We’ve updated this story with live images of Renault’s new compact crossover straight from the Munich Motor Show floors.
Renault unveiled the all-new fully-electric Mégane E-Tech at the 2021 IAA Mobility. The production version of last year’s Megane eVision concept study is based on the CMF-EV platform and it is the first to wear Renault’s “Nouvel R” logo.
The Mégane E-Tech stays true to the design of the concept car with minimum changes, retaining the characteristic crossover look. It incorporates the “sensual tech” design language and is the first model wearing the ‘Nouvel’R’ logo.
The car is measuring 4.21 m (165.8 inches) long, 1,78 m (70 inches) wide, and 1,50 m (59 inches) tall with a wheelbase of 2.70 m (106.3 inches). The base versions feature 18-inch wheels but the premium variants ride on 20-inch wheels. Other cool design features are the slim and full-LED lighting with a 3D-like effect at the back, the dual-color intakes at the front bumper, the high beltline, the coupe-style roofline and the flush door handles.
Dedicated EV-Platform
The Mégane E-Tech is the first Renault sitting on the CMF-EV platform which also underpins the Nissan Ariya sibling. A single electric motor is available in two different outputs, with either 129 hp (96 kW / 130 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque, or with 215 hp (160kW / 218 PS) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. The most powerful version allows a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 7.4 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).
Read Also: Renault Previews Electric Range And Details EV Manufacturing Strategy
The new lithium-ion NMC battery sourced from LG weighs 395 kg (871 pounds) and is quite thin, with a height of 110 mm (4.3 inches). The battery is available in two capacities – 40kWh for a WLTP range of 299 km (186 miles), and larger 60kWh for a range of up to 470 km (292 miles). According to Renault, 399 km (248 miles) of range can be recovered in 8 hours using a 7.4 kW wallbox, and in only 30 minutes from a 130 kW fast-charger. There is also a four-level regenerative braking system for extra efficiency.
Despite looking like a crossover, the new Megane has a “low-lying and salon-like” driving position. It also has a lower center of gravity (- 90 mm) compared to its ICE-powered predecessor with an evenly distributed weight between the axles, improving agility and handling. Speaking of weight, the heaviest variant tips the scales at 1,624 kg (3,580 lbs) thanks to a number of weight-saving measures.
Using the Multi-Sense system, the driver can choose between the Eco, Comfort, Sport, and My Sense driving modes. The suspension consists of McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear axle (Parallel Link multi-arm coupling). Renault is also proud of the “Cocoon Effect Technology” for a quiet and premium ride.
A spacious cabin full of technology
Inside there is the “OpenR” cockpit (previously seen on Renault’s concept cars) combining a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a vertically oriented 12-inch infotainment touchscreen. While this looks quite futuristic, the base trim levels get a smaller 9-inch touchscreen. In any case, the system incorporates a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and the Android Automotive Operating System with Google services (Google Assistant, Google Maps).
The entry and mid-range versions feature a textile finish on the dashboard while the premium trim comes with faux-leather TEP. There is also Alcantara upholstery, full-LED mood lighting, and “Nuo” decorative wood finish combined with warm titanium stitching on the leather seats. The Arkamy sound system is standard while there is also a premium Harman Kardon sound system with 410W and 9 audio channels. The car also comes equipped with up to 26 ADAS systems divided into three categories – driving, parking, and safety – including the Level 2 – autonomous Active Driver Assist and the Full Auto Park feature.
Thanks to the packaging of the electric platform, the Mégane E-Tech has a roomy cabin, offering similar space to the ICE-powered Mégane despite the smaller exterior dimensions. The boot space has a capacity of 440 liters (15.5 cubic feet) with an additional 22-liter (0.8 cubic feet) under-boot compartment for the charging cables. There are also additional compartments inside the cabin for a combined 30-liters of storage (1 cubic foot), plus four USB-C ports for charging.
The Renault Mégane E-Tech will be produced in Renault Group’s “ElectriCity” located in Northern France. The market launch in Europe is scheduled for March 2022, with the order books opening on February 2022. Renault didn’t announce pricing but we expect it to cost similar money to its main rival, the Volkswagen ID.3.
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