Renault 5 Turbo Makes a Comeback as an Electric Vehicle Featuring In-Wheel Motors

Key Takeaways

Renault’s 5 Turbo 3E electric hot hatch is set for launch in 2027, with production limited to 1,980 units.
The vehicle features a rear-wheel-drive powertrain with in-wheel motors, delivering 533 hp and a 0-62 mph acceleration in under 3.5 seconds.
Design elements pay homage to the classic 5 Turbo models, offering modern connectivity and customizable aesthetics.

Reviving a Classic: The Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Renault has announced the return of its iconic 5 Turbo with the electric 5 Turbo 3E, projected to hit the market in 2027. This modern iteration pays homage to the legendary 5 Turbo and 5 Turbo 2 from the 1980s, originally designed for Renault’s rally racing programs. Unlike its predecessors, the 5 Turbo 3E will not be part of any racing series, yet it promises impressive performance.

Production of the 5 Turbo 3E will be strictly limited to just 1,980 units. Although pricing details remain undisclosed, they are expected to reflect the vehicle’s high-performance capabilities, likely landing in the six-figure range. Interested customers can anticipate the start of the reservation process in the upcoming weeks across Renault’s global markets.

The vehicle’s design shares similarities with the recently launched Renault 5 E-Tech electric subcompact, but the 5 Turbo 3E features a distinct platform optimized for a rear-wheel-drive layout. Equipped with two in-wheel motors, the car delivers a powerful 533 horsepower. Its innovative 800-volt electrical system is paired with a 70-kWh battery that supports rapid charging of up to 350 kW, enabling a speedy 15-80% charge in roughly 15 minutes when connected to a suitable DC fast charger. Additionally, regenerative braking enhances battery efficiency during driving.

Weighing in at a relatively light 3,395 pounds thanks to its carbon-fiber construction, the 5 Turbo 3E boasts exhilarating performance metrics, including a 0-62 mph time of under 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. Renault has claimed that the battery’s capacity will support “several hot laps” on a racetrack, while normal driving scenarios may yield a range of approximately 250 miles according to the WLTP test cycle used in Europe. However, U.S. EPA testing could result in a different range estimate.

Inside the vehicle, occupants will find bucket seats with six-point harnesses, further enhanced by carbon-fiber elements to minimize weight. A rally-inspired vertical handbrake nods to the 5 Turbo’s racing legacy, while digital displays for instruments and infotainment feature 10.1- and 10.3-inch screens, respectively. For those looking to personalize their vehicle, Renault plans to offer fully customizable exterior liveries, including designs reminiscent of the historic colors seen on the original 5 Turbo models, such as a striking yellow, white, and black combination reflecting the 1982 Tour de Corse rally.

The 5 Turbo 3E is not Renault’s only foray into high-performance electric vehicles; its sister brand, Alpine, has already introduced the A290 hot hatch based on the 5 E-Tech, which produces 220 hp and is currently available in select markets. With the launch of the 5 Turbo 3E, Renault aims to combine thrilling performance with contemporary electric vehicle technology, continuing its storied legacy in motorsport and automotive innovation.

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