The Renault 5 Turbo 3E: An Electrifying Revival of a Rally Legend

Renault has once again demonstrated its mastery in blending nostalgia with innovation by introducing the all-electric Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a concept that pays homage to the iconic Renault 5 Turbo from the 1980s. With bold, aggressive styling and an emphasis on driving thrills, this all-electric marvel proves that the future of hot hatches can still be fun, even in the EV era.

Retro Styling Meets Modern Flair

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is an audacious reimagining of the original mid-engine, turbocharged hatch that defined an era of rally dominance. While its roots lie in the past, its sharp design elements are firmly futuristic. The wide fenders, aerodynamic styling, and oversized rear wing scream motorsport heritage, while digital touches like LED lightbars and embedded GoPros in the headlights mark it as a car built for the modern content-creator generation. According to Renault, this combination of bold lines and electric swagger is meant to turn heads on both the road and the track.

This homage also extends inside the cabin, where the stripped-down, race-inspired interior features a digital dash made up of ten screens—a quirky nod to the original analog dials of its predecessor. From the hydraulic handbrake to a playful teddy bear strapped to the chassis for "safety padding," the 5 Turbo 3E doesn’t take itself too seriously but still reflects Renault’s racing pedigree.

Performance: Drifting into the Future

Underneath its rally-inspired shell lies an electric powertrain that delivers 500 horsepower to the rear wheels. This performance setup gives the Turbo 3E blistering acceleration, with a 0-62 mph time of just 3.5 seconds. It may not have the roar of a combustion engine, but Renault’s engineers made sure this EV still delivers pure driving excitement.

The rear-wheel-drive layout, short wheelbase, and purpose-built chassis make the car eager to drift, with a hydraulic handbrake enabling effortless slides—a clear nod to its motorsport ambitions. While the car isn’t a production model, Renault has hinted at its potential for competitions like drift​ mode, solidifying its role as a showstopper.

Why the Renault 5 Turbo 3E Matters

The Turbo 3E is far more than a nostalgic experiment—it’s a bold statement about the future of hot hatches. As Renault transitions to electric power, this concept car demonstrates that EVs can still evoke emotion and driving joy. With many EVs criticized for being sterile or uninspiring, the Turbo 3E proves that electric cars can deliver playful handling, impressive power, and bold design.

This is especially significant given the 2024 relaunch of the Renault 5 as a small, accessible electric car reviving the Turbo 3E as a concept, Renault is reminding fans of the brand's sporty, rebellious spirit, even as it embraces electrification.

A Legacy Reborn

Renault’s original 5 Turbo was born out of the fire of Group B rallying, where lightweight, overpowered cars roared through the world’s toughest stages. The Turbo 3E celebrates that legacy while proving that electric performance doesn’t have to be boring. As Renault’s CEO Luca de Meo noted, the car bridges the past and future, giving enthusiasts a glimpse of what electric hot hatches could be.

While the Turbo 3E is unlikely to see mass production, its existence signals Renault’s commitment to creating EVs that are engaging, dynamic, and fun to drive. For car lovers mourning the loss of old-school rally heroes, the 5 Turbo 3E is a welcome jolt of excitement.