Imagine strolling through the Geneva Motor Show, and there it is—the all-new Renault 5, making its grand entrance. Once affectionately dubbed “Le Car” in the U.S., this iconic supermini is back in Europe, but this time, it’s fully electric and ready to take on the urban jungle. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting debut.
2024 Renault 5 Review
A Nostalgic Comeback with a Modern Twist
Back in the Day vs. Today
Renault 5 Electric, last seen in 1996, has made a stylish return. The French automaker has cleverly retained the charm of the original while infusing it with modern, retro-futuristic elements. From the outside, the new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric looks like a sleek evolution of its 2021 concept. The headlights and vertical taillights pay homage to its predecessor, along with those bold wheel arches. A neat trick: the rear door handles are tucked away at the base of the C-pillars, creating the illusion of a classic three-door model, though it’s now a five-door vehicle.
Renault 5 2024 Interior Highlights
Step inside, and you’ll feel a wave of nostalgia mixed with cutting-edge tech. Vertical stitching on the dashboard and rectangular air vents are clear nods to the original Renault 5. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment system are framed in a way that recalls the blocky dashboards of yesteryear, yet they feature all the modern conveniences. Depending on the version, the driver’s display measures either 7.0 or 10.0 inches, complemented by a 10.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment.
Compact Yet Spacious: Size and Practicality
Despite its compact size, the Renault 5 is designed to maximize space. At 154.3 inches long, 69.7 inches wide, and 59 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 100 inches, it offers a surprising amount of room. The cargo capacity is a practical 11.5 cubic feet, and it sits on substantial 18-inch wheels with 195/55 R18 tires. Positioned between the Twingo and Clio in size, it’s the first model to utilize the AmpR Small platform (formerly known as CMF-B EV).
Power and Performance: Battery and Motor Options
The Renault 5 offers two battery options. The lighter version, with a 40.0-kWh battery, weighs in at 2,976 pounds and offers either 95 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque or 120 hp and 166 lb-ft. The more robust 52.0-kWh battery model weighs 3,197 pounds and delivers an impressive 150 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. This beefier version accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in under eight seconds and from 50 to 75 mph in less than seven seconds, with a top speed of 93 mph.
Battery and Charging Capabilities
The Renault 5 is packed with impressive battery and charging options. If you opt for the base battery, you’ll get 186 miles (300 kilometers) on the WLTP combined cycle. Want more range? Go for the upgraded battery, and you’ll enjoy up to 249 miles (400 kilometers). Charging is a breeze too. The AC charger delivers 11 kilowatts, while DC fast charging kicks it up a notch with 80 kilowatts for the smaller battery and 100 kilowatts for the larger one. This means you can charge from 15 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. A quick note, though—the entry-level model with the 95-hp motor doesn’t support DC charging.
Advanced Engineering and Features
Renault has pulled out all the stops with the engineering on the new Renault 5. It features a multi-link rear independent suspension, which isn’t something you typically see in this segment. This setup ensures a smoother and more comfortable ride, especially important for city driving. Plus, it comes with bidirectional charging, so you can use the car’s battery to power your appliances, and a heat pump to warm up the cabin quickly. The brake energy recuperation system helps recharge the battery while you’re driving. One of the coolest features? The oversized 5 logo on the hood doubles as a battery charge indicator light—how clever is that?
2024 Renault 5 Price and Manufacturing
Starting at around €25,000 in Europe (about $27,000), the Renault 5 offers great value. Renault is keeping things local by manufacturing the car in France. And the excitement doesn’t stop here—Renault is also bringing back the R4, which will be fully electric, along with the next-generation Twingo. Both of these models have been teased with concept cars and are set to launch in 2025 and 2026.
