Renault’s $185,000 R5 Turbo Reveals the True Issues with EVs | Carscoops

      The wild electric tribute to the ‘80s hot hatch excites with its power and style but lets down with a significant absence.

      The 2027 Renault 5 Turbo 3E made its energetic debut at the Tour de Corse.

      With 547 hp, the electric hyper hatch impressed with its speed and nostalgic design.

      Fans appreciated its aesthetics but criticized it for lacking engine noise.

      Though Renault currently does not have a single performance model in its lineup, the company has boldly developed the R5 Turbo 3E, a fully electric, limited-run hyper hatch that encapsulates the essence of the 1980s classic.

      The electric hatch made its initial public appearance at the historic Tour de Corse rally in Corsica, showcasing its tire-scorching performance. However, it faced criticism for an unexpected reason: its remarkable silence.

      This demonstration coincided with the 40th anniversary of Jean Ragnotti’s victory at the 1985 Tour de Corse with the iconic Maxi 5 Turbo, which inspired the prototype's striking color scheme, a blend of blue accented with red and white graphics that stand out against the angular design of the R5 Turbo 3E.

      The new model was driven by Renault ambassador Julien Saunier, who also competed in the rally's historic category using the original mid-engined rally car. "It’s a true rallying beast," he remarked. "I was amazed by the acceleration, which doesn't diminish as speed increases, the ultra-powerful yet easily modulated braking, and its capacity for impressive but controlled drifts."

      Overwhelming Aesthetics, Underwhelming Sound

      Two advanced prototypes were showcased in Corsica as part of ongoing refinement and development, with production set to start in 2027. Beyond rally stages, the EV exhibited its agility before a crowd at the port of Calvi, where Saunier executed 360- and 180-degree spins, highlighting the rear-wheel-drive setup, compact dimensions, and hydraulic handbrake.

      Although Renault's official footage was set to music, a brief clip shared by Autocar on Instagram told a different story. The Turbo 3E's electric powertrain operates so quietly that only the sounds of tire squeal and gravel hitting the underbody were audible.

      One viewer humorously commented, "My phone was on mute. I turned on the sound and it feels the same as before," while another inquired, "Where is the turbo?"

      Numerous comments focused on the lack of engine noise, with one person suggesting that even an artificial sound would “greatly enhance” the experience. Others went further, advocating for Renault to incorporate a combustion engine or at least a hybrid system to revive some of the original R5’s character.

      Not Your Typical Hot Hatch

      The R5 Turbo 3E is not simply a modified version of the production R5 E-Tech; it is a unique “mini-supercar” developed in collaboration with Alpine. This is reflected in its exterior design, which combines an extremely wide stance and modern LED lighting with retro elements from its predecessor.

      The EV is built on a new aluminum chassis with a carbon superstructure and features dual in-wheel electric motors at the rear, delivering a total power output of 547 hp (408 kW / 555 PS). This performance enables it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in under 3.5 seconds.

      It includes double-wishbone suspension and achieves an ideal 43/57 front-to-rear weight distribution. A 70 kWh battery offers a WLTP range exceeding 400 km (249 miles) and can be charged from 15 to 80 percent in just 15 minutes.

      Renault is set to produce 1,980 units of the R5 Turbo 3E between 2027 and 2029, with approximately 1,000 already claimed. The electric hyper hatch is priced at €160,000 (about $185,000 based on current exchange rates) and will be available in Europe, the UK, the Middle East, Japan, and Australia.

      From early 2026, potential buyers will have the opportunity to customize their Turbo 3E with assistance from Renault’s design team. Options will include historic racing liveries or more subdued “gentleman driver” themes, while the interior can be tailored with various materials and color choices. Final specifications will be confirmed in the first half of 2027, with deliveries starting later that year.

      Michael Grosjean, Project Manager for the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, stated:

      “This remarkable project has generated immense excitement, both internally and among the public, with 500 reservations in the first three days! … We are eager to move to the next phase, showcasing the personalization program we've developed for our customers. It promises to be a detailed and highly appealing array!”

      Renault officials have hinted that the R5 Turbo 3E may be succeeded by other limited-production models commemorating significant moments