The wait is over, and the iconic Renault (RNO.PA) 5 Turbo has officially entered the electric era. Meet the Renault 5 Turbo 3E—a high-performance homage to the legendary Turbo lineup, now packing 500 electric horses under its lightweight carbon shell.
While it’s been decades since the original 5 Turbo tore up rally circuits and our collective imaginations, Renault’s latest creation is more than a nostalgic nod. It’s a bold reimagining of what an electric hot hatch can be.
Turbocharged Performance, Electrified
Let’s not bury the lede: the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is fast. With dual in-wheel electric motors powering the rear axle, this little beast achieves a supercar-worthy 0-62 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
That’s right—the same acceleration time as a BMW M3, but in a compact hatchback that’s dripping in retro flair. And while Renault hasn’t spilled the beans on battery size, they promise that a carbon superstructure will deliver both lightness and rigidity, keeping the weight down and performance up.
Design That Turns Heads (And Corners)
From the outside, the Turbo 3E is a masterclass in retro-futurism. The widebody design is unmistakably inspired by its 1980s predecessors, complete with flared arches and squared-off headlights. But this isn’t just a throwback; modern touches like LED fog lights, a vented hood, and a minimalist roof spoiler make it clear that this car lives firmly in the 2020s.
Around the back, the rear scoops—a callback to the original Turbo—now house a charging port. Subtle? Hardly. But it’s a clever fusion of old-school style and EV practicality. The aggressive diffuser and dual-tone alloy wheels wrapped in performance tires (275/35 ZR20 in the rear) signal that the Turbo 3E is as much about function as it is about form.
Limited Production, Unlimited Customization
Here’s the catch: Renault is only producing a handful of these electric marvels. Hand-built in France by a specialist team, the Turbo 3E will be a rare gem in the automotive world, with a price tag expected to exceed £100,000.
For those lucky enough to snag one, the customization options are nearly endless, from bespoke paint jobs to unique interior trims. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a piece of automotive art, this is your chance.
Why Now?
The Turbo 3E arrives at a pivotal moment for Renault. As the brand pushes forward with its EV revolution, this car serves as a statement: electric vehicles don’t have to be soulless appliances.
They can be wild, emotional, and downright exhilarating. And while Renault’s Alpine sub-brand typically corners the market on high-performance EVs, the Turbo 3E proves there’s still room for a Renault-badged showstopper.
Charge Complete
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E isn’t just a car; it’s a celebration of what’s possible when you blend history with innovation. It’s rare, it’s expensive, and it’s undeniably thrilling.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original Turbo or simply someone who loves a good underdog story, the 3E is here to remind us that the hot hatch—even in the age of electricity—is far from dead. Expect sideways action, ear-to-ear grins, and a waiting list as long as its wheelbase. See you in 2026.
