Geneva 2024: The Renault 5 is back!
After Renault has not created many icons since the Twingo in 1993, they delved into the past and rediscovered the R5 and R4. Both will “return” purely electrically, larger, stronger, and differently positioned. Briefly to the facts: With a length of 3.92 meters, it remains under the magical four-meter mark. The large 18-inch wheels and wide fenders give the R5 a powerful appearance. We were allowed to take an early look at the production in France, which has already produced the first pre-series models. The Renault Group will produce the 5 E-Tech Electric from 2024 and the drive battery from summer 2025 in France. The assembly of the vehicle and battery will take place at the Douai plant, one of the production sites of the original Renault 5.
The R5 is supposed to be completely “made in France” again
The electric motor, including the reduction gearbox and power electronics, will be manufactured in Cléon, while the batteries will be manufactured from summer 2025 at the Gigafactory Douai as part of the partnership with Envision AESC. By 2030, the CO2 footprint of the modules should be 35 percent lower than that of the ZOE. The production of the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric and its drive components will take place entirely in northern France, with production relying on a compact ecosystem of suppliers within a 300-kilometer radius around the ElectriCity production cluster. This commitment to competitive local production is the basis for the development of a European "Electric Valley," which is aligned with the entire value chain of electric vehicles. The goal is, among other things, to secure jobs and reduce the ecological footprint.
“AmpR Small” as a basis – also for Alpine and Nissan
The basis is the so-called AmpR Small platform, which is scalable and also provides the technical substructure for the electric Nissan Micra, which interprets the R5 base with a cute-eyed design. To realize the affordable base price, Renault relies on a compact 40-kWh NMC battery for around 300 km range according to WLTP, of which in reality, rather 200 plus-minus x will remain, or a 52-kWh NMC version, good for around 400 km according to WLTP. In reality, therefore, 300 plus-minus x. As could already be seen in the bodywork, the R5 can also handle Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) in the future, to become part of the smart grid. The charging power remains rather modest with 80 and 100 kW in DC, AC offers Renault the usual 11 kW. The advantage of the small batteries is the low unladen weight: The R5 weighs only 1,372 kilograms with a 40-kWh battery, and still a light 1,456 kilograms with a 52 kWh battery. And: It can even tow a 500-kg trailer...
Inside, not a space miracle – visually, it quotes the original model
It’s a bit of a shame that the chic R5 does not become a space miracle: Inside, it visually clearly quotes the original R5 but with a wheelbase of 2.54 meters, the space in the rear is not quite as generous, which is somewhat surprising, as electric cars could generally be designed as space miracles...the trunk offers 326 liters of volume. Technically, however, we dare to go a bit further and give the R5 a multi-link rear axle for precise driving behavior. After all, an Alpine version will also be above the “base R5”.
Three power levels in 20 kW steps
Additionally, there is a fresh drive along with a new inverter, drawing from the Megane and Scenic E-Tech and collaborating extensively with Valeo. Interestingly, Renault plans three (!) power levels in 20-kW steps, namely 70 kW (95 PS), 90 kW (122 PS), and 110 kW (150 PS). The torque is 245 Nm, the gradation is done only by software.
Visually, much effort was made: The former ventilation grille now displays the charging status and lights up as soon as one approaches the car. Additionally, the R5 "winks" with its LED headlight eyes – a bit of fun carried over from the concept into the production model. This spirit should remain throughout the entire value chain of the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. Thanks to the expertise of Renault Group's subsidiary "The Future is NEUTRAL," which specializes in the circular economy, and in line with the brand's commitments, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric aims to achieve a recycling rate of 85 percent. Of this, 22 percent of the materials will come from the circular economy, including 41 kilograms of recycled polymers.
The seat covers of the Techno and Iconic Five trim levels are made entirely from recycled material. In the latter, materials from renewable raw materials are also used, specifically for the steering wheel and interior insulation. This distinguishes it from the former icons, for which everything always came new.
What does this mean?
The new R5 is a statement, especially since Renault plans to position an R4 and Twingo successor alongside it. This means that the French are offering affordable, likeable electric cars, although they do not set technical benchmarks – these come more through the visual design. It's regrettable that since the Twingo of 1993, no true icon has emerged. Renault has to rely on its own history to make another statement.
Translated automatically from German.
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