Renault has done it again.
The legendary Renault 5 Turbo is back—but this time, it’s electric. Meet the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a modern, high-performance homage to the iconic Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 of the 1980s. With a striking retro-futuristic design, blistering performance, and cutting-edge EV tech, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E isn’t just a reboot—it’s a new breed altogether: the first-ever electric "mini-supercar."
A True Revival of a Rally Legend
When Renault first launched the Renault 5 Turbo in 1980, it became an instant sensation. Its mid-engine layout, turbocharged power, and wild, rally-bred design turned it into a motorsport icon. The Turbo 2 followed shortly after, building on that legacy with more refined engineering and an equally aggressive attitude. Today, Renault channels that same energy into the Turbo 3E—only now, it's powered by electrons instead of gasoline.
Designed with input from Alpine, Renault's performance sub-brand, the Turbo 3E carries forward the spirit of rallying while embracing the future of electric performance. This isn't a nostalgia act—it's a bold statement of Renault’s commitment to blending heritage with innovation.
540 HP of Electric Fury
Underneath its carbon-fiber skin, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is built for pure performance. It features a bespoke rear-wheel-drive platform with two in-wheel motors on the rear axle, delivering a combined 540 hp and a monstrous 4,800 Nm of torque. That’s enough to catapult this compact powerhouse from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in under 3.5 seconds, putting it on par with some of the fastest combustion-engine supercars.
The 70 kWh battery sits low in the chassis to optimize the center of gravity, ensuring razor-sharp handling and maximum agility. The car’s lightweight construction—just 1,450 kg including the battery—gives it a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 2.7 kg/hp. Top speed? An impressive 270 km/h (168 mph).
800-Volt Architecture for Fast Charging
Renault didn’t just focus on performance—it made sure the Turbo 3E can keep up with the demands of modern EV ownership. Thanks to an 800-volt electrical architecture, the car supports fast charging up to 350 kW. That means you can go from 15% to 80% charge in just 15 minutes.
Renault has also integrated cutting-edge bi-directional charging capabilities (V2L and V2G), making the Turbo 3E not only a thrill machine but also a versatile energy source for your home or other devices.
Mini-Supercar Proportions
The Turbo 3E stands at 4.08 meters in length, 2.03 meters in width, and 1.38 meters in height. Its wide stance and short wheelbase (2.57 meters) give it the aggressive, hunkered-down look of a true performance car.
Its design is a striking mix of old and new. The front end features square LED headlights inspired by the original Turbo, while the flared wheel arches, massive rear wing, and oversized air intakes are pure race-bred aggression. The front splitter and rear diffuser are functional as well as stylish, helping to generate downforce and keep the car planted through corners.
At the rear, the Turbo 3E’s light signature pays homage to the Turbo 2, with a modern LED interpretation of the iconic squared-off tail lights. The side air scoops and oversized rear fender flares give it a purposeful, muscular stance that screams performance.
A Cabin Built for Driving
Inside, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is all business. The driver-focused cockpit features two racing-style bucket seats with six-point harnesses, and the materials are a mix of carbon fiber and Alcantara. A rally-style vertical handbrake sits next to the driver, reinforcing the car’s drifting credentials.
The dashboard is dominated by a pair of 10.1-inch and 10.25-inch OpenR screens, running Renault’s OpenR Link system with Google built-in. Navigation, media, and driving modes are all controlled through this interface.
Four driving modes are available via the MULTI-SENSE system: Snow, Regular, Sport, and Race. The Race mode even includes a drift-assist function, allowing you to slide the car with precision.
Exclusive and Customizable
Renault isn’t holding back on exclusivity with the Turbo 3E. Production will be limited to just 1,980 units—a nod to the year the original Turbo debuted. Each unit will be numbered, and customers can even choose their preferred production number when they order.
Customization options will be extensive, with a variety of exterior liveries and interior trims to choose from. Classic color schemes inspired by the original Turbo and Turbo 2 will be available, alongside modern, bespoke designs for a more contemporary look.
Engineered by Alpine for Maximum Thrills
Alpine’s expertise in developing lightweight, high-performance electric cars is evident in the Turbo 3E’s engineering. The rear-wheel-drive architecture and independent control of the two rear motors allow for precise handling and spectacular drift action. The power delivery is instantaneous, with the in-wheel motors providing near-instantaneous torque response.
According to Alpine CEO Philippe Krief, "Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a fantastic opportunity for Alpine to demonstrate its expertise in engineering, architecture, and the development of electric sports cars, all designed to enhance the driving experience.”
The First of Its Kind
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E isn’t just an electric hot hatch—it’s the first of a new class. Renault is positioning it as the pioneer of the "mini-supercar" segment: a compact car with supercar performance and bespoke engineering.
Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of the Renault brand, sums it up perfectly:
"By creating the new category of electric 'mini-supercars' with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, the Renault brand once again demonstrates the passion and spirit of boldness and innovation that has always driven it."
Reservations for the Renault 5 Turbo 3E will open in the coming weeks, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. With only 1,980 units available, this electrified legend will be one of the most exclusive and sought-after performance cars of its generation.
