Renault’s new 5 E-Tech electric car is poised to challenge perceptions of modern EVs, blending nostalgic design with a dynamic driving experience that prioritizes driver engagement over mere efficiency.
The 100% electric model aims to merge its 1970s-inspired aesthetics with advanced technology, creating a distinct personality in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market. Its design often evokes a sense of familiarity, but the vehicle’s performance and feel are central to its appeal.
Driving the R5 E-Tech, drivers note an immediate sense of connection. The vehicle starts silently, with only a brief illumination of the “5” logo on the hood.
Its synchronous wound-rotor electric motor delivers instantaneous and smooth acceleration, available in power outputs of 70, 90, and 110 kW, equivalent to approximately 150 horsepower in its most potent configuration. This ensures a fluid and controlled takeoff without abruptness.
The car’s compact size, at just 3.92 meters, and a weight under 1,500 kg, combined with a very short turning radius, make it particularly agile for urban environments. Drivers describe its handling in city traffic and tight parking as effortless.
A multi-link rear suspension, a feature uncommon in its segment, contributes to both stability and comfort. The steering is light yet precise, adding to its maneuverability.
Beyond city driving, the R5 E-Tech offers a more spirited performance in “Sport” mode. The most powerful version can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just over seven seconds.
Instantaneous torque, coupled with an agile and balanced chassis, provides a neutral handling characteristic that instills confidence on more demanding roads. Many drivers perceive a “mechanical” communication from the vehicle, distinguishing it from a potentially sterile electric driving experience.
The interior maintains a minimalist yet welcoming aesthetic, integrating digital displays with nostalgic design elements. The OpenR Link system features integrated Google services, and its “Reno” voice assistant is noted for its intuitive and adaptive responses.
Equipped with a 52 kWh battery, the R5 E-Tech offers a WLTP range of up to 400 km (approximately 248 miles). It supports fast charging at 100 kW DC, allowing the battery to reach 80% capacity in about 30 minutes. The vehicle also manages energy intelligently with adjustable regenerative braking, minimizing range anxiety in urban settings.
The Renault 5 E-Tech is positioned as more than a successful revival of a classic; it aims to be an emotional driving experience, providing a “childlike joy” that many argue has been lost in modern driving. This focus on driver engagement suggests a potential new direction for electric vehicle design, emphasizing soul and connection alongside efficiency.
In select European markets, such as Portugal, pricing for the Renault 5 E-Tech starts at approximately $26,892 (24,900 euros). Specific versions, like the Roland-Garros edition, are priced around $39,420 (36,500 euros).