Renault is cashing in on the demand for electric vehicles for salary packaging and novated leases by pricing the all-New Renault Megane E-Tech from $64,990 plus on road costs.
The 100% electric Megane E-Tech is the first of a new generation of electric vehicles built on the advanced CMF-EV platform and styled within the brand’s new ‘sensual tech’ design language. With an electric driving range of up to 454 kilometres (WLTP) it claims to be one of the most efficient electric vehicles available in Australia.
It also leads the way in sustainability thanks to an electric motor containing no rare earths, and the use of recycled aluminium panels and extensive recycled material throughout.
The Renault Group has a global target of 33% of all materials used in vehicle production to be recyclable by 2030, and the company to be carbon neutral by 2040. Already over 90% of Megane E-Tech is recyclable*. Inside, over 28kg of recycled plastics and fabrics are used in the dashboard, centre console, headrests and floor mats.
All-New Megane E-Tech takes its environmental ambition even further. In addition to optimised supply chains for fewer CO2 emissions in the transport of parts, the Renault Group has partnered with Veolia and Solvay to address future circular economy challenges as it paves the way for new projects, like using recycled materials and metals to make new batteries at the Douai-based Gigafactory that will open its doors in 2024.
“All-New Renault Megane E-Tech is a gamechanger,” says Glen Sealey, Renault Australia General Manager.
“This is Renaulution in action: dynamic proportions, an engaging and efficient drive, impressive levels of comfort and safety, and committed actions to a sustainable future. We can’t wait to bring Megane E-Tech to Australia and herald a new dawn in automotive leadership.”
All-New Renault Megane E-Tech is available to order, priced from $64,990 plus on road costs. All model specification information is available at www.renault.com.au or at your local Renault Dealer. Full details including equipment and technical specification are listed below.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
All-New Megane E-Tech is a car of purposeful proportions. An extended wheelbase with reduced overhangs, a thinner-than-ever battery, and 20-inch alloy wheels combine with the high waistline and coupe-like styling to deliver a powerful stance that marries beautifully with its generous cabin space.
From the full LED lighting with exquisite laser-cut detailing and eye-catching new light signature, to the flush electric door handles that glide out automatically as the driver approaches with the key card, All-New Megane E-Tech draws heavily on the world of high-tech and hi-fi design as a representation of a more technological age.
Six inviting colours are available – Rafale Grey, Shadow Grey, Solid White, Diamond Black, Flame Red, and Night Blue – with the choice of a body-coloured or contrasting roof design in either Diamond Black or Shadow Grey, depending on the body colour chosen.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Electric by nature, All-New Megane E-Tech offers driver and passengers alike an obstacle-free environment with exceptional comfort and state-of-the-art technology.
Inspired by the world of fine home furniture, All-New Megane E-Tech uses recycled materials to create a welcoming and homely feel. The dashboard is topped with a recycled textile finish, while the seat upholstery is 100% recycled.
Powered by the latest-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the high-resolution 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster combines with the 9-inch OpenR infotainment display to deliver an intuitive and connected experience.
Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® smartphone replication allow the driver to stay connected at all times, to seamlessly plan their journeys via various smartphone applications, without needing a cable.
The 9” central touchscreen opens a world of customisation. Multi-sense technology allows the driver to choose their driving mode depending on their mood – from Sport, Eco, Comfort, and Perso, for a different experience every time they get behind the wheel. The interior ambient lighting can be set to automatically change colour throughout the day with its ‘living lights’ functionality, or the driver can set it to one of the 48 available lighting colour options.
POWERTRAIN
Powered by a new 160kW electric motor with 300Nm of torque and four levels of regenerative braking, All-New Megane E-Tech takes the joy of driving an electric vehicle to new heights.
The new motor is particularly compact, weighing only 145kg, and doesn’t require the use of rare earth metals. In Megane E-Tech, the new traction motor is capable of accelerating from 0-100kmk in just 7.4 seconds, but is also capable of remarkable efficiency, consuming just 16.1 kWh per 100km at the socket, for a claimed consumption of 15.6kWh per 100km.
