Some cars are born out of nostalgia, others out of necessity—but once in a while, one emerges from both. The all-new Renault 5 E-Tech is from that breed, it’s the electric reinterpretation of one of Europe’s most beloved hatchbacks, a car that charmed millions with its compact size, playful design, and its spirit.
Now, in its second act, the Renault 5 is back, smarter, cleaner, and quite a bit of fun.
First things First:
Renault 5 E-Tech honored with the esteemed ‘Car of the Year 2025’ award by a European jury, jointly with the Alpine A290. The announcement was officially made at the Brussels Motor Show.
Design
Design looks lively, with its trapezoidal LED headlights, upright stance, and cheeky design flourishes, it evokes the soul of the original 1970s R5.
Hidden rear door handles, and illuminated icons like the state-of-charge “5” badge on the hood modernize the familiar silhouette. The color palette is bit different and bit bold the “Pop Yellow” and “Pop Green” adds playful energy to its presence, while details like vertical taillights and retro-styled alloys pay homage without slipping into kitsch.
Purpose-Built from the Battery Up
Underneath its charming shell, the Renault 5 E-Tech rides on the all-new AmpR Small platform, developed by Ampere exclusively for small EVs. This isn’t a converted gas car, it’s electric from the ground up. That means:
• Flat floor, better interior space
• Low center of gravity, agile handling
• Lighter weight (under 1,500 kg)
• Multi-link rear suspension, a rarity in this segment
The result? A compact electric hatch that feels far more refined and fun to drive than most cars in its price bracket.
Two Battery Choices, One Affordable Mission
The 5 E-Tech will launch with two powertrains:
• Urban Range:
o 40 kWh battery
o 120 hp
o ~195 miles (WLTP) range
o 80 kW DC fast charging
• Comfort Range:
o 52 kWh battery
o 147 hp
o Up to 252 miles (WLTP)
o 100 kW DC fast charging
Both come with an 11 kW onboard AC charger. And with a starting price in Europe of around €25,000, the Renault 5 is shaping up to be one of the most affordable and compelling electric hatchbacks on the market.
Interior
The dash features design cues from the original R5, with colorful accents , playful materials, and a surprising sense of space. You’ll find:
• 10.1-inch infotainment screen
• 12-inch digital gauge cluster
• Built-in Google services with over-the-air updates
• You will also have an animated AI assistant called Reno, that will act as your onboard guide and an EV expert.
The premium Techno trim even features denim upholstery, giving the interior a hip, youthful energy that’s hard not to like.
Cargo space sits at a respectable 12 cubic feet, and while rear seat legroom is a little tight, front-seat comfort is excellent—even for taller drivers.
Technology
Renault 5 E Tech isn’t overloaded the 5 with gimmicks, it focused on smart, functional tech:
• Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities
• Smart cocoon soundproofing for cabin comfort
• Level 2 driver assist features, like adaptive cruise and lane centering
• Bi-directional charging, allowing owners to save money by selling energy back to the grid
Our Thoughts:
The Renault 5 E-Tech isn’t just a love letter to a classic—it’s a clear-eyed, forward-thinking EV with real-world range, fun dynamics, and a price that doesn’t burn a hole in pocket. It brings character and some emotion without the bloated tech or sky-high price tags that dominate the segment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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