The French BRI set to replace its Megane III RS
In service since 2011, the Renault Mégane III RS of the Rapid Intervention Brigade is about to bow out. Who will replace it?

Created in 1967 with the rise of highways in France, the Rapid Intervention Brigade developed with the main goal of preventing and apprehending major speeding offenses.
Historically equipped with the flagship French automobile of each era, notably the Alpine A110, the Renault R21 2.0L Turbo, and most recently the Renault Megane III RS, it is time for the latter to be replaced. It should be noted, however, that the French government has sometimes opted for foreign models, such as the famous Subaru Impreza WRX with its distinctively sounding boxer engine.
After 9 years of faithful service across all corners of France, the Megane III RS and its 265 hp are looking for a successor.
The latter will be chosen among the three contenders for the title, namely the Alpine A110, (previously tested by our editorial team), the Mégane IV RS and the Cupra Leon.
On paper, the cars are in the same category: 252 hp for the Alpine, 300 hp for the Megane but with more weight, and two engine options for the Cupra with a 2.0L of 310 hp or a 1.5L of 245 hp.
Faced with the BRI testers on the circuit; it seems that the practicality of a 5-door is favored, sidelining the Alpine.
Also, due to the possibility of choosing the station wagon version, called ST by the Spanish, the Cupra Leon seems favored to win the State’s approval. The utilitarian aspect seems logical given the onboard equipment.
The decision will be ratified in the coming weeks, but one thing is certain, there will be at least 250 horsepower to monitor French highways in the years to come.
Years | Vehicle | Power | Maximum speed | Time from 0 to 100 km/h | |
1 | 1966 – 1967 | Matra Djet 6 | 105 hp | 200 km/h | 6.5 s |
2 | 1966 – 1973 | Alpine A110 | 125 hp | 215 km/h | 8.2 s |
3 | 1973 – 1987 | Alpine A310 | 125 hp | 215 km/h | 8.2 s |
4 | 1973 – 1979 | Citroën SM V6 (Maserati engine) | 178 hp | 220 km/h | 10.2 s |
5 | 1984 – 1987 | Renault 18 Turbo | 125 hp | 192 km/h | 10.5 s |
6 | 1987 – 1992 | Citroën CX Gti | 136 hp | 197 km/h | 10.4 s |
7 | 1992 – 1995 | Renault 21 2.0L Turbo | 175 hp | 227 km/h | 8.0 s |
8 | 1995 – 1998 | Peugeot 405 T16 | 220 hp | 231 km/h | 7.5 s |
9 | 1998 – 2006 | Peugeot 306 S16 | 167 hp | 216 km/h | 7.8 s |
10 | 2001 – 2006 | Renault Megane IDE | 140 hp | 209 km/h | 8.7 s |
11 | 2006 – 2011 | Subaru Impreza WRX | 225 hp | 260 km/h | 5.2 s |
12 | 2011 – 2020 | Renault Megane III RS | 265 hp | 255 km/h | 5.9 s |