Just 1,980 lucky enthusiasts will get the chance to take the wheel of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a high-performance electric hatchback boasting 540 horsepower, which the French automaker plans to launch in 2027. The model aims to revive the glory of the original Renault “5 Turbo” cars, first introduced in 1980
Introduced last year to expand Renault’s electric lineup—which at the time included only the “Megane E-Tech” and “Scenic E-Tech”.Tthe compact “5 E-Tech” draws heavily in its styling from the iconic “5” series of French superminis that, between 1972 and 1984, fiercely competed with Fiat and Peugeot for European dominance in the segment, igniting passionate enthusiasm among would-be owners. Given that it’s an electric vehicle powered by batteries, the new model is unlikely to match the sales success of its predecessor. However, it does occupy one of the few market segments where a fully electric powertrain makes more sense than a hybrid or traditional combustion engine. And when that electric platform comes wrapped in the cheerful, youthful design of the “5 E-Tech,” there’s every reason to expect it will achieve at least modest commercial success.
That success, however, seems guaranteed for the sportiest version of the car—a powerhouse packing 540 horsepower, set to debut in 2027 but already unveiled to the public. Named the “5 Turbo 3E,” it carries on the legacy of the “5 Turbo” and “5 Turbo 2” from the 1980s. The new model inherits the exuberant, racing-inspired look of those earlier cars while incorporating the latest technology in a compelling exercise in retro-design that manages to be both original and stylish.
But beyond its looks, the car’s performance is what truly sets it apart—so much so that it practically defines a new category: the compact supercar. These are vehicles with breathtaking performance specs, carbon fiber bodies, and extensive customization options. All packed into dimensions just slightly over four meters in length, about two meters in width, and a mere 138 centimeters in height.
Developed by Alpine’s expert engineers—who have already worked on electric sports cars like the “A110 E-ternité,” “A290,” and “A390”—the 5 Turbo 3E is built on a dedicated aluminum platform. This architecture supports various drivetrain configurations, starting with the current setup: two 200-kilowatt electric motors mounted directly on the 20-inch rear wheels. This configuration allows for lightning-fast throttle response and enables electronic, individualized control of each motor. There’s no traditional differential; instead, the space between the wheels houses the 800-volt power electronics and onboard chargers, while the 70-kilowatt-hour battery is housed in the vehicle floor.
With just 118 millimeters of ground clearance, the 5 Turbo 3E benefits from an ultra-low center of gravity. Combined with careful weight distribution, this gives the car outstanding agility and handling. It also weighs only 1,450 kilograms—yielding a power-to-weight ratio of under 3 kg per horsepower, on par with some of the most legendary supercars.
High performance
Its performance figures also back up the supercar label: 0 to 100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds. Meanwhile, in keeping with its urban roots, the car delivers a range of 400 kilometers on the WLTP cycle. When recharging from the grid, the 11-kilowatt onboard charger can refill the battery in about eight hours. If a 350-kilowatt DC fast charger is available, the battery can be recharged from 20% to 80% in just 15 minutes.
The powertrain features several drive modes and configurations, including a boost function for overtaking, four levels of regenerative braking, and the “Multi-Sense” system with four driving modes: “Regular,” “Snow,” “Sport,” and “Race.” The “Race” mode also enables a “drift assist” feature.
A Sporty, Connected Cabin
The Renault “5 Turbo 3E” isn’t just about external styling and blistering performance—the interior reflects the same sporty spirit. Two carbon fiber bucket seats, upholstered in Alcantara and equipped with six-point harnesses, dominate the cabin. Two “OpenR” displays provide driving, navigation. Also, multimedia information via graphical interfaces that pay tribute to the dashboards of the original “5 Turbo” and “5 Turbo 2” models.
Naturally, there’s full Google integration, including a sophisticated version of Google Maps that allows for electric route planning, complete with charging stops. Another nod to its rally heritage is the vertical handbrake lever—an essential tool for pushing the 5 Turbo 3E to its limits on the track.
Title: Reanult 5 Turbo 3E: only for a few
Translation with ChatGPT
