The Renault 5 E-Tech Five, the entry-level version at €24,990, now comes with an 80 kW DC fast charger as standard. Combined with a more powerful motor and an LFP battery, this update makes it a more versatile electric city car, with no price increase.
Fast charging arrives, erasing the main criticism
Launched at €24,990 (before incentives), the Renault 5 Five was previously held back by the lack of a DC fast charger. This choice was criticized as it limited its use to city driving and short trips, despite its attractive price. Some owners, often private buyers drawn by the price, discovered this shortcoming when using fast-charging stations.
Renault is addressing this: the Five now comes with an 80 kW DC fast charger as standard, compatible with high-power stations. This makes the city car more versatile, a key advantage against rivals like the Volkswagen ID. Polo, which already offers this feature in its base version.
A more powerful motor, an LFP battery, but slightly reduced range
The Five replaces its old wound-rotor motor (95 hp) with a permanent-magnet unit derived from the electric Twingo, increasing power to 110 hp. The battery switches from NMC to LFP chemistry, with capacity reduced from 40 to 36.5 kWh.
As a result, WLTP range drops slightly from 312 to 305 km. This loss is offset by improved energy efficiency. The onboard AC charger, meanwhile, increases from 11 to 6.6 kW, a compromise to keep the price unchanged.
Equipment and customization: what’s new
The Renault 5 Five adds new colors (Flamme Red, Schiste Grey) and customization options (roof trim, wheels, stickers). Inside, the e-call emergency system is now 4G-compatible, and a ventilated wireless charger (standard Qi2) is introduced.
A new Smart driving mode, automatically adapting to the driver’s style, replaces the physical button for Eco/Comfort/Sport modes. Finally, the AI assistant Gemini arrives on trims equipped with Google services.
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A stronger position against the competition
With these updates, the Five moves closer to the Citroën ë-C3 (€23,850, 311 km range) or the Volkswagen ID. Polo (€24,995, 323 km range, 90 kW DC charging). Renault retains the advantage of a neo-retro design and a well-equipped base model (air conditioning, rain sensor, 10.1-inch screen, keyless entry).
Chinese city cars, like the Geely E2 (from €20,990), remain cheaper but offer lower range (252 km for the entry version) and less generous equipment. Additionally, they do not benefit from the enhanced CEE bonus, reducing their price advantage.
The Renault 5 Five finally closes the gap on fast charging while improving performance. At €24,990 (€21,370 after minimum incentive), it becomes a credible option for city drivers and occasional highway trips. It remains to be seen if this update will be enough to counter the ID. Polo, whose superior range and space may appeal.
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