Renault will present the R5 E-tech electric, its B-segment EV, Zoe successor, and Renault 5 reminiscer at the Geneva Motor Show on the 26th of February. In anticipation, the manufacturer has already shown some details of the production version and launched a teaser campaign with an R 5 R Pass for early potential buyers.

“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,” says Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of the Renault brand.

Just a glimpse

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric wants to put a modern, electric spin on the iconic Renault 5, taking it ‘into the future’. Ahead of the official reveal, Renault is lifting a corner of the veil, giving us a glimpse of several details in the production model’s exterior design that nods to its predecessor.”

The headlights of R5 are a key design feature, making the front end instantly recognizable. The mark in the center of the lens resembling the human eye’s pupil sets them apart.

The vertical rear lights include a function extending the side panel. According to Renault, this feature contributes to the aerodynamic performance of R5 by preventing air turbulence.

The wheel arches also create a broader stance, giving R5 the look of a compact car with real on-road presence. Their graphic design underlines a unique and instantly recognizable personality reminiscent of R5 Turbo.

At the front end, the air intake on the hood of the historic model has (logically) disappeared, the new 5 being an electric vehicle. It has been replaced by a charge indicator light forming the number ‘5’ when the car is fully charged.

Teaser campaign

For this launch, Renault worked with Publicis Conseil to put together a teaser campaign that is, according to Renault, exceptional not only in terms of its form but also its scope since it is launching three months ahead of the official reveal. The theme of the campaign: “R5VOLUTION IS BACK”.

“Launched in 1972, at a time of social and societal turmoil, R5 shook up the automotive industry,” Renault claims. In 2024, Renault sees its new 5 electric as a spearpoint of the ‘Renaulution’: the energy transition, the location of production in France, and the need for energy sobriety.

The campaign reveals the first iconic features of the future vehicle’s exterior design, starting with the 5 logo. The logo will be available in three colors, which will also be found on the production model: yellow, blue, and green.

In the campaign, starting today, the largely concealed vehicle is systematically accompanied by a QR code linked to a renault.fr/r5 website.  This site reveals a little more about the future vehicle with a series of details illustrated by keywords. This ambitious media campaign will be backed up by a TV commercial worldwide to keep the buzz going through to the reveal in 2024.

R5 R Pass to skip the line

Renault is rolling out the R5 R Pass program for future customers. R5 R Pass holders can order the new vehicle in the Renault network ten days before orders open to the general public. Customers placing an order during this particular period will be among the first to take delivery of their vehicle from autumn 2024.

Holders of an R5 R Pass will receive a scale model of the Renault 5 E- Tech electric after its reveal and will be the first to access content and events around the Renault 5. The R5 R Pass will only be available for €150 in the seven participating countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands).

“For the comeback of this icon, we wanted to reinvent the traditional vehicle launch,” says Arnaud Belloni, Global Chief Marketing Officer for the Renault brand. “Little by little, we’re unveiling the design of this retro-futuristic model with a large-scale communication plan well before the launch.”

“Renault 5 is undoubtedly the ideal vehicle for this approach since we’re talking about the rebirth or even the reinvention of a legend, undoubtedly one of the most iconic vehicles in the history of the French automotive industry,” he added.

A few technical details

Renault 5 E-Tech electric is 3,92 m long and ‘every inch a city car’. It is ideal for urban driving, but with its 52 kWh battery giving it a range of up to 400 km WLTP, it can also leave the city. This battery pack will be the first available when orders open. A second 40 kWh battery will become available at a later date.

Renault 5 E-Tech electric will be the first vehicle built on the new AmpR Small platform (formerly CMF-B EV). It has a multi-link rear suspension, contributing to what Renault claims to be excellent stability and road-holding. The same chassis will also be used for the sporty derivative of the R5, the Alpine A290.

A range of advanced technologies will also be available. Inside the vehicle is ‘reno’ present, Renault’s official avatar. “This next-generation humanized co-driver will deliver a digital experience that fully immerses users in the world of Renault,” says the press release.

Equipped with a bidirectional onboard charger, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric will be one of the first production vehicles to feature V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology. Supported by Mobilize, V2G technology allows Renault 5 E-Tech electric to supply energy to the grid. It will be available in France and Germany in 2024 and then in the UK in 2025.

The entry-level price of Renault 5 E-Tech electric will be around €25 000. It is not clear if this will be the version with the 40 kW battery that comes later.