Volkswagen ID.4 vs Renault Megane E-Tech: Which One Should You Buy?

So, you’ve narrowed it down to the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric. Good choices—both are solid EVs, priced similarly, and promise a greener future. But which one actually fits your life and won’t drive you insane with hidden flaws? Let’s get into it.

Who Should Buy a Volkswagen ID.4 or a Renault Megane E-Tech?

The Volkswagen ID.4 is a family-friendly SUV. If you have kids, a dog, or just like the idea of sitting higher on the road, this one makes sense. It’s roomy, practical, and feels like a car built for long road trips. But—it’s not the most exciting. Think of it as the reliable but slightly boring friend.

The Renault Megane E-Tech, on the other hand, is more for city dwellers or people who don’t need a ton of space. It’s smaller, more stylish, and feels a bit more agile. If you’re mostly doing urban driving with the occasional weekend getaway, this might be the one for you.

Inside Story: Practicality and Comfort

The ID.4 is all about space. You get a higher seating position, a spacious back seat, and a big trunk (around 543 liters). It’s easy to get in and out of, and the seats are comfortable for long drives. But here’s the kicker—the infotainment system is a disaster. The touch-sensitive controls are frustrating, and even seasoned drivers struggle with them.

The Megane E-Tech is more compact, but Renault made smart use of space. The 440-liter trunk is decent, and the seats are surprisingly comfortable. The infotainment? Way better than VW’s mess. It’s intuitive, responsive, and doesn’t make you want to drive off a cliff.

Noise insulation? The ID.4 wins—much quieter on the highway. The Megane isn’t bad, but you hear more road noise at higher speeds.

Motors: Performance for Real People

Volkswagen ID.4: Comes with different power levels, but the most common has a 150 kW (204 hp) motor. 0-100 km/h in around 8.5 seconds. Decent range: around 500 km (310 miles) on WLTP, but real-world? Expect closer to 420 km (260 miles).

Renault Megane E-Tech: The top version has 160 kW (218 hp), so slightly more power. But because it’s lighter, it feels quicker. 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds. Range? Around 470 km (292 miles) WLTP, but real-world is more like 400 km (250 miles).

Both cars handle fine for everyday driving, but the Megane feels sportier. The ID.4 is more relaxed. If you like zipping through traffic, the Renault is more fun.

Bells and Whistles: Tech That Matters

Volkswagen ID.4: Has all the safety tech you’d expect: adaptive cruise control, lane assist, etc. The problem? VW’s software is buggy. Expect occasional glitches and slow response times.

Renault Megane E-Tech: Better infotainment system, Google-based, and just works. Also has all the safety features, and they actually function without making you want to punch the screen.

Long-Term Value

Both cars hold value decently, but VW’s brand reputation helps the ID.4 retain resale value better. Renaults tend to depreciate faster. Insurance? The Megane is slightly cheaper to insure.

Maintenance? The ID.4 has some software issues, while the Megane isn’t immune to electrical gremlins. Both are fairly new models, so long-term reliability is still a question mark.

Pros and Cons

Volkswagen ID.4:
+ Spacious and comfortable
+ Good range
– Infotainment is awful
– Buggy software

Renault Megane E-Tech:
+ Better infotainment
+ Feels sportier
– Not as much space
– More road noise

Maintenance – Real Talk

VW’s software updates are a pain. Renault’s electrical issues can be annoying. Common repairs? A dented bumper on the ID.4 costs more because it’s an SUV. Megane parts are cheaper, but Renault dealers can be slow.

Both handle winter fine, but the ID.4’s heavier weight gives it better traction.

Europe’s Opinion

The ID.4 sells well in Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway. The Megane is more popular in France and Spain. In my village? I see more ID.4s, but Renault fans are loyal.

The Mechanic’s Take

If you want space, comfort, and don’t mind VW’s infotainment disaster, get the ID.4. If you prefer something more fun, with better tech, and don’t need a big trunk, get the Megane.

Personally? I’d take the Megane—because I like my infotainment to actually work.