The electric Renault 5 E-Tech already fuses 1970s and 1980s retro charm with modern EV hardware, but now it’s throwing some 1990s design cues into the mix. Among a batch of upgrades are optional gold wheels that, paired with blue paint, give us serious Clio Williams vibes.
But Renault’s designers haven’t spent all their time playing with the configurator. Aerodynamic improvements to the lower body and mirrors, together with optimized battery electronics, have squeezed more range from the existing 40 and 52 kWh battery packs.
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The smaller Urban Range version now manages 196 miles (315 km) on the WLTP cycle, up from 194 miles (312 km). The 52 kWh Comfort Range gets the more worthwhile improvement, jumping from 255 miles (410 km) to 267 miles (430 km).
But there’s bigger news at the bottom of the lineup on the way. Renault’s entry-level 5 will soon receive a 36.5 kWh LFP battery, lifted from the Twingo E-Tech, along with a new 107 hp (109 PS / 80 kW) motor. Despite having a smaller capacity than today’s 40 kWh model, Renault claims 190 miles (305 km) of range for the lighter LFP derivative.
Better still, the cheapest 5 becomes more capable away from home. It gets an 80 kW DC fast charger as standard (current base models lack DC capability) alongside its 6.6 kW AC hardware. Renault hasn’t said whether the cheaper LFP chemistry will translate into a lower sticker price.
Iconic Trim Goes Blue
Flame Red joins the palette; Techno and Iconic Cinq buyers can specify gold wheels, and there are new roof and wing graphics. Inside, upholstery for the flagship Iconic trim also switches from yellow to a more subtle blue, and a new Qi2 wireless phone charger promises to replenish 50 percent of a compatible phone’s battery in an hour while controlling heat.
Smart driving mode also replaces MySense, automatically switching between Eco, Comfort, and Sport modes according to how you’re driving. Finally, Google’s Gemini replaces Google Assistant through an over-the-air update, promising more natural conversations.
The 5 E-Tech didn’t really need any upgrades to find more buyers. It still sells really strongly two years from launch, but these upgrades just make it even harder not to want one.