Renault 5 Turbo 3E – Price, Horsepower, Range and Release Date
Renault has taken one of its most celebrated nameplates and given it an electric reinterpretation. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a limited-production, rear-wheel-drive hot hatch that draws direct inspiration from the Group B rally legend of the 1980s. First shown in public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2025, the car has since been driven by journalists and is moving toward series production.
The Turbo 3E is not a regular hatchback. It sits on a carbon chassis, uses in-wheel electric motors, and runs on an 800-volt architecture. With a reported price tag in the region of £135,000 to £140,000, it is aimed at collectors and driving enthusiasts rather than mainstream buyers. Only 1,980 numbered examples will be built, with first deliveries expected in 2027.
What Is the Renault 5 Turbo 3E?
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a modern, all-electric homage to the original Renault 5 Turbo, the mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive homologation special built for Group B rallying in the 1980s. The new car retains the rear-driven layout but replaces the turbocharged petrol engine with a dual-motor electric powertrain. The two motors are placed inside the rear wheels, a configuration that allows for instant torque vectoring and a flat cabin floor.
Renault describes the car as a halo model — a technology showcase rather than a volume seller. It was developed alongside the standard Renault 5 E-Tech but shares almost nothing with it mechanically. The Turbo 3E uses a bespoke carbon superstructure, a wide track-focused body, and 20-inch wheel rims.
Although it has no turbocharger, Renault retained the “Turbo” badge to connect the car directly to the original 5 Turbo and its Group B heritage. The “3E” denotes the third generation of the lineage (after the 5 Turbo and 5 Turbo 2), with the E standing for electric.
Renault 5 Turbo 3E at a Glance
- Price (est.) – £135,000 to £200,000 depending on specification
- Power – 555 hp (Renault UK figure) from dual in-wheel motors
- 0-62 mph – Under 3.5 seconds
- Release – First deliveries expected in 2027
Key Insights
- The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a modern halo car that reimagines the 1980s Group B legend with zero-emission technology.
- It uses innovative in-wheel motors and an 800V architecture for instant torque and rapid charging up to 350 kW.
- Pricing positions it far above mainstream hot hatches, squarely in supercar territory.
- Drift mode and rear-wheel drive hint at a playful, enthusiast-focused character, despite its EV powertrain.
- Production is capped at 1,980 numbered units worldwide, reinforcing its collector-oriented positioning.
Renault 5 Turbo 3E – Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Make | Renault |
| Model | 5 Turbo 3E |
| Powertrain | Dual in-wheel electric motors, rear-wheel drive |
| Horsepower | 555 hp (Renault UK); 533–536 bhp (media reports) |
| Torque | 4,800 Nm (Renault UK figure) |
| 0-62 mph | Under 3.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 167–168 mph |
| Battery | 70 kWh, 800V architecture |
| Range (WLTP est.) | Up to 249 miles (media reports) |
| Charging | 350 kW DC, 15–80% in 15 minutes |
| Unladen weight | 1,450 kg |
| Production limit | 1,980 numbered examples globally |
How Much Does the Renault 5 Turbo 3E Cost?
Pricing for the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is not fully settled. Multiple automotive publications, including Select Car Leasing and Top Gear, report a starting price of £135,000. However, Renault UK’s own reservation page states “pricing starting from £140,000,” creating a discrepancy that has not yet been resolved by the manufacturer.
A review by Autocar suggests that the final transaction price can climb well over £200,000 once optional extras and bespoke specification choices are included. The car is positioned in a price bracket that puts it in direct competition with small supercars and high-end performance EVs rather than conventional hot hatches.
The £135,000 figure quoted by Top Gear and Select Car Leasing does not match the £140,000 shown on the official Renault UK reservation portal. Until Renault issues a definitive price list, both figures should be treated as indicative. Buyers placing a reservation should confirm the final on-road price before committing.
Renault 5 Turbo 3E Specs: Horsepower, Torque, and 0-60
The performance specifications of the Turbo 3E are extreme by small-car standards. Renault’s official UK product page lists a peak output of 555 hp and a torque figure of 4,800 Nm. Some media sources, including Auto Express, report slightly lower power figures of around 533 to 536 bhp, which may reflect differences between pre-production prototypes and final homologated numbers.
The 0-62 mph sprint is claimed to take under 3.5 seconds, which places it among the quickest production hatchbacks ever built. Top speed is quoted at 167 mph on the Renault UK site and 168 mph in several media reports. These numbers are achieved thanks to the 800-volt architecture, the low 1,450 kg unladen weight, and the instantaneous response of the in-wheel motors.
Charging and Range
Charging capability is one of the strongest aspects of the package. The Turbo 3E can accept up to 350 kW DC on a compatible ultra-rapid charger, allowing a 15 to 80 percent top-up in about 15 minutes. That is unusually fast for a compact performance EV.
The official WLTP range has not been published on Renault’s current UK product page, but several sources, including Select Car Leasing and Parks UK, cite a figure of up to 249 miles. Reviewers caution that this is a road-use estimate and actual range will be considerably lower during track driving or spirited use.
The 249-mile WLTP estimate reflects mixed-road driving conditions. The Turbo 3E is a performance-first vehicle with track-focused hardware, so owners can expect significantly lower endurance during hard driving or drift-mode use. The 70 kWh battery is modest in capacity by modern EV standards, which prioritises weight saving over maximum range.
