Laurent, Alpine Cars’ test driver, takes the Mégane E-TECH Electric for a test drive
Mégane E-TECH Electric – everything has changed, except the name
In design terms, the All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric is a real breakaway from the previous generation. Its ‘sensual-tech’ design is ultra-modern, featuring micro-optical LED lights to the rear and laser engraving on the lower door protection. With its unparalleled proportions, large 20‑inch wheels, high beltline and dropping line roof, the All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric has a distinctive personality and breaks all the rules of the conventional compact hatch.
The All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric features a welcome sequence that begins with a light show. The lights on the wing mirrors project the Renault logo, while the flush door handles pop out of the car body. In the passenger compartment, the large OpenR screen and ambient lighting come on, while a small audio cue plays.
The exceptional and generously proportioned interior space makes users feel instantly welcome. What’s more, the boot offers 440 litre capacity.
Behind the wheel of the All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric
The power steering has one of the lowest gear ratios on the market and is calibrated to provide a fast, precise and direct response. As Laurent pointed out, “it’s great for road driving and manoeuvres.”
The driver can customise the sensations of their driving experience by using the MULTI-SENSE settings, which can be accessed either via a button on the steering wheel or the OpenR screen with its OpenR Link system. They can also use the tabs behind the wheel to adjust the intensity of the regenerative braking, which for an electric engine is the equivalent of an engine brake. The four different levels available enable drivers to make adjustments, for example personalising their experience for city or motorway driving, and to optimise range.
The All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric is also Renault’s first model using the CMF-EV platform. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance specifically designed this structure for electric vehicles. Here, the platform made it possible to install a “structural” battery just 11cm thick below the floor plate. As a result, weight is distributed in an optimal manner and the centre of gravity is very low.
Aluminium has been used for opening components – the wings and bonnet – with composite materials for the boot lid, while the battery weighs just 395kg. The All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric therefore comes in at 1,624kg – around 100kg less than rivals with comparable battery capacity.
Light and balanced yet solid, the All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric combines safety and dynamic feeling. The model is available in two versions, each with different levels of power: 96kW (130hp) with 250Nm of torque, or 160kW (218hp) with 300Nm of torque. The 160Kw version goes from 0 to 100km/h in just 7.4 seconds.
Range varies depending on the battery:
- range of 300km (WLTP) for the 40kWh battery
- range of up to 470km (WLTP, depending on the version) for the 60kWh battery
Laurent’s opinion
Laurent was involved in the development of the All-new Mégane E‑TECH Electric in an engineering role. He said, “with the wheels located towards the outer edges of the body, the car has an impressive 2.7m wheelbase for a total length of 4.21m. That means comfort – as does the multi-link rear suspension, which keeps the car flat and stable through corners.”
As a specialist in undercarriage structures, Laurent helped develop the chassis, suspension system, axles and 20-inch wheels. These wheels presented a technical challenge. He says, “we developed a specific shock absorption system that strikes the balance between optimal comfort and performance.”
And as for comfort, Laurent explains that, “the new Mégane is highly aerodynamic. It slides through the air and features a specific patented sound absorption system, with a layer of foam packed in tightly between the car’s floor and the battery. This provides an excellent level of audio comfort while driving.”
Behind the wheel of the All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric, Laurent gave his opinion:
The All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric offers plenty of dynamic feeling. I am so happy to have been involved in its development. It really lives up to our initial ambitions. If I had to sum it up in three words, I’d say silence, comfort and dynamic feeling.
The All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric is now available for pre-order. Orders will open in February 2022, with sales beginning in March.
| The All-new Mégane E-Tech Electric will be made in France at the Douai plant, part of ElectriCity, Europe’s leading electric vehicle manufacturing hub. Renault ElectriCity aims for an output of 400,000 vehicles per year and, as such, will soon be the largest and most competitive electric vehicle production facility in Europe. The site is located in the Hauts de France region in northern France – an ideal location near sources of demand. |
