The Geneva Motor Show (GIMS), which was once one of the most important in the world, opens its doors today with one of the most anticipated novelties of the year: the 100% electric Renault 5 E-Tech. Presented as a world premiere, the new Renault compact arrives to democratize the electric car, with a model full of charm, original details and a lot of history behind it.
As a fundamental part of the Renaulution plan devised by Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, the Renault 5 E-Tech arrives to revolutionize the electric car in a society that needs changes. Not in vain, the Renault 5 phenomenon, a car characterized by its avant-garde, economy of use and versatility, has accompanied millions of families through the challenges of its time: the oil crisis, the evolution of lifestyles and the arrival of a second car at home.
Faithful to this heritage, the new 100% electric Renault 5 E-Tech is a sensible response to the social and environmental challenges of our time: sobriety, sustainability and reduction of the carbon footprint.
With a highly emotional design, which goes straight to the heart, and the guarantee of a fun electric experience, the new battery-powered utility vehicle has everything to become the benchmark urban car of the energy transition.
They explain at Renault that Luca de Meo, when he saw the project for the first time, took about five seconds to decide that it was going to be manufactured. And this is how it is expressed when the car is already a reality: “Some products are magical. There is no need to argue for weeks, everyone always agrees on what needs to be done. And it does what needs to be done. There is no inertia. When the teams revive a car that has left such good memories, they put a lot of love into it. “It is a good sign for the future, because the customer recognizes and sees that love in the car.”
Little to add. Everything is understood and it is Luca de Meo himself who gives the right dimension of what this launch means for the French brand.
Aside from the style codes applied to other Renault models, the new electric utility vehicle enjoys a unique, original and highly emotional design. The privilege of an icon, they say at Renault, with elements that symbolize retrofuturistic design.
With its point of view on the original 1972 model, the brand new R-5 E-Tech combines elements of three models: the general appearance of the R-5 and Supercinco, and the attitude of the Renault 5 Turbo, with its wide fins.
The lighting signature, typical of this new R-5, is another hallmark: two rectangles with rounded corners on the front bumper. Other elements, such as the circular wheel arches, the vertical taillights or the body colors, form a very attractive aesthetic package.
In addition, 18-inch wheels are standard for the entire range, with trims inspired by the 5 Turbo in the evolution version and alloy wheels in the rest of the finishes.
Regarding colors, Renault has five possibilities planned for its launch, with yellow and green as the protagonists since they were already in the 1970s model. The rest of the colors are pearly white, shiny black and dark blue.
Smaller than it appears at first glance, it measures 3.92 meters long with a wheelbase of 2.54 meters. With very short overhangs, due to its iconic design, the interior space is correct for a utility vehicle of this category. Although the rear seats are somewhat narrow for three occupants.
The dashboard combines characteristic details from several generations of the Renault 5, combining a two-height structure oriented towards the passenger, a padded transverse decoration and a rectangular instrument panel with rounded edges. It includes curious aesthetic details such as the design of the air vents that adopt the specific motif of the light signature on the front of the car.
On the other hand, the design of the seats is directly inspired by the R-5 Turbo, with its decorative H-shaped structure typical of the 70s and 80s. The upholstery includes robust and original denim fabric. And in the cabin, 100% recycled fabrics and materials are used.
The two horizontal screens, with a technological appearance, also attract attention. The first screen, oriented towards the driver, is a 10-inch digital instrument panel (7 inches in the access version) that shows all driving information, with a choice of five views.
The central multimedia screen is 10 inches in all versions and is equipped with the openR link system with Google integrated in the techno and iconic Cinq finishes.
Renault offers a range of accessories that underline the young and non-conformist character of the model. And his personality. From the extensive range of 104 accessories, including classic towbars and floor mats, there are 33 iconic accessories that highlight the car’s design.
Some examples are the central storage space in 3 designs and 2 colors, a small central space in 3 designs and 2 colors or a briefcase available in 2 colors.
More curious and original if possible is that the new electric R-5 is the first car specifically equipped to transport baguettes purchased at the bakery. In this way, a wicker basket specially dedicated to this purpose can be installed to the right of the center console.
Also very French in character, the pinnacle of refinement, is the “e-pop” gear selector, which looks like a lipstick. Located within easy reach behind the right-hand steering wheel, it can be customized to suit collections or individual tastes. This part can be changed without tools, in the same way that a SIM card is removed from a smartphone.
The Reno avatar, a new travel companion, is another of the great novelties of the French model. It is the first vehicle to incorporate it and it is a virtual mobility companion.
This avatar with a real personality accompanies and interacts with the driver, both inside and outside the car, creating a feeling of empathy. The brand explains that Reno is the embodiment of humanized technology and that it helps users discover the car and its functions.
For example, you can answer any questions and make decisions to schedule a battery charge at the most convenient time. Just say “Hey Reno,” and the instruction or demand below.
Thus, you can answer the 200 most frequently asked questions from users about telephone, directions, weather or music. And Reno can also anticipate the user’s wishes by suggesting that he adapt certain car settings.
With a price below 25,000 euros in Spain, the electric R-5 will arrive after the summer. Renault offers two batteries, 40 and 52 kWh, with 300 and 400 km of autonomy, respectively.
Coming from the Mégane E-Tech, the electric motor will have three different powers depending on the finish: 95, 120 and 150 HP. The 150 HP motor is combined with the 52 kWh battery, while the 120 and 95 HP motors are combined with the smaller 40 kWh battery.
In the 150 HP version, the Renault 5 E-Tech accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds and from 80 to 120 km/h in less than 7 seconds. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h.
For optimal performance in all conditions, the battery is equipped with a liquid cooling circuit that regulates its temperature. For greater safety, the coolant does not circulate inside the body, but through the floor of the car.
And to optimize charging time, the battery is thermally conditioned when the trip is programmed using Google Maps.
In addition to the evolution, techno and iconic Cinq finishes, the electric range of the Renault 5 E-Tech will be completed with a collection version, which will evolve each year following the principles of haute couture.
A host of new customization accessories, including 3D-printed parts and slides, make this model highly customizable.
The Renault 5 E-Tech will be the first in a long series of cars equipped with the new 11 kW bidirectional alternating current charger, which will allow V2L (vehicle-to-load) functions to connect a device to the car’s battery and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) functions to return electricity to the grid and save money on home charging.
This bidirectional charger will be available in 120 and 150 HP versions, while the 95 HP version will have a conventional 11 kW charger.
With an 11 kW charger, the 52 kWh battery goes from 10% to 100% in 4 and a half hours of charging, while the 40 kWh battery takes one hour less.
For fast charging, for example on the highway, the 150 HP motor has a 100 kW direct current socket to recharge its 52 kWh battery.
