Here it is finally on the road, the 100% electric Renault 5. After years of waiting, the revival of the popular R5 is now a reality. The Renault 5 E-Tech electric can now be ordered in its first version with 110 kW/150 hp, either in “techno” or “iconic five” trim. It is in this latter configuration that we offer you our test of the highly anticipated 100% electric Renault 5.
Announced in January 2021 by Luca de Meo (CEO Renault Group – CEO Ampere) as part of the “Renaulution” strategic plan presentation, the 100% electric Renault 5 first appeared as a concept car with the Renault 5 Prototype. The “renaissance” of the R5 took place precisely on February 26, 2024, at the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). The wait was very long. In a few days, in Paris, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric might overshadow the Renault 4 E-Tech electric, marking the 100% electric return of the R4. Here is our test of the new 100% electric Renault 5, officially named “Renault 5 E-Tech electric,” starting with its small sedan dimensions and design.
With a length of 3.92 meters (12.86 feet), a width of 1.77 meters (5.81 feet) without mirrors, a height of 1.50 meters (4.92 feet), and a wheelbase of 2.54 meters (8.33 feet), the Renault 5 E-Tech electric positions itself between the current Renault Twingo and Clio V. The new 100% electric Renault 5 is based on the AmpR Small platform (AmpR for Ampere). The designation “AmpR Small” is the new name for the “CMF-B EV” of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance: “CMF” for Common Module Family, “B” simply for segment B, and “EV” for Electric Vehicle. As a reminder, and this is far from a detail in terms of costs, 70% of the structural elements of the CMF-B (Captur – Clio) are taken from the CMF-B EV for the AmpR Small of the new 100% electric R5.
It is clearly a master design stroke by the diamond brand, which markets a new modern Renault 5 that in no way, for the diamond firm, adheres to the neo-retro trend. Let’s admit that we immediately fell under the charm of this novelty, forgetting the main fact that it is an electric car. Potential buyers should feel the same way and rush to buy the Renault 5 E-Tech electric.
Back in 1972, from its launch, the R5 was considered a friendly car thanks to its “square-eyed” look. This philosophy has been carried over to the new 100% electric Renault 5 with optics that incorporate a “luminous pupil,” knowing that standard LED headlights equip the Renault 5 E-Tech electric. These same lights are connected by a thin strip in the center of which the new Renault logo sits. Above, we find a flat hood conforming to the original R5 and an innovative charging indicator whose rectangular shape echoes the grille of the very first R5.
Below, the cut of the front bumper adds sportiness to Renault’s novelty of the year. As for the square-shaped light signature, it takes up the square design of the Renault 5 Turbo fog lights.
In profile, the new 100% electric Renault 5, with its slender curves and reduced overhangs, reveals a clean, graphic, and high aspect. On this point, the lateral windows of the new French electric car are of a reduced format. A “5” is visible on the front wings, while on all trims of the new electric Renault 5, the wheels are 18 inches in size.
Among all other design elements linking the 1972 R5 to the Renault 5 E-Tech electric, there is, depending on the trim, a red trim that recalls the metal gutter of the first R5s and, above all, the shape of the roof profiled of the Renault 5 Turbo. We also notice the presence of flush, almost invisible door handles, for the rear doors.
Viewed from the rear, the new 100% electric Renault 5 brings us back, again, to the first R5, with vertical lights with a relief and streaked finish. Another strip highlights the number “5”. Enough to launch a brand within the brand with this “5 visible” for months in communications announcing the new Renault electric car. The inclined rear part of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric is less worked compared to the front. There remains, always and still, a strong link with the first Renault 5. However, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric is visually closer to the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2. Observe carefully the small cut of the wings at the very structured rear lights of the R5, reminiscent of the large air outlets of the R5 Turbo and Turbo 2.
In the end, the 100% electric Renault 5 in “pop yellow” color can make anyone crack, it’s so sexy like Stephanie Seymour in her yellow swimsuit in the Pacific ad (for insiders or the older generation – to see by searching on YouTube).
The very modern interior of the new 100% electric Renault 5 takes up many codes introduced on the 1972 R5. For example, the rather enhancing quilted flat part of the two-level dashboard is highlighted with stitches inspired by the stripes of the first R5. Everything else is logically hyper-modern, with a central 10″ touchscreen for all trims. This same screen is linked, in one piece, to the driver’s 10.1″ digital instrument panel (from “techno” trim).
Always in “techno” and “iconic five” trims, the OpenR Link entertainment system operates in a connected Google environment, a funny avatar “Reno” functioning with ChatGPT, accompanying the driver via the voice command “Hey Reno”. This “Reno” is not very convincing to us, and its graphics clash with the other superb displays offered by the Renault 5 E-Tech electric screens. Modern, even ultra-modern for its embedded technologies, mainly its driving aids (ADAS), the new 100% electric Renault 5 is presented by the French automaker as “at the level of the upper segment and going beyond the new GSR II (General Safety Regulation II) regulations.”
