THE BEAST RETURNS: MEET THE 536BHP RENAULT 5 TURBO 3E
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a 536bhp electric hot hatch built on twin in-wheel rear motors, a 70kWh 800V battery, and a carbon fiber body derived from the original 1980 Renault 5 Turbo's widebody heritage. Limited to 1,980 individually numbered units and priced at over 130,000 euros, it is one of the most focused performance EVs announced for production, due to reach customers in 2027.
536bhp and 3,540lb ft: How the R5 Turbo 3E Makes Its Power
Unlike most electric performance cars that use a single motor or a front-and-rear pair, the R5 Turbo 3E places one motor inside each rear wheel hub. This in-wheel motor layout eliminates the driveshaft and differential entirely, delivering torque directly to each rear wheel independently. The combined output is 536bhp and a staggering 3,540lb ft (4,800Nm) of torque, figures that produce a 0 to 62mph time of under 3.5 seconds.
The 800V electrical architecture accepts a 350kW fast charge, allowing the 70kWh battery to go from 15% to 80% in just 15 minutes. Renault says the car can complete several hot laps of a circuit at speeds of up to 168mph.
Rally DNA: Handbrake, Carbon Body, and Racing Interior
The R5 Turbo 3E is built on a bespoke Alpine-developed aluminium platform. The widened carbon fiber bodywork references the original Turbo's distinctive rear haunches while adding modern aerodynamic intent. Inside, the cabin is stripped to essentials: dual digital driver displays, carbon fiber trim, and bucket seats with six-point harnesses. A rally-style hydraulic handbrake is standard, enabling controlled oversteer on circuit and providing the kind of tactile driving experience that distinguishes this car from any conventional EV.
Renault offers throwback color options referencing the original R5 Turbo's 1980s liveries, adding a heritage dimension to what is otherwise a thoroughly modern machine.
1,980 Units, Each Numbered
Production is capped at 1,980 units, a figure chosen to match the year the original Renault 5 Turbo first appeared. Each car carries its own production number, which the customer can choose at order. As confirmed by Top Gear, the base price is 135,000 pounds in the UK, with additional customization options capable of doubling that figure. Deliveries begin in 2027.
For a detailed technical breakdown, EV Powered provides a comprehensive overview of the full specification.
Explore High-Performance Vehicles at TheArsenale
The R5 Turbo 3E proves that EVs can carry genuine motorsport heritage. For equally performance-focused machines available today, explore the TheArsenale cars collection. The Rezvani Beast and the Rezvani Arsenal represent the extreme end of road-legal performance engineering available right now.
Photo: RENAULT
