The review
All EV Sales editorial review. Researched from official specifications, safety ratings and published expert reviews; not a first-hand owner review. Key facts Price from: £21,495 (Evolution 40 kWh, UK, after Electric Car Grant) · €26,290 (Evolution 40 kWh, Germany) Official range: 194–259 miles (WLTP, UK) 0–62 mph: 7.9 seconds (52 kWh, 150 hp) Peak DC charging: 80–100 kW Safety: 4 stars Euro NCAP (2024) Overview The Renault 5 revives a famous name as a compact electric hatchback. It sells on style, a fair price and a driving experience reviewers rate highly. It suits urban and suburban buyers who want an EV with personality. It is sold in the UK and Europe. Design & Interior The exterior borrows heavily from the original 1970s car, with modern lighting and bright colour choices. Inside, the dashboard uses stitched fabric and playful shapes that echo the original. Reviewers describe most materials as good for the class. Higher trims get a 10-inch Google-based infotainment system, which testers find quick and easy to use. The entry Evolution trim has a smaller, simpler screen. Physical switches remain for key functions, which reviewers welcome. Driving Two motors are offered: 120 hp with the 40 kWh battery and 150 hp with the 52 kWh battery. The more powerful version reaches 62 mph in 7.9 seconds. Reviewers consistently call the car nimble and enjoyable, with precise steering and strong brakes. Opinions on ride quality vary. Some testers found it well damped, while others noted fidgeting over poor surfaces. Tyre and wind noise at motorway speeds draw some criticism. Range & Charging Renault UK quotes up to 194 miles for the 40 kWh battery and up to 259 miles for the 52 kWh battery. Renault has opened UK orders for an updated version with slightly more range, quoted at up to 267 miles. Testers recorded around 200 miles from the larger battery in mostly motorway driving. DC charging peaks at 80 kW for the smaller battery and 100 kW for the larger one. Renault quotes about 30 minutes for a 15–80 per cent charge. A heat pump is standard, and the car supports bi-directional charging. Practicality The boot is 326 litres on lower trims, which is large for a supermini. Iconic Five and Roland Garros trims drop to 285 litres. Reviewers note a high load lip. Rear legroom is tight, and adults will find longer trips uncomfortable. Having four doors is an advantage over some two-door rivals. Safety Euro NCAP gave the Renault 5 four stars in 2024. It scored 80% for adult occupants, 80% for children, 76% for vulnerable road users and 68% for safety assist. Side impact tests earned maximum points. Marginal chest protection, a lack of child presence detection and only adequate pedestrian braking held the result back. Verdict The Renault 5 is a strong choice for buyers who want a small, stylish EV that is fun to drive. It is keenly priced, charges reasonably quickly and has a useful boot. Tight rear space, some motorway noise and a four-star safety rating are the main reasons to consider rivals. How we rated it Range 3.5 (competitive for a supermini, not for long trips) · Performance 4.5 (agile and engaging) · Safety 3.5 (four-star Euro NCAP) · Comfort 3.5 (pleasant cabin, tight rear and some road noise) · Overall 4.0. Sources Renault UK model page: https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-vehicles/r5-e-tech-electric.html Renault UK specifications: https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-vehicles/r5-e-tech-electric/specifications.html Renault UK brochure (July 2026): https://cdn.group.renault.com/ren/gb/transversal-assets/brochures/car-ebrochures/Renault-5-eBrochure.pdf.asset.pdf/59598c0612.pdf Renault Germany press release (pricing): https://presse.renault.de/der-renault-5-e-tech-elektrisch-gunstigere-preise-erweiterte-ausstattung/?lang=deu electrive, updated UK model: https://www.electrive.com/2026/09/24/uk-orders-open-for-updated-renault-5-e-tech/ Euro NCAP 2024 assessment: https://www.euroncap.com/assessments/renault/5/1080/ Top Gear review: https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/renault/5 Carwow review: https://www.carwow.co.uk/renault/5-e-tech