2025 Renault 5 E-Tech: The Iconic Return of an Electric Legend

The Renault 5 was once a iconic figure of its era. Today, it returns as an electric vehicle with a vintage twist, fully grasping its mission.

“Highly expected” is a term frequently overused, yet I genuinely cannot recall ever being this excited to slide into the driver’s seat of a new vehicle.
Renault 5 E-Tech Electric
, known in full, was initially conceived in 2021 as an updated version of the French company’s compact car designed for the masses. Those familiar with it might recognize it under its former moniker, the Le Car, though many Americans may not have any recollection of this fact. Enthusiasts, however, could be aware of the high-performance variant often associated with fiery performance characteristics.
Renault 5 Turbo
instead.

Regardless, Renault’s initial hatchback evolved into an iconic model that combined cost-effectiveness with functionality and sleek styling. This internal combustion engine vehicle remained available for almost 25 years and seemed ubiquitous across European highways. Reviving it—but this time solely as an electric car—has deeply resonated with many individuals in this region.

We’ve had varied outcomes with this method previously, particularly with the reintroduced Ford Capri. Does the electrified version of the Renault 5 fare any better?

I’m pleased to give you a two-word answer: hell yes.

What Is It?

A compact urban vehicle aimed at everyone, yet inspired by earlier times. Although Renault arrived somewhat later to the retro trend compared to brands like Mini and Fiat—who’ve been doing this for many years—the concept car managed to attract significant attention upon its unveiling. Despite rose-colored nostalgia playing a role, the limited selection of electric vehicles available then made Renault’s offering particularly appealing, giving consumers something exciting to anticipate.

A recognizable design, a fresh platform, and an attractive price make it one of the most discussed new vehicles this year. However, if it performs poorly, it might discourage those looking to move away from internal combustion engines (ICE).

What Are The Specs?

It boasts a competitive price point, starting at £22,995 ($29,800) in the UK. Similar to its predecessor, it’s not positioned as a luxury car but rather as a practical choice for all consumers. The model offers two battery choices, both directing energy to a solitary motor driving the front axle.

The base model 5 comes equipped with a 40kWh battery delivering 120 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 192 miles or 310 kilometers as per the European WLTP standards. Alternatively, there is an extended-range option featuring a 52 kWh battery that provides 150 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, capable of achieving up to 252 miles, which equals approximately 405 kilometers.

The compact battery vehicle accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 9.0 seconds, whereas the larger model achieves the same sprint in 7.9 seconds. Both models have a maximum speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). This exceeds most European speed limits except those on German unrestricted highways, making them sufficiently capable. In terms of charging efficiency, the car with a 40 kWh battery supports up to 80 kW rapid charging, enabling an increase from 15% to 80% charge level within 31 minutes. The variant equipped with a 52 kWh power pack can go even faster; it reaches 80% state-of-charge from 15% using 100 kW fast charging in just half an hour. While these speeds aren’t exceptionally impressive, remember that they’re designed as budget-friendly urban vehicles rather than long-haul touring cars.

It’s significantly larger than the initial model, which isn’t surprising since hitting this newer version wouldn’t result in such severe consequences like merging with the A-pillar or having the steering wheel pierce your solar plexus. (Such outcomes are generally discouraged nowadays.)

This doesn’t imply that there’s ample space in the trunk—it offers only 11 cubic feet when the seats are upright and expands to 39 cubic feet when they are folded down. This capacity should suffice for routine shopping trips or leisurely drives within the city, yet accommodating all four passengers along with their baggage could pose some challenges.

How Does It Drive?

I was driving the 52 kWh car in Techno trim. This model represents the mid-level specification, offering desirable color options such as green with a contrasting roof, which isn’t available at the highest trim level. Additionally, this version includes more stylish wheel designs compared to the top-tier option.

With a weight of 3,219 lbs, it’s practically lightweight for an electric vehicle. Combined with decent power output, it becomes quite enjoyable to cruise through city streets. The acceleration won’t jerk your neck forward, which is particularly pleasant in a market saturated with high-performance start-ups boasting immense horsepower claims.

