The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a groundbreaking electric performance vehicle that successfully combines retro charm with cutting-edge technology. A modern-day homage to the iconic Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 of the 1980s, the Turbo 3E goes beyond being a mere nostalgia act—it ushers in a new category of electric cars, positioning itself as the first-ever electric "mini-supercar".
Reviving a Motorsport Icon
The original Renault 5 Turbo, launched in 1980, was a rally icon that captured hearts with its mid-engine layout, turbocharged power, and aggressive design. Now, over 40 years later, the Turbo 3E brings back that same motorsport spirit—but with a fully electric twist. Developed in collaboration with Alpine, Renault’s performance sub-brand, this electric revolution builds on the rally legacy while embracing the future of EV performance.
Powerful Electric Performance
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E doesn’t hold back when it comes to performance. Beneath its sleek carbon-fiber body, the car is powered by two in-wheel motors at the rear, delivering a combined output of 540 hp and an astonishing 4,800 Nm of torque. This power translates to a blistering acceleration of 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.
A 70 kWh battery ensures the car maintains an optimal center of gravity, enhancing its handling and agility, while the lightweight construction—just 1,450 kg—results in an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 2.7 kg/hp. The Turbo 3E can achieve a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph), proving that electric vehicles are no longer just about efficiency, but also about performance.
Revolutionary Fast Charging
The Turbo 3E comes equipped with an 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing for fast charging at speeds up to 350 kW. This enables the car to charge from 15% to 80% in just 15 minutes, significantly reducing downtime. In addition, the bi-directional charging capabilities (V2L and V2G) add versatility by turning the car into a mobile power source for your home or other devices.
Mini-Supercar Dimensions
At 4.08 meters in length, 2.03 meters in width, and 1.38 meters in height, the Turbo 3E boasts a wide stance and short wheelbase of 2.57 meters, giving it a true performance car look and feel. The car’s design cleverly combines retro and modern elements:
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The square LED headlights echo the original Turbo’s front end.
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Flared wheel arches, an oversized rear wing, and huge air intakes deliver a race-bred, aggressive aesthetic.
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The rear light signature is a modern take on the original Turbo 2’s squared-off tail lights.
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Functional elements like the front splitter and rear diffuser help generate downforce, contributing to superior stability at high speeds.
Race-Inspired Interior
Inside, the Turbo 3E is all about performance. The driver-focused cockpit features racing-style bucket seats with six-point harnesses, and a combination of carbon fiber and Alcantara materials. A vertical handbrake adds a rally-inspired touch, reinforcing the car’s drifting credentials. The car features two 10.1-inch and 10.25-inch OpenR screens, running Renault’s OpenR Link system with Google built-in, providing navigation, media, and driving controls.
The car also offers four distinct driving modes via the MULTI-SENSE system: Snow, Regular, Sport, and Race. The Race mode even includes drift-assist, allowing drivers to slide with precision on the track.
Exclusive and Customizable
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E will be a limited-edition model, with only 1,980 units available—an homage to the year the original Turbo was launched. Each unit will be numbered, and customers can choose their production number when ordering. The car also offers extensive customization options, including a range of exterior liveries and interior trims, with color schemes inspired by the original Turbo and Turbo 2, as well as more modern, bespoke designs.
Performance by Alpine
With Alpine’s engineering expertise in lightweight, high-performance electric vehicles, the Turbo 3E is engineered for precise handling and extraordinary drift capabilities. The rear-wheel-drive platform and independent control of the two in-wheel motors allow for immediate torque response, enhancing the car’s responsiveness and agility on the road or track.
A New Category: The Mini-Supercar
Renault is positioning the Turbo 3E as the pioneer of a new class of vehicle: the electric "mini-supercar". Compact in size but supercar in performance, the Turbo 3E offers an exhilarating driving experience, blending the best of the old and the new. According to Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of Renault, “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.”
Looking to the Future
Reservations for the Renault 5 Turbo 3E will open soon, with deliveries slated to begin in 2027. With just 1,980 units available, this electric performance car is set to become one of the most exclusive and sought-after models of its generation.
By blending the iconic rally DNA of the Renault 5 Turbo with the future of electric performance, the Turbo 3E stands as a testament to Renault’s commitment to innovation, performance, and exclusive engineering in the electric age.
