Fun, iconic, innovative and in tune with modern times, the Renault 5 is back, reinvented to bring some sparkle to the world of compact electric vehicles.

The original Renault 5 sold over 5.5 million units across five continents from 1972 to 1985. Always ahead of its time, it was the first car to achieve fuel consumption below the symbolic 5 litres/100km at 90km/h, and was even available in an electric version as far back as 1974. It was visionary to the end, marking the beginnings of eco-design with a roof made from bonded natural fibres, unrivalled interior space and innovative style.

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric, faithful to the 2021 concept car, harks back to this glorious past while building on the enduring love-affair it shared with many. Yet it is also the epitome of modernity, from its all-electric AmpR small car platform through to its agile handling and cool, new technology. That includes Reno, the avatar who is ready to partner you on every journey, and a unique charging indicator on the bonnet.

 

A unique and emotive design

In the collective memory, Renault 5 is not just the original model launched in 1972. Renault 5 E-Tech electric fuses evocative design cues from three models: Renault 5 and Supercinq for their overall look, and Renault 5 Turbo for its wing extenders and attitude, sitting squarely on the road.

Unique in the Renault range, the light signature features two rectangles with rounded corners positioned in the front bumper, in the same place as the fog lamps on the Renault 5 Turbo. A floating design with the same rectangular effect is etched into the glass of the full LED headlamps.

While the wheel arches are circular, the structure of the wings echoes the characteristic shape of the arches on the original Renault 5. The colourful roof trim (in black, red or gold), the deep red of the vertical rear lights and the vibrant colours of the bodywork also bring to mind the original Renault 5 and its ability to make the city look brighter.

 

Modern proportions

Over 50 years, vehicle proportions have changed considerably. Setting the tone, Renault 5 E-Tech electric is modern in every way, with large 18-inch wheels at each corner, and minimal overhangs in a car less than 4m long (3.92m). The wheels are flush with the body, with wide tracks (1.55m at the front and 1.53m at the rear).

All these features appeared on the 2021 show car, which was designed without compromise. Drawing upon the latest prowess in engineering, these proportions have been maintained in the production model.

 

More compact than it looks

A vehicle of attractive proportions, Renault 5 E-Tech electric is nevertheless the same size as a small, nimble city car. At 3.92m long, it is just 9cm shorter than Clio. The optimised wheelbase (2.54m) – a promise of generous interior space – with very short overhangs is just 4cm shorter than on Clio. The width of 1.77m adds to the car's on-road presence without compromising its agility on city roads. Ideally sized with its underfloor battery, it stands 1.50m tall, just 6cm higher than Clio.

 

Bright iconic colours

Renault 5 E-Tech electric will be available from launch in five body colours, two of which are absolutely iconic: Pop Yellow and Pop Green. They are directly inspired by two emblematic shades that were present in the 1970s catalogue and that are forever associated with the Renault 5. An intense sparkle-effect adds a high-tech note to the pop art look. The effect is only visible when you look closely at the paintwork in the light. From a distance, the paintwork looks solid. The three other shades are: Artic White, Diamond Black and Midnight Blue. The two-tone paintwork with the Diamond Black roof will also be available on some trim levels.

 

A reinvented vent grille

The vent grille on the bonnet of the original car has been reinvented to keep up with the times. Today, it is a charge indicator in the form of the iconic number 5. When the driver approaches the vehicle, it lights up, illustrating the close interaction between human and machine. Another example of a humanised interface is the welcome sequence of the eye-shaped LED headlights, which ‘wink’ at the driver as they approach. Absent from the original Renault 5 but vital today for optimal efficiency are the aerodynamic features. Today, they are present but invisible, like the streamlined glass placed over the rear lights to optimise the airflow.

 

A two-tier padded dashboard

Inside Renault 5 E-Tech electric, the dashboard stylishly combines the most outstanding features of several generations of Renault 5: for example, the two-tier structure facing the passenger, the padded transverse layout, and the rectangular instrument cluster with rounded edges. On the Iconic Five high-spec trim level, the “Renault 5” signature can be seen on the black horizontal trim facing the passenger above the "padded" area, which with its elegant backlighting adds an extra touch of luxury and high-tech design. The same attention to aesthetic detail can be seen in the design of the air vents. Breaking from the usual standardised, transversal design, they borrow the design of the light signature on the front end of the car.

