Renault 5 E-Tech 2025: The Icon Returns Triumphant in Electric Style

The Renault 5 was once a iconic figure in automotive history. Today, it returns as an electric vehicle with a vintage twist, and it nailed its mission.

The frequently overused expression “highly anticipated” might be cliché, but I genuinely cannot recall ever being this excited to take the driver’s seat of a brand-new vehicle.
Renault 5 E-Tech Electric
, to use its complete title, was initially conceived in 2021 as an updated version of the French company’s compact car designed for everyone. Those from America might recall it as the Le Car, though many may not remember it at all; others who are passionate about cars might instead be familiar with the high-performance variant.
Renault 5 Turbo
instead.

Regardless, Renault’s initial hatchback turned into an iconic model that combined cost-effectiveness with functionality and sleek styling. This internal combustion engine vehicle remained on the market for almost 25 years and could be spotted virtually anywhere across European highways. Reviving this design exclusively as an electric car is touching many individuals around here quite deeply.

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

I’m delighted to provide you with a brief response: absolutely.

What Is It?

A compact city vehicle designed for everyone, yet inspired by yesteryears. Although Renault arrived somewhat belatedly to the retro scene – with brands like Mini and Fiat having dominated this space for many years – their conceptual car garnered significant attention upon unveiling. Even though nostalgia can be powerful, the limited selection of electric vehicles back then didn’t offer much excitement; however, Renault provided an enticing glimpse into what was ahead.

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.

What Are The Specs?

Priced sharply, it starts at £22,995 ($29,800) in the UK. Similar to its predecessor, it isn’t marketed as a luxury car but rather as one for all audiences. You can select between two battery choices, both directing energy to a solitary motor driving the front wheels.

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 based on European WLTP standards. Alternatively, there is an extended-range version featuring a larger 52 kWh battery capable of producing 150 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, providing a driving distance of up to 252 miles, which equals approximately 405 kilometers.

The compact battery model accelerates from 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds, whereas the larger variant achieves the same sprint in just 7.9 seconds. Despite their size difference, both models reach a maximum speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). This exceeds most European speed limits except those on Germany’s unrestricted highways; hence, they offer sufficient performance. In terms of recharging capabilities, the vehicle with a 40 kWh battery pack supports up to 80 kW rapid charging, enabling it to go from 15% to 80% charge in about 31 minutes. The version equipped with a 52 kWh battery can handle even faster charges—up to 100 kW—and reaches the same state of charge range within roughly 30 minutes. While these recharge speeds might not be groundbreaking, remember that these cars are primarily designed as budget-friendly urban vehicles rather than long-distance cruisers.

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 aren’t considered acceptable nowadays.

This doesn’t imply that there’s ample storage space in the car—even with the rear seats folded down, the trunk offers only 11 cubic feet of space when they’re upright and expands to 39 cubic feet when they’re lowered. This should suffice for your weekly shopping trips or leisurely drives within the city, but fitting all four passengers along with their baggage could pose some challenges.

How Does It Drive?

I was driving the 52kWh car in Techno trim. This model sits mid-tier, offering appealing color options (for instance, the highest trim doesn’t include green with a contrasting roof, plus it misses out on the most stylish rims).

With a weight of 3,219 lbs, it’s practically lightweight for an electric vehicle. Combined with decent power output, zipping through the city becomes quite enjoyable. The acceleration won’t jerk your head forward, which is particularly pleasant in a market saturated with hyperbole about incredibly powerful new models making extravagant claims.

The vehicle offers four drivable modes which can be selected using a “multi-sense” button located on the steering wheel. These modes include Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Perso—where ‘Perso’ stands for ‘personal’ as Renault likes to call it. Each mode adjusts factors such as steering resistance, engine responsiveness, among others. When navigating through city streets slowly, Eco mode works just fine; although not very lively, this isn’t an issue since typical traffic speeds rarely exceed 11 mph here. For most situations, the Comfort setting suffices with its balanced handling, responsive gas pedal, making everything quite enjoyable. While switching to Sports mode does liven things up considerably and provides fun twists along winding roads, it might be overkill for casual urban cruising where you probably won’t require those extra boosts.

The Renault 5 is likely to see most of its time spent in the city. Its dimensions make it well-suited for urban environments; the steering and brakes are responsive enough for navigating narrow streets effortlessly; its relatively low horsepower ensures you’re less prone to speeding tickets; plus, with an EPA-rated range that could cover your weekly commute sans refueling—assuming everything goes according to plan.

On the expressway, it remains smooth, silent, and cozy. The suspension allows for somewhat intriguing jolts when driving over bumpy terrain; however, considering what Renault is asking for this vehicle, one shouldn’t anticipate riding on clouds.

If you decide to step up your game and use the Sport mode, you’ll likely find yourself amused pretty soon. The vehicle accelerates smoothly at higher speeds, offering satisfyingly robust steering feedback in its firmest configuration. However, applying excessive acceleration out of corners might lead to mild understeering due to lower power output and manageable weight; this actually makes for an enjoyable driving experience. Despite feeling somewhat hefty during spirited drives, which also causes a slightly jittery ride over uneven terrain, it doesn’t pretend to be a hot hatch yet still delivers plenty of enjoyment when you seek it.

What’s Good?

Renault has excelled with the interior design. Instead of opting for an overly simplistic and cost-effective approach filled with screens, they’ve added various textures, contours, and intriguing elements throughout the cabin. This gives it a charming vintage feel without sacrificing functionality. While many controls can be managed through a large 10.1-inch touchscreen, the Google-powered entertainment system, complete with CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

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 totally vibe-y in the most positive sense. The reasonable price tag further adds to its appeal. Shoppers no longer need to settle for mundane options just to enjoy themselves.

What’s Bad?

On a chilly day at 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), combined with varied driving conditions, the Renault reported achieving 3.1 miles per kilowatt-hour. This calculation suggests that the car could travel approximately 161 miles on a single full charge from its 52-kilowatt hour battery. While this falls significantly short of the advertised range of 252 miles, colder temperatures in London can affect performance like this. If the weather had been milder or if driven conservatively only on less demanding routes, it might have performed better; however, even then, it represents quite a substantial reduction from expectations.

The A-pillars are quite substantial too, making visibility at intersections somewhat challenging when spaces become very narrow. Although this vehicle fits smaller electric cars and U.S. norms for compactness, it remains larger than many objects around us. Do not anticipate squeezing into the smallest openings you find.

What Is It Like as an Electric Vehicle?

It perfectly fulfills its purpose. Sure, the maximum charging speed isn’t incredibly fast, but it’s designed for city driving, brief journeys, and navigating through traffic. The braking regeneration is gentle, which means you won’t suddenly feel pulled down when moving slowly around town.

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

If you’re a seasoned electric vehicle enthusiast, everything will seem familiar to you. However, newcomers won’t feel like they’re missing out on typical car features.

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 a self-employed writer residing in London. His interests include British sports cars, tea, and the subtle thrill that comes with driving such vehicles daily.

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