Renault has given us four tantalising teaser glimpses of the production-ready version of the 5 E-Tech electric vehicle (EV), ahead of its full reveal at the Geneva Motor Show at the end of February. The images depict clear visual homages to the original Renault 5, built between 1972 and 1996.
Range of up to 400km
The 5 E-Tech will launch in 2024 with a 52kWh battery and an official maximum range of almost 400km following its public debut on February 26. It is one of the most eagerly anticipated EVs of recent years, with its styling a deliberate nod to its ancestor. The concept shown at the 2021 IAA show in Munich took clear visual inspiration from the chunkier Turbo and Turbo 2 performance versions of the original R5.
And it would seem that the production version is going to stay largely true to the concept. The headlights have changed shape slightly from the concept's, now being more arched in outline, but they’re still recognisable as being ‘R5-ish’ and they have a mark in the centre of the lens to make them resemble the pupil of a human’s eye.
At the back are slim, upright lamp units, very much an up-to-date interpretation of the clusters on the Mk1 Renault 5 of 1972-1984, but they are also said to have an aerodynamic benefit in that they’re an extension of the side panel - and this makes the 5 E-Tech slipperier when it comes to cutting through the air, something that all EV designers aim for to maximise battery range.
On the bonnet, the air intake of the classic Renault 5 models has been replaced with a panel housing a battery charge indicator. When the 52kWh battery pack is full, the car’s ‘5’ logo flashes up on the screen to confirm you’ve got 100 per cent. There’s also a sneak peek at the angular wheel arches, which are clearly flared to give the R5 E-Tech a wide stance.
Advanced rear suspension
Renault hasn’t revealed much more on specification at this stage, but it has confirmed that the 5 E-Tech will measure just 3.92 metres long, which makes it ideal as an urban commuter car. It will sit on the 'AmpR Small EV' platform, a piece of tech that was formerly known as the CMF-B EV prior to the company’s recent announcement of its Ampere subdivision.
Perhaps the best news for those who want the 5 E-Tech to drive as good as it looks is that Renault has said it runs on advanced multilink rear suspension, which promises to give it sharp handling manners, while inside the cabin high-tech equipment will include Reno - this is a digital interface avatar that will run most of the infotainment systems and the like.
Following these images being released, Renault will now embark on a public-targeted teaser campaign with the car, running from December 1 until its grand reveal at the end of February 2024. And the hope is that the 5 E-Tech will be highly affordable.
Fabrice Cambolive, the CEO of Renault, said: "Renault 5 E-Tech electric is a cult icon redesigned for the modern age. We pulled out all the stops for this engaging car, designed and built in France. With its cheerful design and new-generation technologies, it’s out to make electric vehicles more affordable in Europe."