Renault 5 Turbo 3E: Electrifying a Legend with Cutting-Edge Technology

Renault 5 Turbo 3E: Electrifying a Legend with Cutting-Edge Technology

The automotive world is abuzz with the unveiling of what many are calling the wildest electric vehicle of 2025: the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. This all-electric marvel, with input from Alpine, boasts a staggering 540hp and marks a bold step into the future for Renault. The competitor’s article rightly highlights the excitement surrounding this vehicle, an homage to the iconic 1980s Renault 5 Turbo that once dominated race tracks and adorned the walls of automotive enthusiasts. While the full extent of its performance and innovation was initially kept under wraps, the details now emerging paint a picture of a truly exceptional machine.

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is not just a nostalgic nod to the past: it’s a demonstration of Renault’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology. To fully appreciate the significance of this new model, it’s essential to understand the legacy it inherits. The original Renault 5 Turbo, launched in 1980, was a radical departure from the standard Renault 5 supermini. Born from Renault’s desire to conquer the rallying world, it was a “homologation special,” meaning a road-legal version produced in sufficient numbers to allow its entry into motorsport. This necessitated a unique rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, a stark contrast to the front-engine, front-wheel-drive configuration of the regular Renault 5 . The Renault 5 itself held significant cultural importance, becoming a best-selling car in France and Europe, known for its practicality and innovative features like plastic bumpers. The Turbo variant, however, was its adrenaline-fueled twin, built for speed and competition. 

Powering this electric homage is a cutting-edge dual electric powertrain featuring innovative in-wheel motors. This setup delivers a combined output of 540 hp (or 536 hp according to some sources) and an astounding 4,800 Nm of instantly available torque . This level of power firmly positions the 3E in the realm of high-performance vehicles, capable of outperforming many established sports cars in terms of sheer acceleration. True to its heritage, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E adopts a rear-wheel-drive configuration, a deliberate choice that not only pays tribute to the original but also enhances driving engagement and allows for playful handling characteristics like drifting . The vehicle is equipped with a 70 kWh battery pack, which provides an estimated WLTP driving range of over 248 miles . While this range is commendable for everyday use, the focus on track performance suggests that aggressive driving will likely result in a significantly reduced range, as hinted by the competitor article’s mention of around 20 minutes of track time before requiring a recharge. To mitigate range anxiety and enhance practicality, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E features an advanced 800V electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging at up to 350 kW DC. This allows the battery to charge from 15% to 80% in approximately 15 minutes, making it convenient for drivers to quickly replenish the battery on the go .

One of the most innovative aspects of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is its adoption of in-wheel motors. In contrast to traditional electric vehicles that typically use one or two centrally located motors to drive the wheels via shafts and differentials, the 3E places an electric motor directly within each of the rear wheels . This configuration offers several potential advantages. Firstly, it can lead to improved torque response and more direct power delivery by eliminating the energy losses and slight delays associated with traditional drivetrain components . The close proximity of the motors to the wheels ensures that power is transmitted almost instantaneously, potentially resulting in a more engaging and responsive driving experience, especially beneficial for a performance-focused vehicle like the 3E. Secondly, in-wheel motors can enhance agility and handling through independent control of each wheel, enabling sophisticated torque vectoring . By precisely managing the amount of torque sent to each rear wheel, the car’s stability and cornering capabilities can be significantly improved, and it allows for controlled drifting, a key feature highlighted for the 3E. While not explicitly emphasized for this model, in-wheel motors can also offer space savings within the vehicle chassis by removing the need for a large central motor and transmission tunnel, potentially allowing for a larger battery pack or increased interior space in other EV designs . Furthermore, the direct drive nature of in-wheel motors can contribute to improved energy efficiency by reducing mechanical losses in the drivetrain . Finally, in-wheel motors can facilitate more efficient regenerative braking, as each motor can independently recover kinetic energy during deceleration and feed it back into the battery.

Despite these potential benefits, the use of in-wheel motors also presents certain challenges. One of the most significant concerns is the increase in unsprung weight, which is the mass of the vehicle components not supported by the suspension, such as the wheels, tires, and brakes . Adding the weight of an electric motor within each wheel can negatively impact ride quality and handling by making it harder for the suspension to effectively control wheel movement over bumps and uneven surfaces. However, as noted in some reports , Renault has likely addressed this challenge with a specially designed rear suspension system to mitigate the effects of the added weight. Another potential drawback is the durability of in-wheel motors due to their direct exposure to road imperfections, vibrations, and the elements like water, dirt, and salt . These motors need to be exceptionally robustly engineered and sealed to withstand such harsh conditions over the long term. Heat management can also be a challenge, as motors located within the wheels might have limited space for effective cooling systems, potentially leading to overheating, especially during demanding use like track driving . Finally, the cost and complexity of developing and manufacturing multiple high-precision in-wheel motors can be significantly higher compared to a traditional centralized motor setup, likely contributing to the premium pricing and limited production of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E.