The vehicle offers four drivable modes which can be selected using a “multi-sense” button located on the steering wheel. These options include Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Perso (a Renault term equivalent to ‘personal’). Each mode adjusts aspects like steering resistance, engine responsiveness, and more. For leisurely city drives, the Eco setting works just fine; although not very lively, this isn’t an issue since traffic often creeps along at about 11 mph. In most situations, the Comfort mode suffices with its balanced steering, responsive acceleration, and overall pleasant experience. While the Sport option does liven things up considerably and provides fun handling over twisty roads, it’s unnecessary for casual urban cruising.

In town is probably where the Renault 5 is going to spend most of its life. It’s just about the right size to fit in the city, the controls are light enough that tight turns are easy on the arms, its comparatively modest power means you won’t get into trouble too easily, and the WLTP range will easily keep you going for a week of commuting without having to recharge—at least in theory.

On the highway, everything feels smooth, quiet, and comfy. The car’s suspension allows for some intriguing shakes when driving over bumpy terrain; however, considering how much Renault charges, you shouldn’t anticipate floating along like clouds.

If you decide to turn up the heat using the Sport mode, you’ll soon find yourself amused. The vehicle handles nicely even at higher speeds; its steering becomes pleasantly firm in its most robust setting. Applying excessive acceleration out of corners might cause mild understeering due to its relatively modest horsepower and lower mass which actually adds to the enjoyment if this kind of driving excites you. However, the car’s weight becomes quite noticeable during aggressive maneuvers, making for a somewhat bumpy experience over uneven road surfaces. It may not rival a true hot hatch, yet it remains entertaining whenever you desire some spirited driving.

What’s Good?

Renault has excelled with the interior design. Instead of opting for an overly simplistic and screen-dominated approach to cut costs, they’ve incorporated various textures, contours, and intriguing elements throughout the cabin. This gives it a charming vintage feel without sacrificing modern functionality. Although many controls are managed through a 10.1-inch touchscreen, the Google-powered infotainment system, complete with CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, is intuitive and user-friendly.

When it comes to compact vehicles, the handling stands out. It’s enjoyable, lively, and brings joy to driving enthusiasts. Using youthful lingo, it’s got serious vibes for all the right reasons. The reasonable pricing further enhances its appeal. Shoppers no longer need to settle for mundane options just to enjoy a good drive.

What’s Bad?

On a 50-degree Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) day, and with varied driving conditions, Renault reported achieving 3.1 miles per kilowatt-hour. This calculation suggests that the 52-kWh battery could travel slightly over 161 miles on a single charge. While this falls significantly short of the advertised 252-mile range, colder temperatures in London can impact performance like this. Under milder conditions or with cautious driving primarily on less demanding routes, it likely would have achieved greater distances; however, even then, it represents a substantial reduction from expectations.

The A-pillars are quite substantial too, making visibility at intersections somewhat challenging when maneuvering into very tight spaces. Although this vehicle fits within compact electric and American size norms, it remains considerably larger than many others. So do not anticipate squeezing effortlessly into the smallest openings available.

What Is It Like as an Electric Vehicle?

It perfectly fulfills its purpose. Sure, the maximum charging speed isn’t incredibly fast, but this vehicle excels at urban driving and short journeys. The regenerative braking is smooth, ensuring that you won’t suddenly feel pulled back when cruising through town.

The actual performance was somewhat unexpected, though it wasn’t poor enough to warrant heading to your closest Renault dealership with protest signs. Since Europe hasn’t joined the NACS system, it utilizes Type-2 connectors instead.

If you’re a seasoned electric vehicle enthusiast, nothing will seem unusual to you. However, newcomers won’t feel like they’re missing out on what makes a traditional car a car.

Early Verdict

The new Renault 5 is a wonderful little thing, all told. It’s best suited to the city, at least when it’s chilly, and its slowish charging means longer journeys may require a bit more commitment than some may be willing to put in. It’s not just a good EV, but it’s a good car full stop. The price isn’t even bad, either.

The excitement is genuine, and the excitement is well-deserved.

Alex Goy is an independent journalist residing in London. His interests include British sports cars, tea, and the subtle thrill that comes from driving such a vehicle.

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