Renault 5 E-Tech: the electric R5 is now available in a cheaper version
The evolution version of the Renault 5 E-Tech. © Renault
If car manufacturers are gradually abandoning entry-level finishes, which are not very popular with customers, this logic of range simplification spares small electrics. And for good reason, these finishes are necessary to avoid displaying too elitist prices, such as those of the new Renault 5 E-Tech criticized for its launch version with a large battery.
Thus, the electric Renault 5 previously cost from €33,490 excluding bonuses (which should increase from €4,000 to €3,000 in 2025), certainly in a high-end techno finish and with its largest useful 52 kWh battery (up to 'at 410 km of WLTP mixed autonomy). If this comfort autonomy version will later be available with a more accessible finish, called evolution, the latter is reserved for the moment for the new 40 kWh battery useful for the urban autonomy versions. It allows the entry ticket for the R5 to drop to €27,990 excluding bonuses.
Prices excluding bonuses for the Renault 5 E-Tech electric:
| five | evolution | techno | iconiq five | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| urban autonomy | Less than €25,000 (available from spring 2025) | €27,990 | €29,990 | €31,990 |
| autonomy comfort | x | Yet to be announced (available from spring 2025) | €33,490 | €35,490 |
At this price, the Renault 5 electric offers up to 312 km of WLTP mixed range. Its 90 kW (120 hp) and 225 Nm of torque engine, compared to 110 kW (150 hp) and 245 Nm for the comfort range versions, is however much less efficient. Despite its satisfactory power on paper, it requires almost 5 seconds more from 0 to 100 km/h compared to the high-end versions, although heavier, with respectively 12.9 seconds versus 8.0 seconds.
Less chic, this Renault 5 evolution is not necessarily less beautiful. © Renault
We will console ourselves with the presence of a heat pump as standard, the alternating current charge maintained at 11 kW, and the direct current charge which still allows you to go from 15 to 80% charge in 30 min (maximum power of 80 kW, compared to 100 kW for the 52 kWh versions). The on-board charger also remains compatible with bidirectional charging (V2G and V2L).
Less chic, but still cute
Style-wise, this evolution version ignores some of the artifacts of the techno model. It thus loses the charge indicator on the hood, the side strippings, the colored trim overhanging the windows, the aluminum color of the Renault lettering on the tailgate, the light signature in the headlights and the dark tinting of the rear windows. In addition, the rear bumper loses its full paint and the alloy wheels are replaced by sheet metal rims. However, they retain their 18-inch diameter and are covered with retro-design hubcaps.
Inside, the presentation is also simplified, but retains the originality of the new Renault 5. The seats are adorned with simple gray and black textile upholstery, but they keep their “petal” format. The dashboard is covered with a light quilted insert and a 10-inch screen still sits in its center. However, it loses navigation and other Google services, although still based on Android Automotive OS. You will have to settle for compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, provided in wireless mode. The instrumentation screen goes from a diagonal of 10.1 inches to a more modest size of 7 inches.
Various chrome-colored elements disappear in evolution finish. © Renault
The equipment package otherwise remains quite generous, including automatic air conditioning, automatic switching of main beam headlights, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, hands-free access and starting and even rear parking sensors, but without rear view camera.
When will there be an even cheaper electric Renault 5?
If this evolution version retains a fairly good level of equipment and a technical sheet on point, it still does not allow the Renault 5 electric to reach the price of €25,000 excluding bonus which had been announced to it. To do this, it will be necessary to wait for the arrival of the true entry-level version five, which will be launched in spring 2025. This time we will have to expect significant concessions. Available only with the 40 kWh battery, it will skip direct current fast charging, thus greatly reducing its versatility. It will also have to make do with a 70 kW (95 hp) engine and 215 Nm of torque.
If the small battery versions of the Renault 5 retain NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) lithium-ion chemistry, Renault is now interested in LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) batteries, which have already attracted many manufacturers thanks to their lower cost. According to The ArgusRenault could launch this technology on board its R5 and R4 in 2026. Let's hope that it allows the price of these models to be lowered, or at a minimum to allow fewer sacrifices at the entry level.
