Renault Megane E-Tech 2023: high-spec single electric variant coming later in 2023

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Renault Australia has officially announced that it will bring its Megane E-Tech to Australia in the later stages of 2023. 

While the Megane nameplate has been offered primarily as a hatchback in its outgoing generation locally, the new E-Tech adopts a crossover format that’s become increasingly popular for mainstream EV models.

Although pricing is yet to be announced, the E-Tech is set to compete with other smaller-size electric cars such as the BYD Atto 3, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the upcoming Cupra Born. 

Renault has announced that its upcoming Megane E-Tech will be offered only as a single high-spec variant for the local Australian market. 

In overseas markets, the Megane E-Tech is available with three variants, however Australia is set to receive the flagship trim that uses a 160kW/300Nm powertrain. 

It’ll be powered by a 60kWh battery pack and will drive the front wheels exclusively. Electric range is estimated at 450km (WLTP).

Future owners will be able to add 350km of range to the Megane E-Tech in just 30 minutes using DC fast charging, however if charged at home using AC power, a full charge will take approximately 10 hours.  

Sitting on the Renault-Nissan–Mitsubishi alliance CMF-EV platform, the E-Tech measures a petite 4210mm in length, sits just 1500mm tall and sits on 20-inch wheels. Boot space is said to be 440 litres. 

At this stage Renault Australia has ruled out a dual-motor option, as offered in the Nissan Ariya that adopts the same CMF-EV architecture.

How will the Megane E-Tech be specced for Australia?

The Renault Megane E-Tech for Australia will be a single high-spec variant and will include features such as a 12.0-inch driver instrument display, a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, and 48-colour ambient lighting as standard. 

Renault is pushing to be more sustainable by removing leather from its interiors and adding recycled materials. The seats, for example, are ‘vegan leather’, which in the words of Renault, means 100 percent recycled plastic. 

Some unconfirmed but likely features that are available overseas include a harmon kardon sound system, a smart rear view mirror, front and rear USB-C ports, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats, LED daytime running lights and headlights and a 360-degree camera. 

How safe will the new Renault Megane E-Tech be?

The Renault Megane E-Tech currently has a five star Euro NCAP safety score, however it is yet to be approved or rated by Australia’s ANCAP safety authority. Renault expects that the vehicle will receive a similar rating locally.

Renault Australia has said that there will be 20 driver assistance features as standard on the Megane E-Tech, including safe exit warning, junction assist and blind-spot warning, among others. 

More information about the Megane E-Tech is set to arrive in the coming months.