The Renault 5 is back — and it’s electric. This contemporary version of the favourite 1970s city car has managed to recreate the character of its illustrious predecessor with thoroughly up-to-date electric motoring. After plenty of testing, one thing is clear: Renault has made something special – a car that pays homage to the past while looking to the future.
Design: Classic Look with High-Tech Features
The new Renault 5 EV wears its heritage on its sleeve. Its instantly recognisable profile references the compact size and jaunty proportions of the original, though every detail has been considered anew for modern use. LED technology is used to power the round headlights RENAULT face In a reference to its advanced technology, the large diamond emblem in the middle of the grille has new, multi-coloured reflective diamond patterns, with a 3D-effect featuring animated, switching-on, sequence lights on the charging status indicator.
Whereas many retro-inspired designs can feel contrived, the new 5 EV strikes a perfect balance. Its classic, square-cornered shape has been smoothed with modern curves, while the lack of old-school grilles is cunningly concealed by panels painted body color. While flush door handles and aero-like wheels give away the electric powertrain underneath, there’s still plenty of visual appeal.
It’ll be offered in three trim levels: Evolution, Techno and Iconic. The range-topping Iconic adds unique 19-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors and the chrome accents that accentuate the premium feel. Colour choices range from classic Gallic Blue and Alpine White to modern ones including Opal Black and Krypton Grey.
Inside: Sparse But Purposeful
Climb inside, and the cabin mixes retro flair with contemporary functionality. The dashboard has a simple, uncluttered look, headlined by a 12-inch central touchscreen and 10-inch digital instrument cluster. Physical climate controls are also present, which is a nice compromise between digital convenience and tactile manipulation.
Material quality seems to be about right for the segment, though soft-touch surfaces complete the dashtop and more stylish upholstery options are also offered. The seats, made in cloth or leatherette depending on trim, are notably supportive for both running around town and extended trips. Space in the back for rear passengers is decent for a compact hatchback, although taller adults will expression a bit of a headroom squeeze if you opt for the panoramic sunroof.
Technology highlights include wireless smartphone connectivity, real-time charging station status and over-the-air updates. Powered by Google Automotive OS, the infotainment system is fast to respond and easy to read. Maybe the most eye catching feature is the ability to color change the ambient lighting based on the battery level or driving mode.
Performance and Range: Realistic Electric Mobility
The Renault 5 EV comes with two battery options: a 40 kWh battery providing 190 miles of range (WLTP) or a bigger 52 kWh pack extending that to 248 miles. Our test model was equipped with the larger battery, which proved to provide more than enough for daily use, as well as the occasional longer journey. In our real-world testing, which is composed of a mix of city, highway, and rural driving, we managed 218 miles on a single charge, very close to the official estimate.
Power is supplied through a single front-mounted electric motor developing 148-hp and 187 lb-ft of torque in the base model, or 217-hp in the higher-spec models. Fluency feels adequate without being overwhelming, the 0-62mph dash coming up in 7.4 seconds for the base model, 6.5 for the more potent variant.
Driving is focused on comfort and economy, not sporty handling. Ride quality is the priority and the suspension soaks up urban bumps with little whine. Steering is light but responsive, making parking in tight places a doddle while also remaining predictable at higher speeds. Energy recovery is selectable in three levels, the highest of which gives you close to one-pedal driving through town.
Charging Functions: Forward-Looking Infrastructure
Charging flexibility is another strong suit. The on-board charger is able to take up to 11 kW on AC when charging on the overnight at home or at workcharging places. DC fast charging capabilities up to 100 kW can charge 10-80% in around 30 minutes, while e-Active body control with Free-drving Assist can manage 4-wheel drive.
In reality, we discovered charging at public rapid charging hubs to be relatively easy. The navigation system will automatically recommend charging stops on long road trips based on current battery level, driving conditions, and the destination. Plug-and-charge capability at compatible networks means no need for cards or apps, although regular payment options are still possible.
