Fun, iconic, innovative and in tune with modern times, the Renault 5 is back, reinvented to bring some sparkle to the world of compact electric vehicles.
The original Renault 5 sold over 5.5 million units across five continents from 1972 to 1985. Always ahead of its time, it was the first car to achieve fuel consumption below the symbolic 5 litres/100km at 90km/h, and was even available in an electric version as far back as 1974. It was visionary to the end, marking the beginnings of eco-design with a roof made from bonded natural fibres, unrivalled interior space and innovative style.
The Renault 5 E-Tech electric, faithful to the 2021 concept car, harks back to this glorious past while building on the enduring love-affair it shared with many. Yet it is also the epitome of modernity, from its all-electric AmpR small car platform through to its agile handling and cool, new technology. That includes Reno, the avatar who is ready to partner you on every journey, and a unique charging indicator on the bonnet.
In the collective memory, Renault 5 is not just the original model launched in 1972. Renault 5 E-Tech electric fuses evocative design cues from three models: Renault 5 and Supercinq for their overall look, and Renault 5 Turbo for its wing extenders and attitude, sitting squarely on the road.
Unique in the Renault range, the light signature features two rectangles with rounded corners positioned in the front bumper, in the same place as the fog lamps on the Renault 5 Turbo. A floating design with the same rectangular effect is etched into the glass of the full LED headlamps.
While the wheel arches are circular, the structure of the wings echoes the characteristic shape of the arches on the original Renault 5. The colourful roof trim (in black, red or gold), the deep red of the vertical rear lights and the vibrant colours of the bodywork also bring to mind the original Renault 5 and its ability to make the city look brighter.
Setting the tone, Renault 5 E-Tech electric is modern in every way, with large 18-inch wheels at each corner, and minimal overhangs in a car less than 4m long (3.92m). The wheels are flush with the body, with wide tracks (1.55m at the front and 1.53m at the rear).
The standard 18-inch wheels are a key feature in the ideal proportions of Renault 5 E-Tech electric. The 195/55 R18 tyres come with alloy wheels across the range. The ‘Techno’ wheel features the same design as the 2021 show car, and is the only one to swap its central diamond for a red ‘5’. The ‘Chrono’ wheel on the top-of-the-range Iconic Five trim level resembles a watch face with a hand for each hour, but showing only the number 5, a nod to the name of the model, when the central logo is vertical.
Renault 5 E-Tech electric will be available from launch in five body colours, two of which are absolutely iconic: Pop Yellow and Pop Green. They are directly inspired by two emblematic shades that were present in the 1970s catalogue and that are forever associated with the Renault 5. An intense sparkle-effect adds a high-tech note to the pop art look. The effect is only visible when you look closely at the paintwork in the light. From a distance, the paintwork looks solid. The three other shades are: Artic White, Diamond Black and Midnight Blue. The two-tone paintwork with the Diamond Black roof will also be available on some trim levels.
The strikingly modern design of the seats is inspired by the iconic R5 Turbo, with its H-shaped feature, a reminder that Renault was extremely innovative in this area in the 70s and 80s.
Robust, original and welcoming, the denim upholstery makes a stylish contribution to the fun nature of Renault 5 E-Tech electric. Made from 100% recycled plastic (PET) water bottles, this denim fabric is used on the seats, dashboard and door panels on the Techno version.
A symbol of bold design and a prestige signature, the Iconic Five blazes with colour for a high-spec vintage finish. The seats are upholstered in grey fabric, with the H in heather yellow, and a large printed ‘5’, also in yellow. This upholstery is made from 100% recycled fabric.
The electric motor of Renault 5 E-Tech electric uses Renault’s preferred technology: wound rotor synchronous. As it has no permanent magnets, it uses no rare earths, thereby reducing its environmental impact. The magnets are replaced by copper coils, with the wires being ordered and routed in such a way as to withstand the centrifugal force of the rotor.
Based directly on the motor of Megane E-Tech electric and Scenic E-Tech electric, Renault 5 E-Tech electric also benefits from the experience acquired with other electric motors, such as on Zoe, in terms of durability. It also gains several new features, including new-generation power electronics (inverter) and reworked reduction gear. The difference can be seen in size and weight. The motor is 15kg lighter with a rotor that has been made 3cm shorter to fit under the bonnet of Renault 5 E-Tech electric.
The AC/DC converter, transforming the 400V from the battery to 12V, and the accessory box managing power distribution, have been integrated into the charger in order to save space. The new powertrain weighs just 105kg, including the charger.
The motor is available with two power ratings: 110 kW (150hp / 245Nm) or 90 kW (120hp / 225Nm). The 110 kW motor is paired with the 52 kWh battery, while the 90 kW motor is paired with the 40 kWh battery. The first motor will be available at launch, with the other following at a later date.
For the 110 kW version, Renault 5 E-Tech electric accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in under 8 seconds and from 50 to 75 mph in under 7 seconds.
The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is planned to arrive in the UK in Q1 2025, with specification and prices to be announced in due course. Customers keen to be among the first behind the wheel can purchase an R-Pass, for £150, to place their order 10 days earlier than everyone else.
