Many drivers feel that electric vehicles (EVs) are boring and too similar, but Renault has something different in store. The French manufacturer is reviving an 80s icon with a new, high-performance EV that promises to break the mould.
Renault has confirmed that the Renault 5 Turbo will return in 2027 as the 5 Turbo 3E, a "mini supercar." Each model will be hand-built, mostly from carbon fibre, incredibly fast, and likely cost a significant six-figure price—if you're lucky enough to get one.
In tribute to its 1980s Group B rally legend, only 1,980 units will be produced, a nod to its predecessor. Renault says it will be road legal, making it one of the most extreme EVs you can buy, complete with number plates and indicators.
Renault has gone all in to resurrect its most famous hot hatch. The company describes it as "a beast of a car built for rallying, drifting, and track performance, adapted for the road." Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of Renault, explains that it will usher in a new era of "mini-supercars," a category few expected to see with the shift to green electric vehicles. "This exuberant, over-excited model promises the best performance and sensations in just four meters of length, which is unprecedented in the market," Cambolive said. "With this car, Renault continues to make electric vehicles more desirable and extends its ability to provide solutions for every need and desire."
While it may look like a pumped-up version of the £22,995 Renault 5 E-Tech supermini, the 5 Turbo 3E will share almost nothing in terms of parts, and it's expected to cost at least five times more.
It will have a unique platform, with every bodywork panel and drivetrain designed from the ground up. The drivetrain includes two in-wheel e-motors, delivering instant power to the rear wheels. In terms of performance, the 5 Turbo 3E will be the fastest compact EV available. Renault claims it will reach 62mph in under 3.5 seconds, 120mph in less than 9 seconds, and have a top speed of 168mph, limited to track use. A power-boost button on the steering wheel helps with overtaking.
The in-wheel motors provide even quicker power delivery compared to conventional electric motors, eliminating the "turbo lag" that plagued the original 5 Turbo. These motors can adjust power between wheels based on grip levels, steering angle, and even allow for controlled skids. They also save weight and space by removing the need for a differential.
The 5 Turbo 3E will draw power from a 70kWh battery pack—nearly double the size of the 5 E-Tech's battery. It will deliver outstanding performance and drifting capabilities, aided by a "drift-assist" function and a rally-style vertical handbrake.
Renault claims the 5 Turbo 3E will offer over 250 miles of range on a full charge, with an adaptive regenerative braking system to help customize deceleration. The battery can recharge from 15 to 80 percent in just 15 minutes with 350kW fast charging.
On the track, however, the battery will drain quickly—expect it to run out in 15 to 20 minutes of intense driving. Despite the larger battery, the car weighs just 1,450kg, about the same as the standard 5 E-Tech, thanks to a lightweight carbon composite structure. The rear seats have been removed, replaced by a racing-style roll cage.
Inside, the 5 Turbo 3E’s cabin reflects its exterior with driver and passenger bucket seats, each with a six-point harness. The dashboard features hand-woven tartan, and carbon fibre accents are throughout. A pair of screens—10.1-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment display—will have 1980s-inspired dials, and customers can choose from various paint finishes or retro racing liveries.
Though Renault hasn't confirmed the exact price, the 5 Turbo 3E is expected to cost around £200,000. Production is limited to 1,980 units, and the car will arrive in 2027.
