What a massive first few days for the Munich Motor Show! Following on from our coverage about the upcoming Dacia Jogger, their French cousin Renault revealed the all-new fifth-generation electric Mégane at this weeks event.
The Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric will be the new, hot five-door hatchback that incorporates crossover styling – setting the bar high in the electric car market for both appearance and performance.
An unbelieveable performance standard for an EV
One of the first to come from Renault’s ‘Generation 2.0’ electric vehicles, the Mégane E-Tech Electric has been fitted with the revolutionary new CMF-EV platform, that can offer up to 300 miles of range and will be available with either a 40kWh or a 60 kWh ultra-slim battery. Two electric motor options will be available, the first offering 128bhp and 250Nm of torque, while the second will provide 215bhp and 300Nm of torque – capable of towing up to 900kg.
Additionally, the E-Tech Electric has been fitted with a rapid charging capability of reaching 15 to 80 per cent charge in only 30 minutes using a maximum 130kW DC, which will provide 186 miles of range. Similar to the Renault Zoe, the Mégane is also compatible with 7.4, 11 and 22kW AC charging – although the second two are optional.
Renault’s new generation cars have been designed with weight-saving measures, which the Mégane E-Tech Electric has embraced by losing a whopping 80kg to 100kg of its overall weight. By using aluminium for the doors, an eight-pole arrangement using 45 per cent less copper and an electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM), the E-Tech Electric will be 10 per cent lighter than the Zoe.
Having been fitted with a multi-link rear axle, a MacPherson-strut front arrangement and a faster steering rack, the Mégane E-Tech Electric will come as a front-wheel-drive form and promises best-in-class handling for an optimised driving experience.
Meanwhile, the E-Tech Electric has also innovative battery designs; at just 110mm deep, the liquid-cooled battery is the slimmest pack on the market, which in return keeps the floor lowered and fully flat throughout the inside of the car – so the Mégane’s height is only 1.5 metres.
Out with the old, in with a new look
Looking at the all-new Mégane E-Tech Electric, the exterior is very similar to the Megane eVision concept from 2020; integrating the familiar Renault C-shaped headlight and gaining additional design features such as the new Renault corporate badge and 3D-effect LED rear lights as part of the new “sensual tech”.
The Mégane’s new look has a lengthened wheelbase to 2.7-metre, as well as pushing the wheels closer to the corners of the car in order to provide a good amount of space for passengers in the hatchback. In terms of sizing, the boot offers 440 litres of capacity, all thanks to the clever designs of the batteries and cooling packs.
Although it sits high up from the road compared with a regular family hatch, giving the car a minor crossover stance, the Mégane’s design helps give it a strong, compact look.
Next level technology
Heading in inside, pioneering technology has been key for Renault to bring the fun factor for their drivers. The new OpenR screen dominates an L-shaped arrangement featuring a 12.3in instrument display and a 12.3in infotainment touchscreen, complete with integrated air vents (physical controls remain for the climate control). It runs Google’s Android operating system, meaning Google Maps, Google Assistance (with voice control) and Google Play are all standard. However, OpenR is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and offers plenty of innovative services such as the My Renault smartphone app.
Ensuring the driving experience matches the comprehended quality and design of the cabin, the Mégane E-Tech Electric has been combined with new acoustic-isolation technology. Renault has filled foam in between the floor and battery to detach the cabin from road noise, along with elements such as the door bins have been lined with fabric to reduce any clattering.
The Mégane E-Tech Electric is due in the UK in the third quarter of 2022, but a full UK trim level report has not yet been confirmed. Our predictions for this exciting all-new car is that it will probably become available in three specifications as per Renault’s usual spec, although it’s not yet known whether both battery and motor options will be available across the range.
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