Orders are open for the updated Renault Megane E-Tech Esprit Alpine at $55,990 plus on road costs, with a new 67kWh battery, 480km range, faster charging and V2L. Here is what's new, when it arrives and how it compares with the Tesla Model 3.
By Varun Punyamurtula ·
The Renault Megane E-Tech is back. Orders for the updated electric hatch opened in Australia today, 28 October 2026, with a new look, a bigger battery, faster charging and vehicle to load (V2L) for the first time. It comes in one well equipped grade, the Esprit Alpine, at $55,990 plus on road costs, but cars will not reach showrooms until the first half of 2027. Here is everything you need to know.
Quick answer: The new Megane E-Tech Esprit Alpine is a much better car than before, with 480km of range (WLTP), 165kW DC charging, V2L and a long equipment list including a massage driver's seat. The catch is price: at $55,990 plus on road costs it is $10,090 more than the new Tesla Model 3 RWD and $1,090 more than the Model 3 Premium RWD. Buy it if you want a compact, stylish European hatch rather than a sedan or SUV.
Our verdict in one line: the best Megane E-Tech yet, with a premium price to match. Wait for a test drive before you commit.
This is a major update of the Megane E-Tech, which first arrived here in 2023. The big changes:
That is $1,000 more than the old Megane E-Tech Techno EV60's regular list price of $54,990 plus on road costs. Paint options are $900 for metallic, $1,100 for two tone and $1,300 for matte.
Orders are open now with a $200 online deposit. Showroom arrivals are due in the first half of 2027, and Renault warns that production and delivery lead times of up to 12 months may apply. Renault says it opened orders early so it can allocate cars fairly across its dealer network.
At this price the Megane sits under the Luxury Car Tax threshold for fuel efficient cars, so it qualifies for the electric car FBT exemption on a novated lease under the current rules.
Our NSW, VIC and QLD drive away estimates are in the table at the end of this article, or use our car value and drive away tool.
The switch to LFP chemistry is good news for owners who charge at home, because LFP batteries handle regular charging to 100 per cent well. The faster AC charging also means a full charge overnight on a suitable home wallbox is easy.
The Esprit Alpine is the only grade, and it comes loaded:
Winner on equipment: Megane E-Tech.
The Megane E-Tech is a compact hatch with a raised, crossover style stance:
That boot is a good size for a car this short, bigger than many small SUVs. The compact length makes it easy to park in the city.
Standard safety features include seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking front and rear, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centring, emergency stop assist, blind spot intervention, rear cross traffic alert, a 360 degree camera, hands free parking and a safe exit warning for occupants. We will add ANCAP rating details when they are confirmed for the updated model. Confirm warranty and servicing terms with your dealer before you order.
The Megane's strengths are its compact size, hatch practicality, fast DC charging and rich equipment. Against the Model 3, though, it needs a sharp deal to make sense.
Go for it if: you want a compact European electric hatch, you value a big boot in a small footprint, and you are happy to wait until 2027.
Skip it if: you want the most range for your money (look at the Model 3 RWD), or you need a car before mid 2027.
Our take: a $200 deposit is a low cost way to secure an early build slot, but compare final drive away pricing against the Model 3 and EV4 before you hand over the full amount.
$55,990 plus on road costs, in one grade, the Esprit Alpine.
Orders opened on 28 October 2026. Showroom arrivals are due in the first half of 2027, and Renault says lead times of up to 12 months may apply.
Up to 480km on the WLTP test, from a new 67kWh LFP battery.
Yes. Vehicle to load is standard on the updated model, so you can power appliances and devices from the car.
At $55,990 plus on road costs it is under the Luxury Car Tax threshold for fuel efficient cars, so it qualifies for the electric car FBT exemption on a novated lease under the current rules.
Thinking about an electric hatch or sedan? Tell us what you're after and we'll use our network to find the best deal anywhere in Australia, on a new, demo, near new or used car. Get the best deal. Trading in your current car? We can help you sell your car too, and you can see what it's worth with our car value tool.
Prices and specifications checked on 28 October 2026 against Renault Australia's announcement. Images: Renault (overseas models shown); rivals image: Tesla, Kia Australia.
An estimate for a private buyer. Pick your state.
| List price | $55,990 |
|---|---|
| Stamp duty (NSW) | $2,000 |
| Rego and CTP, 12 months | $1,000 |
| Dealer delivery (typical) | $2,000 |
| Drive away, about | $61,000 |
Drive away by state: NSW $61,000, VIC $61,400, QLD $59,900.
Why a new car loses value so fast: about $5,000 of the drive away price is stamp duty, rego, CTP and dealer delivery. You never get that back when you sell, because the next owner pays their own. GST and any Luxury Car Tax are built into the list price, so they fade with the car's value over the years rather than vanishing on day one. The rest of the drop comes from age, kilometres and demand.
Estimates only, using 2026-27 rates. Rego and CTP depend on the car's weight, your insurer and postcode, and dealer delivery varies (some brands sell at one national drive away price). Ask the dealer for a written drive away quote.
Tell us what you're after and we'll use our network to help you find the best deal anywhere in Australia.
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