Renault has produced a diamond
With six billion kilometres (3.7bn miles) covered by its more than 400,000 electric cars sold to date, it’s fair to say that Renault has some experience with electric vehicles. However, for most of the last 10 years the French brand has only had one main model — the Zoe — to showcase its EV expertise.
All that changes later this year with the arrival of the Mégane E-Tech Electric (quite a mouthful, isn’t it?). As familiar as the Mégane name is, this is an all-new and electric-only model that targets a segment led by the Nissan Leaf, Kia e-Niro and Volkswagen ID.3.
Renault electric SUV (Image: Auto Express/Playback)
Renault will offer buyers a choice of two battery sizes and two power outputs, with the most efficient capable of up to 292 miles between charges. The crossover-influenced design, upmarket interior and one of the most capable onboard charging systems on the market are all sure to make it a desirable choice and give its competitors a headache.
Exterior design and rivals
Just like a concept car you might see at a motor show (remember those?), the Mégane E-Tech Electric has striking proportions that make it look larger than it actually is. Measuring 4.2 metres long, it’s actually slightly shorter than a Ford Focus, but with up to 20in wheels pushed out to the Mégane’s extremities, it has the presence of a bigger car.
Nonetheless, as Renault has managed to produce a battery that is only 110mm thick, the Mégane isn’t that tall; its roofline is lower than the Zoe’s.
A high bonnet and beltline provide crossover styling cues, as do the black wheel arch surrounds and sills. The front door handles retract to sit flush with the bodywork while the rear handles are integrated into the door frame.
Read more: Driving
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