Head-to-head
Renault Megane E-Tech vs Abarth 500e
The Renault Megane E-Tech starts $5,510 (9%) below the Abarth 500e. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · Hatch
Renault Megane E-Tech
Renault's first dedicated EV platform — a small hatch that hides a 65 kWh battery under a compact body. Strong design and a polished cabin set it apart from cheaper Chinese rivals.
- From
- $54,990
- Range
- 454 km
- Battery
- 65 kWh
Option B · Hatch
Abarth 500e
Abarth-flavoured Fiat 500e with more power, sharper chassis tuning, and an artificial 'engine note' speaker. A genuinely fun small EV with niche appeal.
- From
- $60,500
- Range
- 270 km
- Battery
- 42 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Renault Megane E-Tech and Abarth 500e, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Renault Megane E-Tech
The Renault Megane E-Tech goes 184 km further on a charge (454 vs 270 km WLTP).
- 2
Battery · advantage Renault Megane E-Tech
The Renault Megane E-Tech carries a 23.0 kWh larger battery (65 vs 42 kWh).
- 3
Boot · advantage Renault Megane E-Tech
The Renault Megane E-Tech swallows 255 L more cargo with the rear seats up (440 vs 185 L).
- 4
DC charging · advantage Renault Megane E-Tech
The Renault Megane E-Tech accepts 44 kW more DC peak charging (129 vs 85 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 5
Warranty · advantage Renault Megane E-Tech
The Renault Megane E-Tech covers the vehicle for 2 more years (5 vs 3 yrs).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Renault Megane E-Tech wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $5,510
- ▸ 184 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (129 kW vs 85 kW)
- ▸ Longer warranty (5 years)
Where the Abarth 500e wins
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (7s vs 7.4s)
Renault Megane E-Tech
What we like
- ✓ Premium-feel cabin for the segment
- ✓ Strong WLTP range from a small package
- ✓ Native Google built-in infotainment
What we don't
- ✕ More expensive than direct Chinese rivals
- ✕ Modest 0–100 for the segment
- ✕ Renault dealer network limited in regional areas
Abarth 500e
What we like
- ✓ Genuinely entertaining small EV to drive
- ✓ Iconic Abarth styling
- ✓ Distinctive simulated engine sound
What we don't
- ✕ Range under 280 km WLTP
- ✕ Tiny boot
- ✕ Premium over the standard 500e
Frequently asked: Renault Megane E-Tech vs Abarth 500e
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Renault Megane E-Tech or the Abarth 500e?
- The Renault Megane E-Tech is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $54,990 versus $60,500 for the Abarth 500e, a $5,510 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Renault Megane E-Tech has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 454 km, 184 km further than the Abarth 500e's 270 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Renault Megane E-Tech accepts a peak DC charging rate of 129 kW versus 85 kW for the Abarth 500e. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Abarth 500e does 0–100 km/h in 7.0 seconds — 0.4 s quicker than the Renault Megane E-Tech's 7.4 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the Renault Megane E-Tech better value than the Abarth 500e?
- On paper the Renault Megane E-Tech is $5,510 cheaper AND beats the Abarth 500e on most of the headline specs we measure — meaning by spec-sheet logic it's the stronger value play. What a spec sheet can't capture: brand prestige, dealer network depth, build feel, software polish, and likely resale.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Renault Megane E-Tech
if…
- ✓ you want to save $5,510 on the sticker
- ✓ maximum range matters (184 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly load it up (255 L more boot)
- ✓ peace-of-mind warranty matters (2 more years of cover)
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.