Updated Renault 5 Borrows The Clio Williams Look But Gains Miles, Not Speed

Key Takeaways

• The updated Renault 5 E-Tech electric gains more WLTP range through aerodynamic and battery-management improvements, with the 40 kWh Urban Range now rated for up to 315 km and the 52 kWh Comfort Range reaching up to 430 km.
• The 40 kWh version gains 3 km of WLTP range, while the 52 kWh version gains 20 km compared with the previous figures of 312 km and 410 km.
• Renault is adding a new entry-level Five version with a 36.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, an 80 kW (110 hp) electric motor and up to 305 km of WLTP range.
• The new Five version will include both 6.6 kW AC charging and an 80 kW DC fast-charging system, giving the entry-level Renault 5 greater charging flexibility.
• New personalization options include Flame Red paint, a new gold wheel finish, revised roof and wing graphics and a new blue interior treatment for the Iconic Cinq.
• Renault is also adding technology updates, including a cooled Qi2 wireless smartphone charger and Smart driving mode, while Google Gemini will become available through an optional over-the-air update.
• The latest Renault 5 E-Tech electric update is focused on efficiency, range, charging capability and equipment rather than a major redesign of the electric supermini.

What’s Behind the Updated Renault 5’s New Look?

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is receiving a substantial range of technical and equipment updates for the latest version, while retaining the retro-inspired design that has become one of the car’s defining characteristics.

Renault announced the updated range on August 25, 2026, confirming that orders are open across European markets where the Renault 5 E-Tech electric is sold. Some of the new equipment and personalization options will become available over the following weeks.

The visual changes are relatively restrained because Renault is not replacing the basic design of the Renault 5. Instead, the company is expanding the ways customers can personalize the car and adding details that give the small electric hatchback a different appearance.

One of the most notable additions is a new gold finish for selected wheels. On a blue Renault 5, the combination creates an obvious visual connection with the famous Renault Clio Williams, the performance-oriented Clio that became known for its blue bodywork and gold wheels in the 1990s.

Renault is also adding Flame Red to the exterior color range. Metallic Schist Grey is another new color being introduced, with availability depending on the trim level. Additional personalization choices include contrasting roof colors, colored roofline treatments and new graphics for the roof and wings.

The changes give buyers more ways to customize the Renault 5 without altering the car’s basic retro-modern formula. The design continues to draw heavily from the original Renault 5 while using modern proportions, LED lighting and the packaging of an electric vehicle.

The technical work underneath the familiar body is more significant. Renault has improved the aerodynamics of the lower body and fitted revised exterior mirrors, while also optimizing the electronics responsible for managing the battery.

Those changes may appear relatively small individually, but together they improve the efficiency of the existing 40 kWh and 52 kWh battery configurations. Renault says the result is a higher WLTP range for both versions.

The official Renault media announcement confirms that the updated Renault 5 combines aerodynamic improvements with battery-electronics optimization, while also introducing the new 36.5 kWh LFP entry-level battery and 80 kW motor: Renault official media release.

How Much Further Can the Updated Renault 5 Travel on a Full Battery?

The biggest measurable improvement for existing Renault 5 E-Tech electric versions is increased WLTP range. The 40 kWh Urban Range model now has a maximum claimed WLTP range of 315 km, compared with 312 km previously.

That represents a 3 km improvement. In miles, the new figure is approximately 196 miles, compared with roughly 194 miles under the previous rating.

The 52 kWh Comfort Range version receives a considerably larger improvement. Its WLTP range increases from 410 km to as much as 430 km, representing a 20 km gain. That equates to approximately 267 miles on the WLTP cycle.

The 52 kWh version continues to use a 150 hp electric motor. Renault lists the Comfort Range battery as the larger-capacity option in the Renault 5 lineup and positions it for customers who need more range for longer journeys.

It is important to distinguish WLTP range from real-world driving range. WLTP is a standardized laboratory testing procedure designed to make vehicle efficiency figures comparable. Actual range can be lower or higher depending on weather, temperature, speed, traffic, terrain, driving style, passenger load and use of climate-control systems.

Renault’s current official specifications similarly identify the 52 kWh Renault 5 as offering up to 430 km of WLTP range and the 40 kWh version as offering up to 315 km. The manufacturer specifically notes that real-world results vary according to driving conditions.

