In a bold statement of its electrified ambitions and nostalgic flair, Renault has confirmed that the first production wave of its all-electric R5 Turbo 3E has officially sold out, just hours after order books opened. With 500 direct customer reservations and an additional 200 claimed by its global dealer network, the French automaker is off to a flying start with this riotous 536bhp hot hatch.
Priced from a staggering £135,000, the R5 Turbo 3E is anything but subtle, both in appearance and performance. And yet, despite the hefty price tag, buyers have rushed to secure a slice of this retro-futuristic performance machine.
Heritage Meets Hyper-Tech
Inspired by the original Renault 5 Turbo rally icon of the 1980s, the R5 Turbo 3E is a tribute draped in modern tech. Its core is a carbon fibre superstructure, built for strength and lightweight rigidity. Around it sits a dramatic, wide-arched body that pays unmistakable homage to its ancestor, with exaggerated lines, oversized intakes, and an unmistakable motorsport silhouette.
But under the skin, the Turbo 3E is thoroughly modern. Each rear wheel is driven by its own motor, delivering a combined output of 536bhp and 700Nm of torque. The powertrain is supported by a 70kWh battery operating on an 800V architecture, putting it on par with premium EVs in both performance and charging capability.
Fast and Furious—The Electric Way
Renault claims the R5 Turbo 3E can catapult from 0 to 62mph in under 3.5 seconds, an eye-widening stat for what is essentially a hot hatch. The electric drivetrain also allows for blisteringly quick recharge times—just 15 minutes to go from 15% to 80% battery at a compatible ultra-fast charger.
The rear-drive setup and perfectly balanced weight distribution promise tail-happy handling, making it as thrilling in corners as it is in a straight line. Renault clearly intends this car to be more than a collector’s piece—it’s a drift-ready, street-legal toy built for those who want maximum theatre with zero emissions.
Limited Numbers, Unlimited Personality
Only 1,980 units of the R5 Turbo 3E will be produced globally—a nod to the year the original R5 Turbo launched. With 700 already reserved, the remaining cars are expected to be snapped up quickly. Each car offers extensive customisation options, giving buyers the chance to configure liveries, trim details, wheels, and more.
“The enthusiasm is palpable – as is the demand,” Renault CEO Fabrice Cambolive wrote on LinkedIn. “This project has lit up the imaginations of enthusiasts and dealers alike.”
More Than a Gimmick?
What started as a concept that no one quite expected to reach production has now become one of the most talked-about electric cars of the year. Whether the R5 Turbo 3E is a symbol of Renault’s EV transformation or simply a glorious indulgence in automotive nostalgia, one thing is clear—it’s got people talking, buying, and dreaming.
And for those lucky 700, the dream is about to become very, very real.
