- Modern Renault 5 Turbo with electric power has been unveiled
- The new 5 Turbo 3E is the spiritual successor to the 5 Turbo and 5 Turbo2 homologation specials of the 1980s
- Power in the 5 Turbo 3E comes from two electric motors at the rear axle
Renault is gearing up to bring the legendary 5 Turbo back to showrooms, this time with an electric twist.
The automaker on Friday released the first photos of its new electric 5 Turbo, which is confirmed for production with over 500 hp.
Officially the 5 Turbo 3E, denoting it as the successor to the gas-powered 5 Turbo and 5 Turbo2 homologation specials of the 1980s, the car is the production version of a concept of the same name shown two years ago. Impressively, the production version’s design, with its hunkered-down stance and flared wheel arches, is almost a match with the wild show car.
Although the 5 Turbo 3E shares its general shape with the new Renault 5 E-Tech electric subcompact hatch launched earlier this year, just like the previous 5 Turbos, which featured rally-inspired mid-engine platforms, there’s very little in common beyond that basic link.
2025 Renault 5 E-Tech
Renault said the 5 Turbo 3E will feature unique underpinnings as well as a carbon body to help save weight. A comparison with the regular 5 E-Tech also shows a longer dash-to-axle ratio up front, resulting in a longer hood.
Beyond the 500-plus-hp output, Renault has confirmed the car will feature two electric motors, both at the rear axle, and the ability to sprint from 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds. Details like the battery and range haven’t been revealed. The biggest battery in the 5 E-Tech is a 52-kwh unit rated at almost 250 miles of range on the WLTP test cycle used overseas.
Renault hasn’t said when the 5 Turbo 3E will be launched, though the company plans to release more details in the new year. Given the specification, it is likely to be offered as a limited-edition model with prices possibly in the six figures.
The 5 Turbo 3E won’t be the first performance version of the new 5 E-Tech. Renault sister brand Alpine has already launched the A290 hot hatch based on the 5 E-Tech. The Alpine delivers a maximum 220 hp and is already available in markets where Alpine operates.