The range improvements therefore do not come from simply installing larger batteries. Renault is extracting more usable efficiency from the existing battery sizes through changes to aerodynamics and battery-management electronics.

That approach matters because improving efficiency without increasing battery capacity can reduce energy consumption while avoiding the additional weight and cost associated with a larger battery pack.

For the 52 kWh model, the 20 km increase is particularly meaningful because it moves the Renault 5 further into territory where the car can be used comfortably beyond predominantly urban driving.

The updated figures also strengthen the Renault 5’s position against other small electric cars, particularly because the model combines its compact dimensions with a 430 km maximum WLTP rating in Comfort Range specification.

What’s New in the Entry-Level Renault 5?

The most substantial change in the updated Renault 5 range occurs at the entry level. Renault is introducing a new Five version that uses a 36.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, battery together with a new 80 kW electric motor.

The motor produces 110 hp, while the battery uses cell-to-pack technology. Renault says the battery design is intended to optimize energy density relative to its size and weight.

Despite having less capacity than the existing 40 kWh battery, the new LFP-equipped Renault 5 Five can achieve up to 305 km of WLTP range. That is approximately 190 miles.

The new battery chemistry is significant because LFP batteries have different characteristics from the nickel-manganese-cobalt chemistry used in some other Renault 5 battery configurations. LFP technology is widely used in electric vehicles because of its durability characteristics and reduced reliance on nickel and cobalt.

The new entry-level motor is also more compact and lightweight. Renault says it comes from the same family as the motor used in the Twingo E-Tech electric.

Performance has not been sacrificed simply because this is the entry-level version. Renault quotes a 0-50 km/h time of 3.5 seconds for the new Five, although that figure should not be confused with the 0-100 km/h acceleration figures used for many conventional performance comparisons.

Charging capability is another major improvement. The new Five receives an 80 kW DC fast charger as standard alongside a 6.6 kW AC onboard charger.

This is an important change because the entry-level Renault 5 previously had more limited charging capability in certain configurations. The new specification allows the cheapest version to use public DC fast-charging infrastructure rather than restricting owners to AC charging.

Renault’s official European information confirms that the new entry-level Five uses a 36.5 kWh LFP battery and 80 kW motor, with a WLTP range of up to 305 km. The company also confirms that the car will have both AC and DC charging capability.

The new entry-level configuration is expected to make the Renault 5 more versatile for buyers who want a smaller and lighter battery without giving up access to rapid public charging.

Other Upgrades and Changes

The 2026 update is not limited to range and powertrain changes. Renault is also expanding the Renault 5’s equipment and personalization options.

Flame Red is being added to the exterior color palette, while Metallic Schist Grey is also being introduced. Depending on the trim, customers can select additional roof and body personalization options, including Starry Black and contrasting roofline treatments.

Techno and Iconic Cinq versions can receive the new gold wheel finish. When combined with a darker blue exterior, the configuration gives the electric Renault 5 a strong visual resemblance to the blue-and-gold Clio Williams.

Inside, the Iconic Cinq receives a revised upholstery color. The previous yellow-and-grey treatment is being replaced by a blue-and-grey combination, giving the flagship trim a more understated appearance.

Renault is also introducing a new Qi2-compatible wireless smartphone charger. The charger uses cooling technology to help manage heat during wireless charging, and Renault says it can restore up to 50 percent of a compatible smartphone’s battery capacity in approximately one hour.

Another technology change is Smart driving mode, which replaces the previous MySense mode. Smart mode can automatically switch between Eco, Comfort and Sport settings depending on driving conditions and the driver’s behavior.

The Renault 5 is also gaining access to Google’s Gemini artificial-intelligence assistant through an optional over-the-air software update. Gemini is intended to provide more natural voice interactions than a conventional voice assistant, including the ability to hold more conversational exchanges.

The software update is part of Renault’s broader effort to keep the Renault 5’s digital systems current after the vehicle has left the factory. This approach means some new capabilities can be delivered through software rather than requiring hardware changes.

