Renault is bringing back its legendary 5 model as a compact electric car that aims to capture the spirit of the original while embracing the future of mobility. The Renault 5 E-Tech electric, unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in February 2024, is the first car to be built on the new AmpR Small platform, designed specifically for small EVs. The Renault 5 E-Tech electric car is expected to go on sale in late 2025, with a starting price of around $25,000.

The Renault 5: a pop icon of the 70s and 80s

The Renault 5 was one of the most popular and influential cars of its era. Launched in 1972, it was a versatile, affordable, and fuel-efficient hatchback that appealed to a wide range of customers, from families to young drivers. The car was also known for its avant-garde design, featuring a distinctive rear window, a sloping roofline, and a large Renault logo on the front grille. The car was a success both in France and abroad, selling over 8.5 million units in its 14-year lifespan. It also spawned several sporty and rally versions, such as the Renault R5 Turbo and the Renault 5 Alpine.

The Renault 5 was discontinued in 1986, replaced by the Renault Supercinq. However, the car remained a cult classic among enthusiasts and collectors, who appreciated its charm, simplicity, and fun. The car also became a symbol of French culture and lifestyle, appearing in movies, music videos, and art.

The Renault 5 Prototype: a glimpse of the future

In January 2021, Renault announced its new strategic plan, called Renaulution, which aimed to transform the company into a leader in electrification, technology, and sustainability. As part of this plan, Renault revealed a concept car that surprised and delighted many fans: the Renault 5 Prototype.

The Renault 5 Prototype was a modern reinterpretation of the original Renault 5, with a retro-futuristic design that paid homage to the classic model while incorporating the latest innovations. The concept car featured a fully electric powertrain, with a battery pack located under the floor and an electric motor driving the front wheels. The car also had a digital and connected cockpit, with a large touchscreen, a head-up display, and a virtual assistant named Reno.

The Renault 5 Prototype was designed by Gilles Vidal, the former head of design at Peugeot, who joined Renault in November 2020. Vidal said that the concept car was inspired by the emotional connection that people had with the original Renault 5, and that he wanted to create a car that was fun, friendly, and accessible. He also said that the concept car was not a nostalgic exercise, but a vision of the future.

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric: the production model

The Renault 5 Prototype received a positive and enthusiastic response from the public and the media, who praised its design, its personality, and its potential. Renault decided to turn the concept car into a production model, which was officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in February 2024.

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is a faithful adaptation of the Renault 5 Prototype, with only minor changes to meet the regulatory and technical requirements. The car retains the iconic design cues of the original Renault 5, such as the rear window, the roofline, the logo, and the headlights. However, the car also has some modern and futuristic elements, such as the LED lights, the aerodynamic wheels, the flush door handles, and the hidden charging port.

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is the first car to be built on the new AmpR Small platform, which is a dedicated and optimized platform for compact EVs. The platform allows for a spacious and modular interior, with a flat floor, a sliding rear bench, and a large trunk. The platform also enables a high-performance and efficient electric drivetrain, with a 40 kWh or a 52 kWh battery option, and a range of up to 248 miles on a single charge. The car can be charged at a maximum rate of 100 kW on a DC fast charger, reaching 80% of the battery in 30 minutes.

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric also offers a smart and intuitive driving experience, with a 10-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital cluster, and a head-up display. The car is compatible with Android Automotive OS, which allows the user to access Google services such as Maps, Assistant, and Play. The car also features Renault’s virtual avatar, Reno, which can interact with the driver by voice, provide information and advice, and perform some commands. The car also has 26 advanced driver-assistance systems, such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot detection.

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric: a car for the masses

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is not only a tribute to the past, but also a statement for the future. The car is part of Renault’s ambition to become a leader in electrification, with a target of having 65% of its sales in Europe being electric or hybrid by 2025, and 90% by 2030. The car is also part of Renault’s vision to make electric mobility affordable and accessible to everyone, with a competitive price and a low cost of ownership.

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is expected to go on sale in late 2025, with a starting price of around $25,000. The car will be available in several trim levels and colors, as well as some customization options, such as 3D-printed accessories. The car will also have some exclusive services and benefits, such as the WT5 app, which allows the user to manage the car remotely, the 5 Mouvements program, which supports five French mobility collaborations, and the Maison5, an exclusive location in Paris where the car can be experienced.

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is a car that combines the best of both worlds: the charm and fun of the original Renault 5, and the innovation and efficiency of a modern electric car. It is a car that respects the heritage of Renault, but also embraces the future of mobility. It is a car that appeals to the emotions, but also meets the needs of the customers. It is a car that revives an icon, but also creates a new one.