The current Renault Megane with combustion engines is to be built for another three years, but its successor will be available in dealerships in April. “Krone” motor editor Stephan Schätzl has already had the opportunity to drive the new French electric car. His impressions here in the video!
Generation 5 is based on the group’s new CMF-EV platform, so it is electrically driven. The French are primarily targeting the VW ID.3, but they do pretty much everything differently from the Wolfsburg-based company. Front-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive, opulent design inside and out, but slightly smaller in all dimensions. And around 100 kg lighter: from 1636 kg with a large battery and the same motor. Nevertheless, the space available wouldn’t pinch if the practical mobile phone tray on both sides of the knee weren’t so much in the way. But that’s pretty much the only criticism of the interior. Instead of an attached display, you will find a harmoniously integrated solution, pleasant materials and door panels, which merge seamlessly into the dashboard in an arc, ensure a feel-good atmosphere. The operating system is based on Android Automotive (like Polestar) and can use the integrated Google Maps to automatically plan routes including charging stops. This is offered with a net capacity of 40 or 60 kilowatt hours. Since VW offers more. In combination with the 160 kW/218 hp engine, the larger enables a standard range of 450 kilometers. With a charging capacity of up to 130 kW, it takes half an hour from 15 to 80 percent. The 22 kW DC charger is also standard. The smaller engine is particularly suitable for consistent city drivers. It has an output of 96 kW/131 hp, and with the smaller battery it can achieve a WLTP range of 300 kilometers. It is only available with the large battery in the “Evolution Extended Range” equipment variant. This combination offers the best range at 470 kilometers. But you can also endure it well over longer distances: the Megane is easy to handle and comfortable to drive and is also fun on winding roads. However, the direct steering works relatively callously. Three levels of recuperation plus sailing can be set using paddles. The clarity is moderate, but parking sensors and a razor-sharp reversing camera are standard. The price list starts at 31,300 euros for the well-equipped basic model with 131 hp and a range of 300 km. At least 41,900 are due for the powerful engine with a large battery. It’s not cheap, but it’s a cheap alternative. And in terms of appearance, it is far ahead of its German competitor. Which in turn offers a larger battery as an option. On the other hand, with the entry-level battery and the 131 hp motor, Renault provides an answer to the question: Do e-cars above small cars always have to have a large battery and a lot of power?
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