The Renault 5 E-Tech has been updated just two years after its launch, with improvements designed to make one of Britain’s most desirable electric cars even more appealing.
The changes include revised battery technology, aerodynamic tweaks and a wider choice of colours and personalisation options.
Among the most eye-catching additions is a new paint combination inspired by Renault’s iconic 1990s hot hatch, the Clio Williams. Buyers will be able to pair metallic sports blue bodywork with gold wheels, a combination likely to appeal to fans of Renault’s performance-car heritage.
The Renault 5 has become an instant success since arriving in 2024. It is currently the only electric car on sale in Britain reported to have a waiting list stretching to as long as six months.
Its success has come despite a growing number of retro-styled electric rivals. Fiat has launched the Grande Panda, Volkswagen is preparing the ID. Polo, and Citroen is expected to revive the 2CV with a new electric model.
Yet the Renault 5 continues to attract the strongest demand.
The electric supermini topped the UK EV sales charts in July, while Renault has delivered more than 17,000 examples to British customers since its launch.
Demand remains particularly strong for popular specifications. Some versions have waiting times of around 12 weeks, while buyers ordering the range-topping Roland-Garros model can face a wait of close to six months.
More range from revised batteries
The entry-level Urban Range Renault 5 will now officially travel up to 196 miles on a full charge, a three-mile improvement over the outgoing model.
Renault has replaced its previous 40kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery with a smaller 36.5kWh lithium-iron-phosphate unit.
The new LFP battery is cheaper to produce and uses a different chemistry that allows Renault to reduce its size while maintaining a similar driving range.
There is a small trade-off, however, with charging speeds reduced slightly. The revised model can accept up to 80kW from a public rapid charger and 6.6kW from a home wallbox.
The more powerful and popular 52kWh Comfort Range version gets a bigger improvement. Its official range rises from 255 miles to 267 miles.
New colours and customisation options
Renault is also expanding the number of ways customers can personalise their R5.
A new red paint option is being introduced, with a shade similar to the 'Rebel Red' offered on the new electric Nissan Micra. The two cars share their underlying platform and battery technology and are both built in France.
Customers will also be able to choose a grey roof or add a red '5' graphic to the roof.
Gold alloy wheels will become available as an option on Techno and Iconic versions, creating the standout blue-and-gold combination inspired by the Clio Williams.
Inside, Renault has made a smaller change. The yellow seats previously offered on the Iconic model have been replaced by blue and grey upholstery.
Small technology changes
There are fewer changes to the Renault 5's technology, but one notable update concerns its driving modes.
Renault has removed the physical Multi-Sense drive-mode selector and replaced it with a Smart function. This automatically adjusts the car's driving mode according to how the driver uses the accelerator.
Drivers can still select Sport, Eco, Comfort and Individual modes manually, either through the touchscreen or using voice controls.
The wireless smartphone charger has also been upgraded. Renault says the revised system can add up to 50 per cent of a compatible phone's battery capacity in an hour.
Why Britain has taken the Renault 5 to heart
The Renault 5 has achieved something relatively unusual in the electric-car market: it has attracted a large number of private buyers rather than depending heavily on company-car and fleet sales.
Around three in five Renault 5 registrations in the UK have been made by private customers. It also regularly performs strongly in showroom sales, rather than relying primarily on fleet orders.
Much of its appeal comes from its combination of distinctive retro styling, enjoyable driving dynamics, modern technology and a relatively affordable price.
The current Renault 5 offers an official range of roughly 193 to 256 miles, depending on specification, while prices have started at around £21,495 to £23,945.
In a market increasingly dominated by similar-looking electric SUVs, the R5 offers something different. Its design draws heavily on Renault's past without making the car feel like a simple remake of an old model.
Adam Wood, managing director of Renault UK, believes the car's success demonstrates that buyers still want cars with personality, regardless of whether they are powered by petrol or electricity.
“Renault 5 captures that perfectly. It appeals to both the head and the heart, combining standout design with everyday affordability,” he said.
When will the updated Renault 5 arrive in Britain?
There is one important caveat for UK buyers: Renault has not yet confirmed when the updated Renault 5 will arrive in British showrooms.
A Renault UK spokesman said the changes are currently “under review for the UK”.
That means British buyers may have to wait a little longer before they can order the revised model, but with demand already so strong, the Renault 5 looks set to remain one of the most sought-after small EVs on the market.