the French, you will definitely appreciate it.

The offers on the web and in the marketplaces of new and used vehicles are as I have indicated. The car gets an 8, mainly because it is a really good electric car. Almost as good as the Tesla Model 3 and practically the only alternative I can personally recommend so far.
Rating: 8 / 10

Overall rating: 79/100

Renault Megane E-TECH is the best European electric car in its category. If you're in the "market" for such a futuristic product and would like something different, then I can't see a more logical choice. Of course, this car also has its challenges, but what's more important is that you can handle them. For the vast majority of European cars, these challenges are greater than for Renault. It seems like a group of engineers had a passion and a mission to make a really good electric car. Because the French can do it, because it is their pride. Renault has taken an additional step. Perhaps also some unnecessary, but still one that gives the body a soul and stamp. Renault Megane e-tech is a concept in production. It emits a safety sound at speeds below 30 km/h that makes passers-by think a Stormtrooper has walked past them, or that the future has arrived. That's also why I like it. Because he is brave and dares to be different. So, it's an electric car with more pros than cons, which is a rarity these days. Evola.

And where do I place this vehicle? In my book, definitely ahead of the products of the Volkswagen Group, but behind Tesla. This lag is mostly due to certain things that other manufacturers simply do not have - such as their own powerful charging network. At the same time, Tesla is currently the only car that can be called a tablet on wheels or a smart electric car. And yet... Renault is on the right track. And if he had gone on this path with more courage and determination, it would not have been bad. I also believe that a station wagon version would make this car an additional alternative in its segment. But it is definitely the most interesting affordable electric European car.

Photo gallery – Renault Megane E-TECH