 

Iconic seats and upholstery

The strikingly modern design of the seats is inspired by the iconic R5 Turbo, with its H-shaped feature, a reminder that Renault was extremely innovative in this area in the 70s and 80s. Robust, original and welcoming, the denim upholstery makes a stylish contribution to the fun nature of Renault 5 E-Tech electric. Made from 100% recycled plastic (PET) water bottles, this denim fabric is used on the seats, dashboard and door panels on the Techno version. A symbol of bold design and a prestige signature, the Iconic Five blazes with colour for a high-spec vintage finish. The seats are upholstered in grey fabric, with the H in heather yellow, and a large printed '5', also in yellow. This upholstery is made from 100% recycled fabric.

 

Large horizontal screen

A dual horizontal screen gives a contemporary, high-tech, fun look to the interior of Renault 5 E-Tech. Facing the driver is a 10-inch digital instrument panel displaying driving information in full, with a choice of five different views. The central multimedia screen is also 10-inch. It is powered by the OpenR Link system with Google built-in for the Techno and Iconic Five trim levels.

 

Premium acoustic and thermal comfort

For premium acoustic comfort, the soundproofing is based on the same top-of-the-range standards as recent electric models in the Renault range. This starts with the smart cocoon, a patented new-generation absorbent material that insulates the battery from the passenger compartment. The motor suspension features a dual filtration system that uses the weight of the charger to soak up acoustic vibrations from the motor (a gain of 10 dB), contributing to the interior silence. Finally, an acoustic windscreen is standard on all versions. Further, a heat pump maintains thermal comfort in the passenger compartment, working with the 8 kW HVCH (High Voltage Coolant Heater) system, to save as much energy as possible from the battery. This feature quickly brings the cabin up to a comfortable temperature after start-up when the vehicle is cold. To pre-warm and defrost the vehicle before start-up, the cabin and battery can be preconditioned, either by programming the system or by switching it on remotely from the My Renault app.

 

Technologies with human added value

On board Renault 5 E-Tech electric, the technology is designed to be useful, convenient, and to contribute to a unique customer experience. From the innovative charging experience to the range of connected services, all the innovations available reflect the DNA of Renault's “voitures à vivre”. Further, the Reno avatar gives them a physical representation to focus on for the first time while giving voice commands, creating an even closer bond between the user and their car.

 

A full range of services to take advantage of the charms of V2G and V2L

With the V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology available on new Renault 5 E-Tech electric with the 11 kW AC bidirectional charger, users can save on the cost of home front wh, while benefiting from low-carbon electricity that can be fed back into the power grid in order to meet demand. Naturally, Renault 5 E-Tech electric can also be charged from a conventional charging point, at home or on the street.

With the V2L (vehicle-to-load) technology built into Renault 5 E-Tech electric's bidirectional charger, users can connect a 220V appliance, such as a hoover, kettle or electric barbecue to the car's battery, via an optional adapter. The power output of this function is 3,700 watts.

 

Advanced connected services with OpenR Link and Google

The award winning OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in has proved hugely popular since its launch on Megane E-Tech electric. Today, it is taking centre stage on the screens of Renault 5 E-Tech electric, providing access to Google Maps, Google Assistant and a host of apps (50 or more depending on the country and version) via the Google Play catalogue.

With a chip as powerful as that of a premium smartphone, the OpenR Link system runs more smoothly than other systems. Simple and intuitive, it can be used either by touch or by voice control with the built-in voice assistant. It is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wired and wireless too.

In this version, developed for Renault 5 E-Tech electric, the range of connected services provided by OpenR Link has been expanded to include V2G (vehicle-to-grid), V2L (vehicle-to-load) and Plug & Charge functions (depending on compatibility of charging points compatibility).

 

Easy planning of charges on the road

The main advantage of OpenR Link with Google built-in is the electric vehicle capabilities in Google Maps. It provides an estimated battery level upon arrival at the destination, suggests charging stops along the way, and calculates how long charging might take.

