Renault has unveiled its most expensive vehicle to date: the 5 Turbo 3E, a high-performance electric drift car priced between £140,000 and £220,000 depending on options. This car isn’t merely an updated version of the standard Renault 5; it’s a ground-up reimagining, sharing only a handful of exterior components with its namesake.
Engineering and Design
The Turbo 3E is built on the Alpine Performance Platform, which will also support the next-generation electric Alpine A110. The design deliberately evokes a supercar aesthetic, and its unconventional silhouette has already captured significant attention. Only the mirrors, door handles, and taillights are carried over from the original Renault 5.
Performance and Driving Experience
Driven by a 533bhp electric powertrain, the Turbo 3E offers visceral acceleration without the typical nausea-inducing disconnect often found in high-speed EVs. Unlike many electric vehicles, it delivers a raw, sensory-rich driving experience that rivals that of a high-performance petrol car. Renault test driver David Praschl piloted the car, demonstrating its immediate power and potential for controlled drifts.
The car is expected to hit 62mph in approximately 3.5 seconds. The interior blends retro-futuristic design elements with practical, modern components. Seats resemble high-end gaming setups, finished in GTI-inspired tartan, while the dashboard features screens directly from the standard Renault 5. A bright yellow hydraulic handbrake is prominently featured, signaling the vehicle’s track-focused intent.
Limited Production and Market Demand
Only 1,980 units will be produced—a nod to the original Renault 5’s launch year—and demand is high. The model is already close to selling out, making it a critical halo car for the Renault Group. The vehicle’s limited availability and exclusive price point underscore its positioning as a collector’s item rather than a mass-market product.
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a bold statement on electric performance, blending heritage with cutting-edge technology in a package that prioritizes driving thrills over practicality.
