The new Renault Megane E-Tech Electric has raised the bar for competitors. Can the E-Tech tow? What is the Megane EV maximum towing capacity?

The new Renault Megane E-Tech Electric has raised the bar for competitors.  Can the E-Tech tow? What is the Megane EV maximum towing capacity?

Looking for a stylish family hatch, the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is definitely worth exploring. Although using the Megane name, the E-tech is built on an entirely, unrelated EV platform - CMF-EV. 

The E-tech is totally newly designed from the ground up to be an EV, with its lithium-ion batteries under the floor, and the motor is mounted upfront where it drives the front wheels. 

Renault says its creation remains a hatch but its proportions and extra muscle hint more at a crossover or small SUV, you be the judge.

It’s spacious, fab to drive and has the best in-car tech in its class. An unmistakeable front-end design, sleek roofline and wide selection of two-tone colour choices will allow it to stand out from the crowd. 

The new electric Megane measures 4199mm long, 1783mm wide and 1505mm high, riding on a 2685mm wheelbase - which gave the designers lots of room to work with designing a spacious interior.

The interior actually feels well ahead of the German mid-range competitors like VW. Quality is a step up, but the E-Tech's ergonomics really set it apart - importantly the Megane has real physical controls for the AC for a start.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 12-inch portrait-oriented central infotainment touchscreen comes standard.

Renault's Android Automotive-based infotainment system has a class-leading screen sharpness and the system is as responsive to use as a smartphone.  This is one of the very best in-car systems on the market, and Renault says that there’s more to come, too; future over-the-air updates will bring further improvements and additional functionality.

The boot comes in at 440 litres, however, it’s hindered by a pretty large lip that can make loading difficult.  With seats down 1332 litres.  Need more space, want to tow, or just take your bikes along on your next weekend trip?  Why not fit a E-Tech towbar - Renault has rated the new E-Tech at a maximum of 1000kgs, pretty good for an EV.  Our Invisible towbar is rated the same. 

The two powertrains comprise a 96kW/250Nm model mated to a 40kWh battery and a 165kW/300Nm option with a 60kWh battery.
The smaller of the two should give you 300 kilometres of range, with the 60kWh offering a claimed 470km of range and a 7.4-second 0-100 time. Top speed for the highest-spec drivetrain is 160km/h.

With the magnet-free motor, you enjoy smoother acceleration with a swift take-off, aided by some excellent sound insulation which eliminated virtually all road noise

Hook it up to a 130kW rapid charger you’ll be able to complete a full charge in a little over 70 minutes. A 7.4kW home wall box charger will take just over 9 hours.  The Megane Electric EV60 can draw around 200km of range in 30 minutes on a 130kW DC charger. Eight hours of charging on a typical 7.4kW home charger will bestow around 400km of range.

To add a bit of funkiness, as you approach with the key in your pocket, the LED headlights and tail lights feature a short light show.

The Megane E-Tech was recently awarded a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
It scored 85 per cent for adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupant protection, 65 per cent for vulnerable road users and 79 per cent for safety assist.
Euro NCAP noted the Megane E-Tech’s “improved body and restraint systems, and strong performance from advanced driver assistance systems such as AEB”.

Standard and optional active safety features include adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane following assist, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear autonomous emergency braking, automatic parking, a digital rear-view mirror, and a 3D-view 360-degree camera.

If you’re looking to add some style and show you are 'green', the Renault Megane E-Tech should be on your 2023 shortlist.  Waiting for your E-Tech, why not order a Renault Megane towbar to add practicality - check out our Invisible Megane E-Tech towbar.