Drivers can also choose charging points based on the power ratings and payment method. When a driver selects a charging station, Google Maps will automatically factor in battery preconditioning for optimised charging and route planning.

 

Apps for everyone

Through Google Play, Renault 5 E-Tech electric includes a range of over 50 apps, some of which are specifically for brand vehicles as part of targeted partnerships. You can listen to music, learn about the history of the surrounding area or local tourist attractions, catch up on sport and news, have fun or watch a film when the vehicle is at a standstill or charging. Spotify, Amazon Music, Waze, SongPop for Renault, Vivaldi, Deezer and a wide range of other exclusive content enhance the onboard experience.

 

The Reno avatar, a new travelling companion

Renault 5 E-Tech electric is the first vehicle to feature Reno, a new virtual travelling companion. An avatar with a real personality, Reno supports and interacts with Renault customers throughout their user experience, both inside and outside the car. The feeling of empathy created will strengthen the emotional bond between the user and their Renault 5 E-Tech electric.

An example of technology being used to provide real benefit, Reno supports users in learning about the car and its functions. It is an EV specialist, able to answer all sorts of questions and take practical action. For example, you could ask: “Hey Reno, schedule a charge for 8am tomorrow” or “Hey Reno, how can I increase the range of my car?”.

Looking beyond electric functions, the Reno avatar can answer the 200 questions most frequently asked by customers and identified by Renault After-Sales: e.g.: “Hey Reno, how do I connect my phone to the car?” or “Hey Reno, how do I change a tyre?”.

Reno can also anticipate users’ needs with suggestions to adjust certain vehicle settings to the context: e.g. closing the windows for better air recirculation and to control the air purifier, setting the air conditioning in recirculation mode if it detects an increase in pollution, or switching from Sport to Eco mode in a traffic jam.

Last, with the integration of the artificial intelligence app Chat GPT, Reno can also answer many other questions in a smooth, conversational way.

Outside the car, Reno will also be available on the My Renault smartphone app. A series of video tutorials will help users learn more about all the possibilities of the car. Continuing to nurture the bond between customer and brand, Reno will act as an ambassador for Renault 5 E-Tech electric in a fun way (quizzes, etc.).

 

Safety Coach: personalised advice for more responsible driving

To provide support for drivers and reduce the risk of accidents, Renault 5 E-Tech electric is equipped with a safety tool called “Safety Coach”. This tool objectively assesses the driver’s behaviour and provides personalised advice for driving and use of the ADAS, to suggest possible improvements.

 

An open-ended range with original accessories

Alongside the Evolution and Techno trim levels, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric range will include a high-end version which works on the same principle as haute couture ‘collections’. This trim will change every year. For the launch, it will be Iconic Five. The vehicle will feature a range of unique personalised accessories, including 3D-printed storage spaces, taking customisation to new levels.

 

Made in ElectriCity

The ElectriCity complex bringing together the three manufacturing plants of Douai, Maubeuge and Ruitz in northern France, will be at the centre of the industrial system producing Renault 5 E-Tech electric. The vehicle will be assembled in Douai and the battery pack in Ruitz (prior to full manufacture of the batteries at the Douai gigafactory in partnership with AESC-Envision from summer 2025). The motor will be produced at the Cléon plant in Normandy, reflecting the decision to keep production in France.

This 4.0 production system is expected to cut the time needed to build Renault 5 E-Tech electric to nine hours. To do this, it will rely on the Industrial Metaverse, which has been designed to enable real-time optimisation of production through the millions of data fed back from the systems, all of which are now interconnected.

Renault Group's Industrial Metaverse paves the way for smarter, faster and better production, while reducing the costs and carbon footprint of industrial processes. Associated with artificial intelligence, it enables a predictive approach to energy consumption, reducing usage at the Group's industrial sites by 20%. The aim is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025 for both the ElectriCity complex and the Cléon site.

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric will achieve an overall level of recyclability of 85%, with 22% of materials taken from the circular economy, including 41kg of recycled polymers. The seat fabrics will be made from fully recycled material on the Techno and Iconic Five trim levels. This last one will also include bio-sourced materials for its steering wheel and interior insulation.