The 60kWh battery is just as innovative. At only 110mm it is one of the thinnest on the market, meaning the centre of gravity is lower and the car is more agile, giving a dynamic driving experience. Weight is evenly distributed thanks to the battery being housed under the whole floor plate.
All-New Megane E-Tech is capable of up to 454 kilometres (WLTP) on a single charge, while recharging can be achieved in a variety of ways to suit the available infrastructure, from a simple domestic socket, a 7kW wall box, public charging stations offering AC power, and DC fast-chargers up to 130kW. The latter permits up to around 300 kilometres of driving range (WLTP) to be recovered in just 30 minutes.
SAFETY AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE
All-New Renault Megane E-Tech is fitted with a host of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as standard, from automatic emergency braking with junction assist that can detect pedestrians and cyclists, to emergency lane keeping assist with oncoming traffic and road-edge detection.
Traffic sign recognition, hill start assist, driver drowsiness alert, distance warning alert and adaptive cruise control all help to make driving easier and safer in the conditions we find ourselves every day.
The vehicle also features a new adaptive cruise control function that works in conjunction with the traffic sign recognition system to prompt the driver to adjust the car’s speed to match the prevailing limit.
The smart rear-view mirror uses a camera located at the top of the rear window to display a real-time view of the road behind, giving an entirely unobstructed view regardless of passengers or cargo. All of these safety systems have helped secure a coveted 5-star safety rating from Europe’s peak automotive safety body, Euro NCAP.
Additionally, Renault is building a unique ‘human first’ safety programme to develop systems and processes before, and in the case of, a crash to help maximise the ‘golden hour’, the first 60 minutes after impact. Any driver or passenger not taken care of within this timeframe could see their risk of survival decrease by 50%.
Working specifically with various fire and rescue departments from around the world has led to a number of specific innovations on All-New Megane E-Tech including:
Fireman Access: a special access point that lets water be introduced to the centre of the car’s battery, allowing it to be extinguished in less than 10 minutes (compared to the typical three hours).
QRescue: A new QR code standard on Renault vehicles from 2023 which provides immediate access to the vehicle’s technical information (engine, battery location, etc). The location of this QR code, strategically determined and validated by fire crews, can save up to 15 minutes of critical time during an intervention.
And finally the SD switch: an easy access switch, without the need for specific tools, to disconnect the battery from the high voltage electrical network.
More information on future developments of this program will be released in due course.
RENAULT MEGANE E-TECH EV60 SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS
- 20-inch Soren alloy wheels
- Full adaptive LED headlights with automatic high/low beam
- Front and rear signature lighting with dynamic turn signals
- Grey upholstery made from recycled cloth and leatherette materials
- Multi-sense customised driving modes and 48-colour interior ambient lighting
- Manually adjustable driver and passenger seats with electric lumbar adjustment for driver
- Wireless smartphone charging and smartphone connectivity with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 12.3-inch driver information display
- 9-inch OpenR infotainment display
- Arkamys auditorium audio system with six speakers and four sound ambiences
- Two front and two rear USB-C ports
- Hands-free key-card with keyless entry and automatic ‘walk-away’ locking
- Rear-view camera
- Front, rear and side parking sensors
- Smart rear-view mirror
- Smart traffic sign recognition
- Automatic emergency braking with junction assist and pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Driver drowsiness alert
- Emergency lane keeping assist with oncoming traffic and road-edge detection
- Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter
- Blind spot recognition and intervention
- Rear cross traffic alert with rear automatic braking
(1) based on WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) static laboratory combined average city and highway cycle test, which measures energy consumption, range and emissions in passenger vehicles, designed to provide figures closer to real-world driving behaviour. Real life driving results will vary depending on driving style, type of journey, battery age and condition, use of vehicle features (such as heating and air conditioning), as well as operating, environmental and climate conditions.
(2) the charging time and driving range recovered depend on the temperature, wear of the battery, power delivered by the charging point, your driving style and your charge level.
^^The weights indicated for towing capacities are for a basic vehicle without options. These may vary depending on your vehicle’s equipment, accessories, passengers & any cargo on board. Please consult your Renault Dealership or the vehicle’s owner handbook to confirm your towing requirements to ensure compliance with approved towing limits.
*According to the European directive of homologation recycling 2005/64/EC