RENAULT 5 TURBO 3E: The Turbo Spirit Lives

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a stunning, limited-production “mini-supercar” that resurrects the legendary 1980s Turbo spirit for the electric age. Boasting a dual-motor rear-wheel-drive powertrain, it delivers a heart-stopping 555hp. Designed for the track and the enthusiast, it features a radical wide-body design and a carbon fibre superstructure.

It offers an estimated WLTP range of over 400 km (248 miles).

While official pricing is unconfirmed, industry expectations place this collector’s item in the six-figure bracket (approx. €100,000+ / £85,000+ / $110,000+), supported by a comprehensive manufacturer and battery warranty typical of high-performance EVs.

Body Style and Size Segment

The Turbo 3E is classified as a high-performance “mini-supercar” or B-segment hatchback. Its aggressive stance is defined by extreme proportions: it measures 4.08 metres in length and is 2.03 metres wide, giving it a near-perfect length-to-width ratio of 2:1. It sits low to the ground at just 1.38 metres high.

Platform Architecture

Built on a bespoke, lightweight tubular chassis with a carbon fibre superstructure, the 3E utilizes an advanced 800V architecture to support ultra-fast charging. Its 70 kWh battery powers dual in-wheel motors at the rear, generating an astonishing 4,800 Nm of torque. This propels the car from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in under 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 270 km/h on the track.

Technical Capabilities

This is a driver’s machine, featuring specific “Race” and “Drift” modes with an integrated rally handbrake for controlled sliding. While it features advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for road legality, these can be partially or fully deactivated for track use. It supports V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality, allowing the car to power external equipment.

Quality & Warranty

The interior is stripped-back and performance-focused, featuring customisable bucket seats with 6-point harnesses and a digital OpenR display. Cargo capacity is primarily in the rear, though limited by the performance-oriented layout. Renault provides an extensive manufacturer warranty, with the battery typically covered for 8 years/160,000 km.

App Functionality

The vehicle integrates with the Renault “OpenR link” system featuring Google built-in. The app offers extensive functionality, including real-time navigation, remote vehicle status monitoring, over-the-air updates, and access to over 50 in-car apps for entertainment, music, and performance logging.

3 Pros and 3 Cons

  • Pros: Iconic, aggressive retro-futuristic design; supercar-level acceleration; limited production exclusivity (1,980 units).

  • Cons: Extremely high price point; limited daily practicality compared to standard EVs; stiff, track-focused ride quality.

SmartGrandads View

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a dream machine for the driving purist and the classic car collector who wants to embrace the electric transition without losing the “soul” of 80s rallying. It isn’t a family runabout; it’s a high-octane statement piece. Its main competitors are other limited-run boutique performance EVs and track-specialist road cars. Currently entering the production phase, it will be a rare sight on European roads and select global markets from 2027.

Real world range estimates not available

 

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