When Is the Renault 5 Turbo 3E Release Date?
Renault has not announced a firm delivery date, but the available evidence points to a clear timeline. The car has moved from concept teasers to production-ready prototypes that journalists have already driven. First customer deliveries are expected in 2027.
- 2023 – Project rumoured; design sketches leaked online.
- May 2025 – Official teaser campaign begins.
- July 2025 – Public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
- October 2025 – First detailed reviews published by Top Gear and others.
- March 2026 – Production-ready prototypes tested by Autocar and Auto Express.
- Late 2026 / early 2027 – Expected start of customer deliveries.
What Information About the Renault 5 Turbo 3E Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
Several important details are established, while others have not been settled by official sources. The table below summarises the current state of knowledge.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The car exists as a running prototype and has been driven by auto journalists. | Final official pricing has not been announced by Renault – all figures are journalistic estimates or reservation-page placeholders. |
| It uses in-wheel motors and an 800V architecture. | Exact horsepower figure varies: 533, 536, 540, or 555 bhp depending on the source. |
| It is a limited-edition halo model paying homage to the original Renault 5 Turbo. | 0-62 mph time and WLTP range are unofficial estimates; Renault has not published final certified numbers. |
| Production is capped at 1,980 numbered units. | Release date is speculative; Renault has not confirmed a specific quarter for first deliveries. |
| Charging speed is up to 350 kW with 15–80% in 15 minutes. | Total production volume and allocation per market remain unknown. |
Why Does the Renault 5 Turbo 3E Matter for Renault?
The Turbo 3E is part of a broader Renault strategy to revive iconic nameplates with electric powertrains. The company has already reintroduced the Renault 5 as a mainstream EV, and similar treatments are planned for the Renault 4 and Twingo. The Turbo 3E sits at the top of this range as a brand-building exercise rather than a volume seller.
By using in-wheel motors — a relatively rare technology in production cars — Renault makes a technical statement about what is possible with electric drive. The flat floor, instant torque vectoring, and drift mode are all enabled by this layout. The car competes conceptually with performance EVs such as the Alpine A290 and, in spirit, with machines like the Porsche Taycan and Dodge Charger Daytona EV, though at a different price point.
The nostalgic design and rally heritage aim to win over traditional petrolheads who may be sceptical of electric vehicles. Success will likely be measured in brand equity and technological demonstration rather than sales volume.
What Do Early Reviews Say About the Renault 5 Turbo 3E?
Journalists who have driven pre-production examples describe the Turbo 3E as extreme, playful, and unlike any other EV on sale. Auto Express calls it “anything but sensible,” while Top Gear characterises it as “lairy” and “outrageously powerful.” The consensus is that the car is less a practical hot hatch and more a mini-supercar-style collector EV.
“In 2025, Renault 5 Turbo 3E gives the legend a boost with a dual 555 hp¹ electric powertrain.”
– Renault Official Website
“Prices for the slightly awkwardly named Renault 5 Turbo 3E will start at £140,000.”
– Autocar
“Using an 800-volt electrical architecture and cutting-edge in-wheel motors, the Turbo 3E promises insane performance.”
– Auto Express
“The 5 Turbo 3E is Renault’s homage to the heyday of the original Renault 5 Turbo — the ’80s homologation car for Group B rallying.”
– Top Gear
Summary: Is the Renault 5 Turbo 3E the Right Electric Performance Car for You?
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a collector-focused electric halo car that prioritises driving theatre and heritage over everyday practicality. With an estimated price between £135,000 and £200,000, a production run of just 1,980 cars, and first deliveries expected in 2027, it is aimed at enthusiasts and early adopters who value the combination of nostalgic design, rear-wheel-drive handling, and cutting-edge EV technology. For buyers interested in the broader Renault electric family, explore Renault’s full electric vehicle lineup or read our review of the standard Renault 5 E-Tech.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Renault 5 Turbo 3E all-wheel drive?
No, it is rear-wheel drive. Each rear wheel is driven by its own in-wheel motor, enabling torque vectoring and drift mode.
What does “3E” stand for?
The “3E” refers to the third generation of the Renault 5 Turbo lineage (after the 5 Turbo and 5 Turbo 2). The “E” denotes its electric powertrain.
How many Renault 5 Turbo 3E will be built?
Renault has confirmed a production limit of 1,980 numbered examples globally.
Can I buy a Renault 5 Turbo 3E in the US?
The car is not confirmed for the US market. Renault does not sell vehicles in the United States, so availability will likely be limited to Europe and select global markets.
Does the Renault 5 Turbo 3E have a gearbox?
No, like most EVs, it uses a single-speed transmission. The in-wheel motors provide direct drive.
What is the warranty on the Renault 5 Turbo 3E?
Official warranty details are not yet published. Standard Renault EV coverage typically includes 8 years or 100,000 miles on the battery.
What is the difference between the Turbo 3E and the standard Renault 5 E-Tech?
The Turbo 3E is a bespoke, carbon-chassised, rear-wheel-drive performance model with in-wheel motors. The standard R5 E-Tech is a front-wheel-drive mass-market electric supermini. They share the name but almost no hardware.
Will the Renault 5 Turbo 3E hold its value?
Limited production runs and strong heritage appeal historically support retained value, but no long-term data exists for this model. Market demand will determine resale prices.
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