Driving Nostalgia: The New Renault 5 E-Tech Electric Brings the Past to Life
The automotive world is excited as Renault reintroduces an iconic model in a new, electrifying avatar: the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. This modern reinvention of the beloved Renault 5 seamlessly blends retro charm with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, making it a must-see for enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers.
As Renault advances its game in the electric vehicle market, the 5 E-Tech Electric promises to deliver a unique blend of nostalgic design and future-ready performance.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key features, innovative technologies, and why the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is poised to significantly impact the EV landscape.
What’s Changed Since the Concept Was Revealed in 2021?
The Renault 5 concept was revealed three years ago, and according to the brand, the latest production version retains 95% of its styling. It looks as futuristic as the concept, but it also keeps the retro vibe of the original 70s model.
The main differences can be seen up front, where the headlights have more of a kink in them at the bottom. It has slightly tweaked fog lamps and different wing mirrors. A charging indicator on the bonnet mimics the air vent feature of the classic 5.
The production model keeps the same side profile as the concept, in other words, it's suitably boxy. However, the squat, wheel-at-each-corner stance makes it look more sporty.
All models come with 18-inch wheels as standard. However, entry-level models have steel rims with covers.
Looking at the car's rear, the taillights are instantly recognizable as a 5, although they’ve been slightly tweaked to smooth airflow at the back and add a few miles of range. The vents off to the side are a definite hats off to the Renault 5 GT Turbo.
Interior and Infotainment
When you step inside, you can immediately see that the blend of modern and retro continues.
It has a two-step modern dashboard, while the denim-like coverings inject classic flair into the cabin. The seat material is made using recycled plastic bottles, and the upholstery is available in plenty of bright colors.
Other customizable options include swappable ends for the gear selector with different designs. You can change them without using any tools, so why not have one or more to choose from? A really unusual option is a little wicker basket you can sit in the passenger footwell to carry your fresh baguette.
The controls are nicely wrapped around the driver, and the standard displays are a 10.0-inch infotainment screen and a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display. Google Maps is just one of the apps that’s built in.
The trim levels are Evolution, Techno, and Iconic Cinq, and the standard kit includes keyless entry and start, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and LED headlights.
Higher-spec Techno models include Google integration, a reversing camera, and wireless smartphone charging. Top-spec Iconic Cinq adds heated seats and a steering wheel, plus front and rear parking sensors.
While the cabin is a little small, the boot is a decent 326 liters, around 60 liters less than the roomy Cleo supermini.
Motors and Performance
The new Renault 5 is available with front-wheel drive only. Although, there are three power outputs to choose from.
Entry-level models have 95 hp and can go from 0 to 60 mph in a mediocre 12 seconds. The mid-range 123 hp version can achieve the same in 9.0 seconds.
The top of the range is a 150hp motor that can do 0-60mph in a respectable 7.0 seconds (the same as the Volkswagen ID3 S but half a second slower than a Mini Cooper Electric).
If you’d prefer a hot hatch for its turn of speed, you’ll have to wait for the Alpine A290 to come along later.
Batteries and Range
There is going to be a choice of two battery packs to power the electric motor. The 40 kWh pack will be more than enough for driving exclusively in the urban jungle and delivers 186 miles of range.
If you plan to drive a little further in your 5, the larger battery will be the best option. A 52 kWh battery gives the retro Renault 249 miles of range.
Both batteries can be charged from 15-80% in around half an hour from a DC fast charger, and they come with vehicle-to-load charging. This means you can run household appliances using the car’s battery when you’re out and about.
The new R5 will be the first all-electric Renault to feature vehicle-to-grid compatibility, which will be able to intelligently feed electricity back into your home when electricity tariffs are high or even into the grid itself if demand requires it.
The new Renault 5 E-Tech electric, which was revealed at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show, is not currently available in the US. However, a related model called the Alpine A290 is essentially a hot-hatch version of the Renault 5 E-Tech. Unfortunately, the A290 is also not destined for US shores. If you’re hoping for a 5 E-Tech in the US, you might need to wait until around 2027, when Alpine plans to debut stateside
