Driving the Renault 5: Navigating Nostalgia and New Energy

Renault is adopting the neo-retro approach for its latest urban vehicle and is resurrecting an iconic moniker. The "R5" pays homage to the model I remember fondly. However, this time around, it’s all-electric… Time to put it through its paces!

Creating fresh designs with nuanced nods to history has become the go-to strategy for certain brands. Renault is now embracing this approach as well. The Renault 5 embodies this concept successfully. Before my eyes stands a contemporary yellow vehicle, yet it evokes memories of the original R5—particularly its sloping rear window framed by vertical headlights. To aid recollection, a small tag inside the compartment behind the driver’s seat displays profiles of various Renault 5 models over time. Indeed, there's an unmistakable familial connection here; despite being shorter than a Clio at just under four meters in length. Nonetheless, the all-new Renault 5 E-Tech looks firmly toward tomorrow since it runs entirely on electricity. During our evaluation period, we tested the “Comfort Range” variant equipped with a 52-kWh battery delivering 150 horsepower (or 110 kilowatts), providing up to 245 Newton-meters of torque. This sums up what you need to know initially.

Small, but...

Aboard, the ambiance is remarkable! The Iconic Five finishes stand out, particularly the seats which bring back memories of those in the amazing R5 Turbo. Two 10-inch curved displays sit gracefully on top of a dashboard designed with a distinct '70s flair. Notable among these details is a motif resembling the grille of an older Renault 5, placed near the center console where you'll find the wireless charging pad and USB-C ports, along with what some still refer to as the ashtray. The R5 2025 does away with a manual gearshift (naturally), so the R-N-D selector now resides to the right of the steering column. Instead of using a traditional Park setting, simply switch off the vehicle via the ignition button located between the dual displays on the dash when your journey concludes. Above the windscreen wipers lies another control lever for the transmission; beneath this again are switches dedicated to managing the infotainment system. This arrangement means the driver will often use their dominant hand more frequently during operation. Buttons adorned upon the steering wheel include one labeled “Multi Sense” situated towards the right side, utilized primarily to toggle through various driving modes such as Eco—capped at 115km/h—or others allowing speeds up to 150km/h. Despite having access to higher velocities, drivers may opt into eco-friendly settings aimed at reducing overall fuel consumption.

Between Winter and Spring

Familiar with electric vehicles, I am well aware of the constraints posed by compact batteries, regardless of their promising WLTP ratings. These models may be cheerful, sociable, and energetic within urban settings but tend to struggle on highways. Thus, I eagerly anticipate subjecting the R5 to highway trials. Given that early mornings remain chilly during the initial days of the test period, this timing seems fitting. Fortunately, my Iconic Five model includes a built-in heat pump, so I won’t hesitate to use the AC comfortably. Ideally, the vehicle’s 52 kWh capacity should yield an official combined-cycle range of approximately 410 kilometers. However, reality paints a different picture; the onboard computer swiftly adjusts expectations down to around 330 kilometers. On the highway, particularly in colder weather conditions, one must plan stops roughly every ninety minutes once the charge drops below ten percent—around the two-hundred-kilometer mark. By the conclusion of several trial days, warmer temperatures begin to emerge. Interestingly, as spring approaches, the car demonstrates increased efficiency mid-journey. Now, reliable estimates suggest a cruising distance of up to 280 kilometers on the highway at full battery power under typical driving scenarios. Consequently, continuous operation without interruption becomes feasible for nearly two hours—a welcome improvement over earlier tests.

The Time to Live

At maximum capacity, the DC fast charger delivers 100 kW. In cold conditions such as frost, initial charges rarely surpass 40 kW. At an ambient temperature of about 15°C, however, we achieved a rate close to 70 kW. Consequently, expect to pause from 30 to 45 minutes to achieve a state where the vehicle’s battery level ranges between 80% and 85%, sufficient enough for returning to highway travel. Patience becomes key here. Renault included a thoughtful feature—a five-pointed star emblem on the hood serving as a charge status indicator. While relaxing near the charging station under the early morning sunlight, you can easily check the progress through peripheral vision without needing to stand up—an aspect I truly appreciate! On trips exceeding 100 kilometers at speeds ranging from 90km/h to 120km/h, our energy use averaged over 20 kWh per hundred kilometers. Slower travels, particularly those using smaller 18-inch tires equipped with winter tread patterns, resulted in lower consumption rates—about 16 kWh per hundred kilometers within city limits or during mixed-use roadways. Clearly, this isn’t suited for extensive daily commutes but remains viable for occasional outings beyond metropolitan areas. The compact nature of the vehicle restricts cargo space; trunk volume caps off at around 326 liters. Yet folding down the rear seating expands this significantly to approximately 1106 liters. However, certain features pose challenges. For instance, models fitted with the optional Harman Kardon sound system lack designated spaces for storing cords. Thus, these items end up occupying shared passenger area instead. Similarly, should you opt-in for connectivity equipment designed to convert the R5 into a large mobile power source via standard outlets, additional cabling will likewise share available cabin space.

Alive

The highlight is undoubtedly piloting the R5. Kudos to Renault for crafting such an agile and responsive electric vehicle. This compact marvel excels both on highways and through curves, spreading joy among drivers. Its braking system works well, helping maintain control with smooth precision. During our climb and descent of the Citadelle de Namur for photoshoots, these features proved invaluable. Naturally, due to its heft, robust suspension was necessary, leading to firmer dampening. On a section of the gently rolling Brussels Ring, the car exhibited some oscillation momentarily, but discomfort quickly subsided after those initial jolts. Despite experiencing lesser comfort levels previously, the Renault 5 E-Tech still impresses with its overall ride quality. Stylishly sleek yet powerful, it accelerates smoothly from 0 to 100 km/h in just eight seconds—enough power for four lightly packed adults. The interior exudes luxury upfront, though legroom remains limited toward the rear, particularly challenging for taller individuals like someone as tall as General de Gaulle.

The prices

The attractive French-made vehicle, boasting 150 horsepower, comes with a price tag of around €32,900 in Belgium. A less powerful model with a 40 kWh battery delivering 120 horsepower has a starting price of €27,900 in Belgium. For the Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic Five reviewed here—complete with every available option—the total expense reaches €34,900. Inside France, this same model would set you back €35,590. Over in Switzerland, purchasing the fully-optioned ‘Iconic Five’ as shown in pictures will run you about CHF 36,000. Understanding the constraints typical to compact EVs, the Renault 5 E-Tech offering 150 horsepower paired with a 52 kWh battery remains adequate for regular use when charged overnight at home via a charger rated at 11 kW. This setup also allows occasional trips outside your usual route and supports towing a light trailer up to 600 kg without issue.