The Electric van is supplied with a portable charging cable which can be used on a 230V domestic power supply, however for the most efficient charge and ease of use we recommend that you have a Wallbox home charging point installed. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function enables power supply to external devices or appliances making it ideal for camping and other outdoor activities as well as emergency use.
Efficiency and Economy: Economic and non economic benefits of value Proposition
The efficiency numbers are impressive, with an official figure of 3.8 miles per kWh. Mixed use returned 3.6 miles per kWh or about 1.8p per mile at UK electricity prices today. This is relatively modest against equivalent petrol-engine vehicles, despite a higher initial purchasing price.
Talking of price, the all-important figure for base Evolution model is £27,995, which undercuts both the Mini Cooper Electric and Vauxhall Corsa Electric. Depending on where you live there can be tax incentives that apply, which sweetens the savings pot. Renault has flexible financing offerings, including battery leasing which lowers upfront costs and protects customers against battery depreciation.
L-t holders thought process seems like a good one. The electric drive system is virtually no-maintenance — no oil changes, timing belts or clutch to replace. Regenerative brakes could prolong the life of brake pads. Renault also offers an eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty with guaranteed capacity retention of at least 70%; an extra reassurance if you plan to hold onto it for a long time.
Technology and Connectivity: On the go Utilities.
Both optional and standard features are impressive in the tech department. Its infotainment system consists of navigation with real-time traffic updates, streaming music services and vehicle diagnostics. Voice control is pretty good with natural language commands so you can do a hands free using major functions.
High-tech driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The park assist system, with full automated parking, is good in small sites too. A full 360 degree camera system gives you the confidence to maneuver through small spaces.
Smartphone connectivity is more than mere reflection. My Renault app for smart phone enables climate preconditioning, battery charging scheduling and journey planning remotely. You need to keep the cell open for back-up battery power, but you can access the battery status, the nearest charging stations and even send destinations to the navigation system before you even start out on a journey.
Practical viability in reality – Everyday usability
The Renault 5 EV is extremely useable after a few weeks spent driving it daily. It has small dimensions which make for easy handling in the city yet it offers a high driving position for good visibility. There’s an acceptable frunk for cables, too, as well as the 326-liter main boot growing to 1,106 liters with the rear seats flattened.
Interior practicality is given a boost by lots of storage cubbies, including a wireless charging pad for phones and cup holders to accommodate a variety of beverage containers. The rear seats also have 60:40 split fold and, they would be cramped for four adults, but would handle kids or pets with ease. The tall roof allows for good head height inside despite the van’s small footprint.
Performance in weather also was excellent. A pre-conditioned cabin for comfort, using electricity when plugged in, all without reducing range. As the heat pump system works fine in the cold weather, which will not lead to the same severe low mileage as those in basic heating method. In real-world testing during our winter test loop, range dropped by about 20% from full charge in sub-freezing temperatures, which is a respectable figure for this class.
Result: Electric Heir Worthy of the Name
The 2025 Renault 5 EV does its job well: it’s a modern electric car that pays tribute to the past while embracing and feeling like it was designed for today. It manages to escape the traps of retro pastiche by providing real innovation and real usability in addition to nostalgic touches.
Performance seems about right for the class, providing enough oomph for memory pass situations and decent agility for urban darting. The numbers tell a real story of driving without the constant need for charging payments. The cabin is cavernous for the small footprint it has, aside from that it’s still a family or singles car.
Most importantly, maybe, Renault has managed to make the 5 EV really affordable while keeping price-insensitive quality on par with what it should be, given the car’s market position. It is the mixture of style, substance, and value that form a package that could potentially appeal to buyers outside of the usual early adopters of EVs.
Where other EV hatchbacks would just be me-too stories, the Renault 5 EV looks like a distinct personality in search of its very own driver. It also shows that electric mobility doesn’t have to lack character, and that retro-tinged design can translate into a thoroughly contemporary mode of transport.
The Renault 5 EV achieves what so many homage designs do not—originating something unique and forward-thinking in its own right, while respecting its legacy. It’s not just rolling nostalgia; it’s a peek at the future of affordable curmudgeonly electric cars.