Renault 5 E-Tech 2025 Review: Compact, Retro, Electric - Is this the Affordable Future of Driving?

Join Vicki Butler-Henderson as she takes a first full look at the Renault 5 E-Tech – a modern reinvention of one of France’s most iconic cars. Once a household name of the 70s and 80s, the Renault 5 is back with retro-inspired design, cheeky character, and a price tag starting under £23,000.

This all-electric supermini isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s designed to be affordable, practical, and fun to drive. With a range of up to 250 miles, clever V2G charging technology, and a lightweight platform that makes it more playful than some rivals, the R5 aims to combine charm with everyday usability.

Inside, recycled materials, bold seat designs, and a blend of physical controls and smart tech give it a cabin full of character. There’s also “Hey Reno”, a voice assistant to help with everything from climate control to infotainment, and plenty of nods to the original R5 for those who remember it.

But does the Renault 5 E-Tech live up to its legendary name – and could this small, affordable EV really be the future of city cars?

Specifications (For the model in our review – 150hp | Iconic Five version)

• Battery Range: Approx. 250 miles
• Charging Speed: 30 minutes for 80%
• Boot Capacity: 326 litres going up to 1,106 litres when the rear seats are folded
• Price: Starting at £27,495 for the Iconic Five version (base model starts at £21,495)
• Power: 150 bhp (120 bhp option too)
• Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 7.9 seconds

Exterior Design & Nostalgic Features

If you are old enough to remember the original Renault 5 from the 70s and 80s then you will see the resemblance of it in this reimagined electric version. As Vicki says though, if you are too young to remember the original then you can't deny that this version has a highly desirable design that is bursting with character. With French flags sprinkled throughout, the Renault 5 is not shy about its patriotism. It is also proud of its heritage, as evidenced by the bonnet light, which is reminiscent of the air vent that came before. This feature indicates the car's charge level, fully illuminating when the car is fully charged. The nostalgic theme continues in the car's bodywork with the 'bulbous' wheel arches, reminiscent of one of Vicki's favourite hot hatches: the Renault 5 GT Turbo.

Then there are the tall rear lights, which feature extended side panels to improve aerodynamics. The exterior design is finished off with a red strip running the full length of the car and wrapping around the black roof.

Boot Space & Charging Technology

Some of you will be pleased to hear that there are no fancy mechanism or sensors to open the boot, as there are in other cars. However, when you are in the boot, it is more a case of dropping your luggage or belongings in, as there is quite a deep lip. However, there is a decent amount of space, and there are a couple of hooks for your convenience.

In terms of space, there is 326 litres available, and when you drop the rear seats, this increases to 1,106 litres. An increasing number of cars have V2L (vehicle-to-load) technology, meaning you can plug in an adapter and use the car's electricity to power devices such as a vacuum cleaner or power tool. However, what sets this car apart is its V2G technology (vehicle to grid). This car could therefore be a valuable asset for you, as some reports suggest that you could earn up to £800 a year!

Wheel & Tyre Talk

This particular Renault 5 model comes with a set of 18-inch black diamond-cut alloys that resemble a clock face, with the number 5 cleverly positioned at the 5 o'clock position!

Those alloys are wrapped in a set of Continental EcoContact 6Q tyres. The R marking on the sidewall indicates that they have been developed for Renault models. According to Continental, the improved tread pattern produces less road noise.

The EcoContact 6Q has received an impressive rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on DriverReviews.

Interior Features & Personality

This distinct personality is continued into the cabin, where the air vents mirror the exterior lights. The padded dashboard and abundance of recycled materials further enhance the interior. The interior of this specific model is themed around yellow, but Vicki says that she would have preferred a more vibrant shade. However, if you find the available yellow too bold, you can opt for a more subtle denim effect.

There are plenty of physical controls for you to use, including no fewer than four stalks around the steering wheel. One of these stands out above the rest, bearing the Renault logo at the top. This stalk is the most important as it selects the driving mode (drive, reverse, park, etc.). To the left of you are a couple of screens, one of which is a touchscreen that allows you to adjust various settings. You can adjust everything from the noise of the indicators in the cabin to the colour of the interior lighting.

Interior Tech & Rear Seat Space

The Renault 5 has plenty of tech. As well as all the usual phone connectivity, there is a wireless charger and USB-C ports. You can also control the car remotely via an app on your phone to check things like your range, schedule recharging, set the cabin temperature before you get into the car, locate charging points on your upcoming route, and much more besides. There are enough pockets and boxes at the front for your storage needs, but at the rear there are just two seat pockets. As you would expect with a supermini, there is never much space in the back, and Vicki advises keeping the rear bench to three pre-teens at most.

On the Road: Performance & Driving Modes

Renault is no stranger to electric cars, having already released the two-seater Twizy and the larger Zoe. However, the 5 is built on a completely new platform, which it shares with its sporty cousin, the Alpine, as well as with Nissan. This new platform gives the 5 a low centre of gravity and a low weight. At just over 1,500 kilograms, it is lighter than the top-of-the-range MINI Electric. The model we are reviewing has a larger, more powerful battery, giving it 150 horsepower and an official combined range of just over 250 miles.

There is a traction control system that you can turn off to get a bit of that squealing tyre sound. The front-wheel-drive chassis can cope with a lot more power, and you sometimes notice a lack of punch in its performance. This brings us on to the 0–62 time. It takes almost eight seconds, which makes Vicki wonder how thrilling it would be to drive this car with a traditional 1.4-litre turbo engine under the bonnet. If you're looking for the sportier option, check out our review of the Alpine A290 GTS.

Comfort & Braking

Vicki describes the Renault 5 as a top-notch town car. If you need a car for your daily commute, school run or pensioner pottering, then this is a great solution. It is quiet and comfortable, and its petite size is an added bonus when it comes to parking. However, if you do need help with parking, you can opt for the hands-free park assist, which will guide you in and out when needed. It has disc brakes all round, which Vicki describes as providing a keen response when you press the pedal. To take advantage of the regenerative braking system, which puts energy back into the battery, simply move the gear stick into B. Swap 30 minutes of your time for an 80% battery charge using a fast charger, or plug it into a wall box at home overnight.

Vicki’s Verdict

“What this car definitely is, is a top-notch town car”

Vicki tells us that the Renault 5 scrams fun and its looks will pull at your heartstrings. The price tag won’t pull at those purse strings because it is at least £7,000 cheaper than the MINI alternative. It is justifiably a multi-award-winning car and it is fair to say that Vicki would happily own one of these!

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