One of the most anticipated car models of the year: the new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, a new proposal from the French car manufacturer, designed to revolutionize the European electric car market. The car, which recalls the aesthetics of the Renault 5, an iconic model of the 70s both outside and inside, is part of the Renaulution plan and presents itself as a competitive solution in the electric car market, responding to the growing demand and challenges of international competition, with an eye to maintaining an accessible price for the European consumer. The estimated price it will, in fact, be around 25 thousand euros (although it will be officially announced in the spring). The first deliveries of the Renault 5 will arrive in the autumn. Different ones engine options, including 95, 120 and 150 horsepower variants, and two types of battery with autonomy estimated between 300 and 400 kilometers.
The Renault 5 is the flagship of the Renaulution plan and debuts on the market after three years of development. Initially just a project from the "Advanced Design" area, the car became a priority when CEO Luca de Meo expressed the desire for the production model to maintain the characteristics of the concept presented. Produced entirely in Europe, precisely in France at the Ruitz, Douai and Cléon plants, this car stands out for its environmental sustainability,. Without leather and leather, it is made with a quarter of materials coming from the circular economy, also including 41 kg of recycled polymers. Plus, its engines they do not use rare earths, contributing to more eco-friendly production.
Renault 5: the design
The Renault 5, officially renamed Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, represents a back to the origins with an iconic style inspired by the 70s model. His “retrofuturistic” design brings back the aesthetics of the past while maintaining dimensions and features with eye-catching front headlights and vertical rear lights. The project is also similar to the concept presented in 2021. The vehicle was developed in just three years, instead of the usual four.
The Renault 5 modernized the distinctive features of its predecessor, adapting them to contemporary technology. The front LED headlights feature a welcome sequence similar to a pupil winking at the driver. Furthermore, at theinside of the front headlights a small flag of France is inserted, together with a cockerel, the national symbol, both on the windscreen and on the sides of the loading opening of the trunk.
Le Rear lights of the Renault 5 are designed to improve aerodynamics, protruding slightly and collaborating with the spoiler above the rear window. The latter serves as a visual support for the roof, which can be painted in contrast and features a nod to the R5 Turbo of the 80s with a red line along the edge.
As regards the body colours, there are five options, a tribute to the Renault 5 name, including pearl white, étoile black, midnight blue, yellow and pop green. This selection of colors recalls the 70s catalogue, adding a nostalgic touch to the contemporary design of the car.
Le wheels, 18" in size with 195/55 R18 tyres, are positioned at the ends of the bodywork. The Renault brand lozenge logo has been replaced on the back by the extended brand name, accompanied by the number 5.
The Renault 5 is the first model to be developed on the AmpR Small platform, previously known as CMF-B EV, which represents the new construction basis of the new Ampere industrial division of the Renault group. Designed for B-segment cars, this platform stands out from Renault's other CMF variants with several features, including a flat floor, a long wheelbase, optimized habitability, a spacious load volume, a low center of gravity, a multi-link rear suspension and reduced weight less than 1.500 kg.
The adoption of the AmpR Small platform has allowed us to obtain economies of scale and reduce production costs, thanks also to a new battery architecture. The latter are divided into 3 or 4 large modules instead of 10 or 12 modules as in other electric cars from the French brand, helping to simplify and optimize the overall electrical system of the vehicle.
The Renault 5 stands out for its compact dimensions in the B segment of small cars. With a length of 3,92 meters, is positioned between the Twingo (30 cm shorter) and the Clio (9 cm longer). The battery positioned under the floor of the AmpR Small platform offers excellent space management, with a boot capacity of 326 liters in normal seating configuration, a unique feature in the B segment.
“There are no other B-segment electric cars on the market with similar capacity,” explains Renault.
Renault 5: the interior
The interior of the Renault 5 is characterized by a refined and lively design, with two main screens of 10" each, one central and one for the driver. The upper part of the passenger compartment is covered with soft and pleasant to the touch materials. The interior recalls the style of the Renault 5 of the past, with the decorated central dashboard with vertical stitching and also available with denim linings. The seats take the shape of the R5 Turbo.
Interior materials include 100% recycled denim fabric and other materials with a high percentage of recycling. The digital instrumentation behind the steering wheel can be 7" or 10" with different display options. The 10" central touchscreen welcomes passengers with a graphic and sound welcome sequence developed in collaboration with theIrcam and the artist Jean-Michel Jarre. The latter also created the external sound emitted by the electric vehicle when moving at less than 30 km/h, intended to warn pedestrians (VSP, Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians).