Beyond its innovative powertrain, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E boasts impressive performance figures, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in under 3.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 168 mph . These numbers firmly place it in the high-performance category, rivaling many supercars in terms of acceleration. A distinctive feature that pays homage to its rally heritage is the rally-style vertical handbrake, specifically designed to help drivers initiate drifts and execute other rallying maneuvers with precision . The vehicle also offers various driving modes, including a dedicated “race” mode that features a “drift assist” function, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s behavior to their preferences and the driving environment, whether it’s comfortable road cruising or aggressive track sessions . Aerodynamic efficiency has been a key focus in the design, with features like splitters, spoilers, and side scoops strategically implemented to aid downforce and improve overall aerodynamic performance . Inside the cabin, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E blends the quirky charm of Renault’s past with modern technological advancements, including a 10.1-inch driver display and a 10.25-inch OpenR infotainment system that provides essential driving information and connectivity features . Recognizing the exclusive nature of this vehicle, Renault will offer extensive bespoke customization options, allowing customers to personalize their cars with unique paint jobs, liveries, and interior finishes .  

The development of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E has significantly benefited from the expertise of Alpine Cars, Renault’s performance brand. Alpine was instrumental in developing the bespoke aluminum platform that underpins the 3E, ensuring a strong foundation for its performance-oriented nature . The Renault 5 Turbo 3E fits strategically within the Renault Group’s broader electric vehicle lineup, positioned as the high-performance halo model alongside the standard Renault 5 E-Tech electric city car and the sporty Alpine A290 . This tiered approach allows Renault to cater to different segments of the electric hatchback market. Further emphasizing the connection to Alpine’s performance heritage, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E will be produced at Alpine’s Dieppe plant in Normandy, a facility known for its expertise in building high-performance vehicles . 

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E enters a growing and increasingly competitive segment of high-performance electric hot hatches. Key players in this arena include the MG4 XPower, which offers impressive power and all-wheel drive ; the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, known for its exhilarating performance and drift capabilities ; the VW ID.3 GTX Performance, a sporty take on VW’s electric hatchback ; the Cupra Born VZ, offering rear-wheel drive and engaging dynamics ; the Abarth 500e/600e, injecting Italian flair into the electric hot hatch scene ; the Mini Cooper SE, with its iconic design and fun driving experience ; and the Alpine A290, the sporty sibling to the standard Renault 5 .

Comparing the Renault 5 Turbo 3E to its rivals, it stands out with its exceptionally high power output and unique in-wheel motor technology, along with the distinctive rally-style handbrake. While the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N offers similar levels of performance and also features a drift mode, the 3E’s compact size and in-wheel motors set it apart. The MG4 XPower provides all-wheel drive, but with less power. The Cupra Born VZ is rear-wheel drive, aligning with the 3E’s heritage, but again with significantly lower power figures. The limited production numbers and the expected premium price point of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E will likely position it as a more exclusive offering compared to some of its more mainstream competitors.

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is not an isolated endeavor but rather a part of Renault’s broader and ambitious electrification strategy. Renault has set clear goals to significantly increase the proportion of electric and electrified vehicles in its sales mix in the coming years . This strategy involves not only launching new electric models but also focusing on developing competitive and sustainable EVs through strategic partnerships for battery production and the development of its own electric motor technology . The company’s commitment to innovation is further exemplified by recent concept vehicles like the R17 electric restomod, a stylish reinterpretation of a 1970s icon , and the Filante Record 2025, an experimental EV designed to break efficiency records . These concepts, along with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, showcase Renault’s willingness to explore bold designs and push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to the future of mobility.

In conclusion, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E represents a significant moment in the evolution of electric vehicles, particularly within the hot hatch segment. Its powerful electric powertrain, innovative in-wheel motors, striking retro-futuristic design, and engaging driving dynamics make it a truly unique and exciting offering. As a halo model, it effectively demonstrates Renault’s technological capabilities and its commitment to creating electric vehicles that are not only environmentally friendly but also thrilling to drive. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E has the potential to ignite further excitement in the electric vehicle market, attracting enthusiasts and proving that the electric future can be just as exhilarating as the performance vehicles of the past. By blending iconic heritage with cutting-edge technology, Renault is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of the electric performance revolution.