The Renault 5’s core charging and powertrain specifications remain dependent on the version selected. Renault’s current official technical information lists the existing 40 kWh model at up to 120 hp and the 52 kWh Comfort Range at up to 150 hp, while the newly announced Five uses the 36.5 kWh LFP battery and 110 hp motor.

Renault’s current official Renault 5 powertrain information confirms the 40 kWh and 52 kWh battery options, their respective range ratings and the available motor outputs: Renault 5 E-Tech electric powertrain specifications.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Urban Range Battery	40 kWh
Urban Range Motor	120 hp (90 kW)
Urban Range WLTP Range	Up to 315 km (196 miles)
Previous Urban Range	Up to 312 km (194 miles)
Comfort Range Battery	52 kWh
Comfort Range Motor	150 hp (110 kW)
Comfort Range WLTP Range	Up to 430 km (267 miles)
Previous Comfort Range	Up to 410 km (255 miles)
New Entry-Level Battery	36.5 kWh LFP
New Entry-Level Motor	110 hp (80 kW)
New Entry-Level WLTP Range	Up to 305 km (190 miles)
Entry-Level AC Charging	6.6 kW
Entry-Level DC Charging	80 kW
New Entry-Level 0-50 km/h	3.5 seconds

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s new in the updated Renault 5 E-Tech electric?

The updated Renault 5 E-Tech electric receives aerodynamic improvements, optimized battery electronics, increased WLTP range, a new entry-level Five version, new colors and personalization options, revised interior trim and additional technology features.

Q: How much range does the updated Renault 5 E-Tech electric have?

The 40 kWh Urban Range version now offers up to 315 km (196 miles) of WLTP range, compared with 312 km previously. The 52 kWh Comfort Range version now reaches up to 430 km (267 miles), up from 410 km.

Q: What is the range of the new entry-level Renault 5 Five?

The new Five version uses a 36.5 kWh LFP battery and has a claimed WLTP range of up to 305 km (190 miles). Renault says the battery uses cell-to-pack technology to optimize energy density relative to its size and weight.

Q: What motor does the new entry-level Renault 5 use?

The new Renault 5 Five uses an 80 kW electric motor producing 110 hp. Renault says the motor is compact and lightweight and comes from the same family as the unit used in the Twingo E-Tech electric.

Q: Does the entry-level Renault 5 have DC fast charging?

Yes. The new Five version comes with an 80 kW DC charger as standard, alongside a 6.6 kW AC onboard charger. This gives the entry-level Renault 5 access to both conventional AC charging and public DC fast-charging stations.

Q: What battery chemistry does the new Renault 5 Five use?

The new entry-level Five uses a 36.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, battery. Renault says the battery uses cell-to-pack technology designed to optimize energy density relative to its size and weight.

Q: Why did the Renault 5’s range increase?

Renault improved the aerodynamics of the lower body and exterior mirrors and optimized the battery electronics. These changes improve efficiency without increasing the capacity of the existing 40 kWh and 52 kWh batteries.

Q: Does the Renault 5 now have a 430 km range?

Yes, but only the 52 kWh Comfort Range version reaches up to 430 km under the WLTP testing cycle. The 40 kWh Urban Range version is rated for up to 315 km. Real-world range will vary according to temperature, speed, driving style, terrain, traffic and other conditions.

Q: Does the updated Renault 5 have new colors?

Yes. Renault is adding Flame Red and Metallic Schist Grey, with availability dependent on the version. New roof colors, roofline treatments and body graphics also expand the personalization options.

Q: Can the Renault 5 be ordered with gold wheels?

Yes. Renault is introducing a new gold wheel finish for selected versions, including Techno and Iconic Cinq. Combined with blue bodywork, the look recalls the famous blue-and-gold color scheme associated with the Renault Clio Williams.

Q: What technology updates are coming to the Renault 5?

The updated Renault 5 gains a cooled Qi2 wireless smartphone charger, Smart driving mode and access to Google’s Gemini assistant through an optional over-the-air software update. Smart mode replaces MySense and can automatically select between Eco, Comfort and Sport settings according to driving conditions.

Q: Is the new Renault 5 Five available immediately?

Renault has announced the new Five version as part of the updated Renault 5 E-Tech electric range, with availability depending on the European market. Renault states that orders for the updated range are open in European countries where the model is sold, while some new features and versions will become available in the following weeks.