Renault has done something both genius and utterly absurd — it has resurrected one of its most iconic rally cars, the Renault 5 Turbo, and made it electric. Meet the R5 Turbo 3E, a wild, wide, and whisper-quiet electric hot hatch that proves silence can be just as dramatic as sound.
It’s a tribute to the brand’s gloriously loud past, executed with the quiet precision of the future.
Introduction
The 1980s Renault 5 Turbo was a street-legal rally monster that screamed, spat flames, and demanded respect. Its spiritual successor, the Renault R5 Turbo 3E, trades that chaos for current — literally. Announced at the Tour de Corse Rally, this car marks 40 years since the original Maxi 5 Turbo’s victory there.
But while it looks every bit as wild, it sounds… like nothing at all.
And that’s kind of the point.
Design and Build
Let’s make one thing clear — this is not the production Renault 5 EV with a few sporty touches. The Turbo 3E is a bespoke, limited-edition electric super hatch, built from the ground up with help from Alpine engineers.
It rides on a custom aluminum chassis wrapped in a carbon-fiber body, featuring:
-
Enormous fender flares
-
Fighter jet–style vents and spoilers
-
LED lighting inspired by 1980s rally heritage
Visually, it’s pure theater — a rolling concept that somehow made it to the road.
Power and Performance
Underneath that outrageous shell are two electric motors, one per rear wheel, combining for 550 horsepower and delivering 0–62 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
It’s a rear-wheel-drive drift machine with:
-
43/57 weight distribution
-
Double-wishbone suspension
-
And a 70 kWh battery is good for up to 250 miles on a charge
When you see it sliding sideways, it looks like a wasp on caffeine — all motion, zero noise.
Charging and Range
Renault says the R5 Turbo 3E can recharge from 15 to 80% in just 15 minutes. That’s barely enough time to tell your friends you just out-drifted a sports car in a vehicle the size of a shoebox.
Its 70 kWh battery gives it plenty of range for what it’s made for — short, explosive fun. It’s not a grand tourer; it’s a rolling celebration of chaos, controlled by electrons.
Interior and Features
Inside, the R5 Turbo 3E blends retro design with digital flair.
Expect:
-
A minimalist racing cockpit
-
Bright color accents inspired by 80s rally cars
-
Custom driver displays showing torque, battery, and drift data
-
And enough personalization options to make each of the 1,980 units unique
Buyers can choose between historic racing liveries or a more subtle “gentleman driver” finish — both equally ridiculous and wonderful.
Price and Availability
Renault plans to build only 1,980 units between 2027 and 2029, and half are already reserved.
💰 Price: Around $185,000.
For that, you’re getting a piece of design history — an electric paradox that’s as much art as it is machine.
The Sound of Silence
Here’s the twist: the R5 Turbo 3E makes no real noise. And while purists might weep for the lost turbo hiss and exhaust crackles, there’s a strange beauty in watching it drift in total silence.
It’s a rally car reimagined for a new era, one that proves performance doesn’t always need to roar to be felt.
Still, somewhere deep down, we all wish Renault would give it at least a little growl.
Conclusion
The Renault R5 Turbo 3E is a paradox on wheels — a silent screamer, a tribute to chaos, and a masterclass in engineering. It’s proof that electric cars can still have character, even when they whisper instead of shout.
It’s crazy, it’s beautiful, it’s unnecessary — and that’s exactly why we love it.
FAQ
When will the Renault R5 Turbo 3E be released?
Production starts in 2027, with limited availability through 2029.
How much does the Renault R5 Turbo 3E cost?
Pricing starts at around $185,000.
How powerful is it?
The R5 Turbo 3E delivers 550 hp and 0–62 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
What is its range?
Renault claims a range of up to 250 miles per charge.