Renault 5 E-Tech real world range test
Renault was among the first manufacturers to ride the electric car wave in the early 2010s but despite the initial push, developments of new models decreased as competitors started to catch up. Now, Renault debuted a modern version of the iconic Renault 5 more than 50 years after the original hatch was unveiled.
Renault revolutionized urban mobility with the 5 and the small model quickly gained a legendary status in most European countries. One of the factors leading to the success were the Turbo versions, which raced and won multiple rally awards and their road-legal versions are now highly valued collectibles.
The Renault 5 E-Tech we are testing today is the 150 hp and 52 kWh version, which is the most capable trim you can get for now. It comes with a heat pump, which will be beneficial in certain weather conditions. The modern 5 implements a number of design elements from the original model, but everything else is completely new, including the drivetrains. The new Renault 5 is now only offered as an electric vehicle and everything is bigger, better and more modern inside and out.
A dedicated review is coming soon, but let’s first examine on how the Renault 5 E-Tech performs in our range test. We drove our test routes, doing the same track both ways at constant speeds at the same place as with every other car we test. The ambient temperature while testing the Renault 5 E-Tech was 66°F, which is just a couple off degrees away from perfection.
At our lowest testing speed of 37 mph the Renault 5 absolutely amazes with its efficiency. The consumption of 7.1 mi/kWh is the lowest of any car we've ever tested and shows how efficient the on-board systems are. This result is likely caused by the low weight and compact size of the 5, which were key characteristics for the predecessor, as well.
Range test results
- 37 mph
- 56 mph
- 81 mph
Renault 5 E-Tech
Renault Megane E-Tech EV60
Mini Cooper SE
Peugeot e-2008
Jeep Avenger
Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce
Fiat 500e
Once we move on to the next speed of 56 mph we notice how the Renault 5 E-Tech remains efficient and despite the increase in speed, it stays ahead of competitors. To maintain the nostalgic factors, the 5 is a little bit more angular than rivals, resulting in a rather poor drag coefficient of 0.32 Cd. Still, the results the little Frenchman gets are quite solid.
At the highest testing speed of 81 mph the Renault 5 E-Tech pays the price of its sub-optimal aerodynamics and unimpressive battery size. There is a lot of shaking and rattling at higher speeds, too, so it really isn't meant to be going at those speeds for long. However, if you wish, you can go about 149 miles on a full charge, which is actually a good achievement for the class.
Renault revived the legendary 5 and brought it to the modern era by making it fully electric, but still kept its virtues like the design and compact sizing. Renault has had years to produce a competitive electric model, which would primarily appeal to the urban buyer and if we’re judging simply by efficiency and range, it looks like they did their job well.
Battery size isn’t huge, but the efficient powertrain enables some solid range figures. We won’t spoil our upcoming complete review of the Renault 5 E-Tech, but let’s just say those aren't the only features Renault nailed in the car.
We now suggest you use the widget below to find out the Renault 5 E-Tech’s range in every combination of speed and temperature you might need. We've used our real world tests and a complex model to provide an estimate that should be as close to the actual performance as possible.
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Reader comments
- going around
Nothing more than a city car.
- 18 Aug 2025
- Cee
- Anonymous
Bringing jorts back!
- 18 Aug 2025
- AfM
- ma11en69er
The ambient temperature while testing the Renault 5 E-Tech was 12 mph?
- 18 Aug 2025
- 3xT
