Renault unveiled its Mégane E-Tech Electric at the Munich Motor Show, on German soil, to make the Volkswagen ID.3 understand that it will have a lot to do from spring 2022 on the compact electric market. On paper, the Frenchwoman has strengths to showcase …
[Mis à jour le 09/09/2021] This match between the Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric, and the Volkswagen ID.3 makes sense. Many elements, as we will see later, bring the two models together. But it is above all the fact that Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault for a little over a year, places the German sedan as the main rival of the diamond model. The “boss” of the French brand knows the German model very well, technically identical to the Spanish version Born, scheduled to integrate, at the end of 2022, the catalog of Cupra, a brand that Luca de Meo managed before joining Renault.
TO READ. Cupra Born (2021). All the details on the 100% electric sports car
A style shifted from the usual catalog
In terms of style, our two models adopt a very similar strategy: to stand out from the other models in their respective range. The effect is obvious on the Volkswagen, which retains almost no code from a Golf, yet its closest relative in terms of dimensions. Regarding the Mégane Electric, the only similarities with other Renault are mainly in the treatment of models offering a generous curve dear to Laurens van den Acker, head of group design. In detail, the lights on the stern are strongly inspired by those of the current thermal Mégane. For the rest, this Electric version is clearly distinguished from other models.
Small compacts …
Regarding dimensions, our two protagonists compete in the same category of small compacts, the French even flirting with the lower category with its 4.21 m in length. Moreover, as we had confirmed Gilles le Borgne, engineering director of the Renault group, the Mégane E-Tech Electric is narrower than the eVision showcar. At last, the wheelbase is, in both cases, much larger than is usually that of a compact. What offer a nice space to the rear passengers.
| Dimensions | Renault Megane Electric | Volkswagen ID.3 |
| L / l / h (in m) | 4.21 / 1.78 / 1.50 | 4.26 / 1.81 / 1.57 |
| Emp. (in m) | 2.70 | 2.77 |
| Boot volume (in l) | 440 (385 – VDA) | 385 |
… great habitability
And it is true that with its 2.77 m between the two axles, the ID.3 looks like a family: the ease of the legs is royal and the seat supports well under the legs. Its French rival does almost as well with only 7 cm less in wheelbase. Nevertheless, the footwells are too limited when the front seat is at its lowest. The Mégane also benefits from the absence of an easement tunnel to offer a more acceptable central place. Regarding the volume of the trunk, the Volkswagen displays 385 l, when Renault announces to reach 440 l (385 l according to the VDA standard).
Clear space
The Mégane E-Tech Electric dashboard uses the announced layout according to our information, with an L-shaped presentation, inspired by the Symbioz concept (Frankfurt 2017). The driver faces a large slab acting as digital meters (12.3 ”) and will have a large touch screen: 9 ” and horizontal as standard, 12.3 ” and vertical as an option. The infotainment system is highlighted by piano keys for air conditioning. As for the lever between the two front passengers: the element takes place with the commodos behind the steering wheel.
Almost similar choice at Volkswagen, but with a coarser realization: the forward / reverse control lever is attached to the digital counters which are based on a slab of 5.3 inches, only. Volkswagen no doubt intends to push buyers towards head-up display incorporating augmented reality. Regarding infotainment, the ID.3 uses the 10-inch touchscreen of the Golf 8: it is underlined by sensitive controls with questionable ergonomics.
Identical technical strategy
For the technical part, in addition to being 100% electric, these two models are based on platforms entirely developed for this type of engine. If the ID.3 is the first model of the group to have the MEB technical base, the Renault Mégane Electric does not inaugurate the CMF-EV platform for the Alliance, it leaves this honor to the Nissan Ariya, planned for the first quarter of 2022. In addition, while Volkswagen has chosen propulsion for this model, Renault has chosen a traction architecture. A choice that allows, as we have seen, to keep a generous trunk volume with regard to the dimensions of the car, but also to contain costs. : all the systems (in particular the cooling of the battery) are kept at the front.
Opposite motor technology
In engine technology, the options taken by the two manufacturers are also different: Volkswagen has a permanent magnet electromotor (150 kW, or 204 hp), while Renault has chosen a wound rotor machine (up to 160 kW, or 218 hp). The cost of the latter is lower, in particular thanks to the absence of rare earths. As for the battery, Renault has made a significant effort by adopting a very thin system (30 mm shorter than the competition) directly integrated into the structure of the chassis. Two capacities are available (40 or 60 kWh) offering autonomy that can reach, depending on the manufacturer, up to 450 km. For its part, the ID.3 also has two battery capacities (58 or 77 kWh) allowing, depending on the finish, up to 549 km of autonomy.
TO READ. Volkswagen ID.3 test: the truth about the autonomy of the electric ID.3
Price and equipment positioning
The Mégane E-Tech Electric is already available to order. Its configurator is, in fact, available on the Renault commercial site. The car offers a complete endowment with three finishes (Equilibre, Techno and Iconic), allowing it to follow in the wake of its rival Volkswagen:
- Hands-free access and start,
- Adaptive regulator with active maintenance in the track (semi-autonomous driving level 2),
- Recognition of traffic signs,
- 100% LED optics,
- Automatic emergency braking with detection of pedestrians and cyclists,
- Induction cell phone charger,
- Reversing camera,
- Blind spot monitoring …
On the price side, the German offer starts from € 37,990 (excluding bonus) and climbs up to € 48,990. The Mégane Electric must rely on its less expensive technology to stay below this range: the attack price should be around 34,000 (excluding bonus). However, we will still have to wait more than a year: this Mégane, produced in Douai (North), will not arrive at the dealership before the start of 2022. This will give Volkswagen time to resolve its software update problems …
Assessment: strongly 2022!
From 2022, the Volkswagen ID.3 will no longer be alone in the electric compact market. It will have to reckon with a sharp Mégane E-Tech Electric offering a less divisive aesthetic and more in line with the SUV trend of the moment, a more rewarding interior presentation while being also technological, and an electrical architecture as powerful while being less expensive. Renault has stuck in the wake of its German competitor to offer a homogeneous product. The first matches are going to be electric …
