The high-performance newcomer, featuring a 540-horsepower setup, will hit the market in 2027, with a limited production run of 1,980 units.
The high-performance newcomer, featuring a 540-horsepower setup, will hit the market in 2027, with a limited production run of 1,980 units.
The "regular" production Renault 5 hatchback, known for its retro-inspired design, was fully unveiled in late February 2024 during the Geneva Motor Show. It’s worth noting that this project was handled by Renault's Ampere division, with the five-door model based on the AmpR Small platform—a refined version of the CMF-B architecture. Buyers can choose between two battery capacities, 40 kWh or 52 kWh, and three electric motor options delivering 95, 122, or 150 horsepower.
However, even before the official unveiling of the Renault 5, the French brand introduced a hot hatch concept named the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. At the time, the company explained that this show car paid tribute to past performance models, such as the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2, which were produced between 1980 and 1986. Back then, there was no word on a production version of the high-performance model, but in December last year, Renault officially gave the green light to the Renault 5 Turbo 3E.
The company positions the high-performance newcomer as part of a new segment—"mini-supercars." Renault plans to release additional models in this category in the future. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E differs from the standard Renault 5 thanks to its aluminum platform, developed by Alpine engineers (Alpine is part of the Renault Group), and a lightweight three-door body.
The only exterior elements shared between the hot hatch and the standard Renault 5 are the side mirrors and taillights. The sports car measures 4.08 meters in length, 2.03 meters in width, and 1.38 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.57 meters. It has a ground clearance of 118 mm and weighs 1,450 kg—only 1 kg more than the standard Renault 5, despite the addition of a larger traction battery and an extra motor.
Inside the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, you'll find a pair of bucket seats upholstered in contrasting colors, door panels and a dashboard covered in checkered fabric, a flat-bottom steering wheel, a redesigned center console, six-point racing harnesses, and two digital displays—a 10.1-inch virtual instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with unique graphics.
The high-performance model is built on an 800-volt architecture and features a 70 kWh traction battery, allowing for a maximum range of 400 km on a single charge (according to the WLTP cycle). Fast-charging from 15% to 80% takes just 15 minutes.
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is equipped with a dual-motor powertrain, with one electric motor on each axle, delivering a combined output of 540 hp and a wheel torque of 4,800 Nm. The electric sports car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 270 km/h.
The company has yet to reveal the pricing for the high-performance model. However, it has confirmed that the Renault 5 Turbo 3E will be a limited-edition release, with only 1,980 units planned for production. Renault dealers will begin accepting pre-orders in the coming weeks, with deliveries set for 2027. For reference, the base model Renault 5 currently starts at €25,990 in France.