Renault 5 E-Tech 2026 long-term review – final report
So, my time is almost up with the Renault 5. I had quietly hoped that Renault’s press office would forget to ask for it back, but no such luck. After four months as our do-it-all family car, we’re obliged to say au revoir. Production of the reborn R5 started in October 2024 and, two years [...]
After four months of using the Renault 5 E-Tech as our go-to family vehicle, it's time to bid farewell. The French supermini, which began production in October 2024, has garnered attention from non-car enthusiasts as well. While it may not be the first choice for some when compared to Chinese competitors, the Renault 5 offers more value for money. Despite its retro-inspired design, the 5 E-Tech stands out as a chic and character-filled vehicle that feels more than just a basic mode of transport.
The 5 E-Tech's design draws inspiration from Marcello Gandini's second-generation Supercinq, launched in 1984, rather than the original Michel Boué model from 1972. Despite this, it avoids looking overly retro and remains recognizable as a modern Renault. Intricate details, like the French Tricolore flags within the headlights and the R5-shaped charge indicator on the bonnet, add to its appeal.
The car is available in various paint colors, such as Pop Yellow and Pop Green, rather than just shades of grey. The interior boasts a striking contrast between the dark exterior and yellow recycled denim upholstery, along with drive mode-dependent ambient lighting and R5 Turbo-style seats.
Driving the Renault 5 E-Tech has been a mixed experience. While it may not be a car you'd set your alarm for on a Sunday morning, its well-weighted steering, eager turn-in, and powerful 150hp electric motor can still be enjoyable. The vehicle rides smoothly, effectively absorbing speed bumps and potholes. Comfort mode offers a more relaxed ride, while Sport mode and Eco mode provide a more engaging driving experience.
The One Pedal mode, activated via the paddle behind the steering wheel, helps recharge the battery and extends range, making it an intriguing skill for EV owners.
Charging and efficiency are areas where the Renault 5 E-Tech excels. With a 52kWh battery, the vehicle can theoretically deliver 252 miles on a full charge, with recent upgrades expanding this to 267 miles. In practice, the car rarely reaches 224 miles with a full charge, but this drops to around 200 miles in colder weather. The good news is that the R5 can be charged up to 100kW, making quick stops feasible.
The average efficiency of the vehicle, when considering various driving conditions, ranges between 4.3 and 4.4 miles per kWh, which is commendable for a small EV, especially given its performance on motorways. While a home charger is essential for long-term EV ownership, the public charging network is continually improving, and the 5 has proven reliable throughout this experience.
Written by urgent.news from City AM's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