Il OpenR Link system It's integrated with Google, including Google Maps navigation that plans trips based on various factors. The car is equipped with a virtual assistant called Reno, which can interact with ChatGPT's artificial intelligence and the My Renault app. Among the features there is also the possibility of watching videos on YouTube when the car is stationary.
Il air conditioning It's controlled via physical buttons, the vents are illuminated, and there are customization details like a gear lever with an interchangeable cap. 3D printed accessories are available, such as organizers and holders.
Among the additional accessories there is also a basket for carry the French baguette.
Renault 5: the engine
The Renault 5 will be available with two different battery sizes and anmaximum autonomy up to 400 km. The electric motors are without rare earths and have three power levels: 95 HP, 120 HP and 150 HP. The 40 kWh battery offers a range of 300 km, while the 52 kWh battery reaches up to 400 km (WLTP). Both batteries use NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) cell chemistry and use a 400V electrification architecture offering bi-directional charging function, with V2L (vehicle-to-load) and V2G (vehicle-to-grid ), which allows you to power external devices such as vacuum cleaners, kettles or computers with up to 200 V and 3.7 kW of AC power. The maximum charging power in AC alternating current is 11 kW, while in DC direct current it is 80 kW with the 40 kWh battery and 100 kW with the 52 kWh battery which brings from 15% to 80% in 30 minutes .
The Renault 5 supports the plug and charge function to compatible charging stations, such as Ionity, allowing automatic connection, charging and payment thanks to the user's payment account stored in the car software, without the use of apps or physical cards. While charging, the battery level can be viewed from the “5”-shaped display on the front hood, where each line represents a 20% charge. Furthermore, the car is equipped with a heat pump for thermal conditioning of the passenger compartment and the battery, together with an 8 kW HVCH system to ensure a comfortable temperature after starting.
The endowment of driving assistance devices (ADAS) of the Renault 5 include a driver attention monitoring system, automatic emergency braking when reversing, front and rear sensors with emergency trajectory correction, safe exit of the occupants. The My Safety Switch button allows you to simultaneously activate or deactivate at least 5 ADAS via customizations on the multimedia display. Furthermore, theActivate DriverAssist offers level 2 autonomous driving functions, combining Adaptive Cruise Control with “Stop & Go” function with lane keeping assist. The latter also allows the vehicle to predictively adapt to the road ahead, anticipating roundabouts, curves and changes in speed limits.
Renault 5: starting price under 25 thousand euros
The new Renault 5 will offer a significantly cheaper price compared to other small electric cars on the market, with a saving of around 10.000 euros. The starting price will in fact be less than € 25.000. The official cost of the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric will be officially revealed in spring.
The Renault 5 range includes the fittings Evolution e Techno, in addition to the version “Collection” which evolves every year following fashion trends. The launch version will be the Iconic Cinq "Collection", with new customization accessories. L'standard equipment includes 18" wheels, 10" central display, Keyless Entry key, wireless smartphone compatibility, electric handbrake and Full LED headlights.
La Techno version it adds alloy wheels, 10" instrument panel, MULTI-SENSE settings, parking camera, OpenR Link multimedia system with integrated Google, induction battery charger for smartphones, luminous charging indicator on the bonnet and Active Driver Assist. The Iconic Cinq version adds two-tone paint, heated seats and steering wheel, Easy Park Assist, obstacle sensors and styling features.
To meet customer needs, the Techno and Iconic Cinq versions will also be available with a 40 kWh battery, subsequently offered with more accessible entry-level settings.
The subsidiary mobilize of Renault has developed a plan with energy brokers which allows users to return electricity to the grid via a home wallbox special, allowing savings of up to 50% on refueling costs. This service will initially be available in France, Germany and the United Kingdom, but in the future it will also be extended to other countries including Italy.
Through its subsidiary Mobilize, the manufacturer already has a plan with energy brokers which, with a particular domestic wallbox, allows electricity to be returned to the grid and savings of up to 50% on refueling costs. The option will be offered in France, Germany and the United Kingdom,
De Meo, Renault CEO: "it can be produced in Europe"
“With this vehicle we demonstrate that production in Europe, in France, It's really achievable” said the Italian CEO of Renault Luca de Meo.
The Renault 5 is the first model launched da Ampere, the independent subsidiary of the Renault group specializing in electrification. Will be assembled in Douai, France, inside the ElectriCity cluster of the French manufacturer, made up of car and component factories. Batteries will be provided by Envision Aesc starting next year, while electric motors will be produced at cleon, also in France. The automaker claims that theassembly of the Renault 5 it will only take nine hours, faster even than Tesla assembly.
