Renault 5 E-Tech Facelift Coming Soon With More Range

Renault is preparing a mid-life update for the electric Renault 5, barely two years after the city car went on sale. Group CEO François Provost has confirmed that significant changes are on the way.

Speaking in an interview with Auto Express, Provost said that thanks to a development time cut to under two years, "you will soon see significant changes" on the R5. The approach was first used on the Twingo and lets the brand react quickly to a more aggressive market.

Range is the main target

The R5 already gained a little range at the end of the summer through minor aerodynamic tweaks. The facelifted version should go further with revised technical components that cut energy consumption, possibly including updated electric motors and new batteries.

It is needed. At 430 km, the R5 now trails newer rivals. The latest Volkswagen group city cars, the Volkswagen ID. Polo, Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq, offer more than 450 km on a charge. Their DC fast charging is rated at 105 kW, with a 10 to 80% top-up in under 25 minutes. The Hyundai Ioniq 3 and Kia EV2 also promise greater range.

A fresher cabin, an unchanged look

Inside, the Android Automotive infotainment remains convincing but is starting to show its age. Its 10-inch screen looks modest next to the panoramic displays offered by competitors, so an upgrade is likely.

Outside, changes will be discreet. The R5 has to keep the distinctive design that made it a hit, and the range is not expected to grow with new variants. It will stay centred on the conventional versions plus the sporty Alpine A290. More specific variants are reserved for the Renault 4 and the Twingo.

No date has been given for the updated model, but Provost's comments suggest it will not be long.