In terms of habitability, the driver and passenger will be comfortable. In the rear, the 100% electric Renault 5 is designed for 2 adults or 3 children, with the space being somewhat disappointing. A city car remains a small car even if this Renault 5 E-Tech electric is quite wide. The trunk offers 326 liters of storage, which is suitable for a city car but perhaps insufficient for a weekend getaway.
Finally, the big moment has arrived, taking the wheel of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric. But first, it’s worth noting that the rear suspension of this electric R5 is a multi-link type, a technology rarely found in electric city cars. This promises good road behavior, especially since Renault engineers managed to keep the car’s weight at 1,456 kg (3,210 lbs).
Amazing! From the first few kilometers behind the wheel of the 110 kW/150 hp 100% electric Renault 5, you can feel the serious and thorough work done by Renault. To begin with, the steering is sufficiently direct and precise. In “Sport” mode, it becomes even more precise. Even though the 150 hp power of the R5 is sufficient, it lacks a bit. The 100% electric Alpine A290 will address this aspect, of course, but at a much higher price.
However, driving the Renault 5 E-Tech electric is clearly enjoyable. Its chassis is perfect, offering agility and stability, as well as constant dynamism in tighter curves. Let’s admit that we did not expect this level from the 100% electric Renault 5. Its reduced weight and “sharp” chassis make it an electric car that, if we can allow the expression: “doesn’t feel like one” in terms of driving pleasure. We navigate the turns with disconcerting ease, always in “Sport” mode for more driving sensations. It’s worth noting.
The seats of the 100% electric Renault 5 are also very comfortable, offering top-notch support—another undeniable advantage for this 100% electric R5. And one more strong point: an informal and very responsive brake pedal. It is very rare for an electric car to offer such impact, similar to a thermal vehicle when you “hit the brakes.” This aspect deserves a “very good” mention for Renault. How did the “geniuses” at the Renault Technocentre achieve this technological feat? Simply put, the hydraulic part, which allows for energy recovery during braking, is electronically managed. Feeling and experiencing a car when behind the wheel—isn’t that the most important thing for pleasure? This is indeed the case for the very successful Renault 5 E-Tech electric.
So, what flaws did we notice during our test of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric? We would have appreciated better-positioned door armrests because they touch the knees. If they had been mounted higher, it would have left more space while still allowing the elbow to rest. The hard plastic of the center console is also noticeable against the right knee.
Regarding displays, there is almost nothing to criticize, with the “killer detail” being that the colors of the “Renault 5” logo on the dashboard change according to the driving mode engaged. It’s just beautiful and pleasing. We would have appreciated being able to choose a traditional needle-based instrument panel, but Renault did not want to go neo-retro once again.
In the city and elsewhere, another pleasant surprise is that the Renault 5 E-Tech electric generates no rolling noise or other noises related to the cabin elements, a sign of thorough development. Bravo, Renault. In urban environments, you should consider the rather wide dimensions of the 100% electric R5. As mentioned in the introduction, this formidable Renault 5 E-Tech electric is almost a sedan. But still in the city, the 100% electric Renault 5 proves to be very maneuverable, with a high-level turning radius: 10.3 meters (33.79 feet).
Now let’s talk about the consumption data and range of the 100% electric Renault 5 with 110 kW/150 hp (torque: 250 Nm). During our test on rather winding roads around Nice, using the “Sport” mode at 50-60%, we recorded a consumption of 17.4 kW/100 km (27.99 kWh/62 miles). In real-world range, after a non-scientific calculation, this gives 299 km (186 miles). According to the manufacturer, the maximum range of the 100% electric Renault 5 is 410 km (254 miles) with the “comfort range” 52 kWh battery (WLTP).
Regarding charging, the R5 accepts up to 11 kW in AC. On paper, this gives a charging time of about 4 hours and 30 minutes to go from 10% to 100% battery on a public three-phase charging station. In DC, the charging power of the new R5 goes up to 100 kW. According to Renault, about 30 minutes would be enough to go from 15% to 80% battery.
In other figures, those of performance, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric with 110 kW/150 hp accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 8.0 seconds and can reach 150 km/h (93 mph). Other powertrains are planned for this R5: 90 kW/120 hp (urban range battery of 40 kWh) and 70 kW/95 hp (urban range battery of 40 kWh).
In conclusion of the test of the 100% electric Renault 5 with 110 kW/150 hp, it should, by itself, democratize the field of electric cars while being the most trendy “battery-powered” model of the moment. Thanks to its very attractive design, innovative and original interior, and excellent road capabilities for an electric car, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric should undoubtedly achieve great commercial success. In terms of price, our Renault 5 E-Tech electric test model in the iconic five trim (110 kW/150 hp – 52 kWh battery) is available from €35,490 ($39,028).
Text and test: Frédéric Lagadec
Photos: Renault and LesVoitures.com
