The Renault 5 E-Tech electric was already one of the most distinctive small EVs on sale. Now Renault is making it harder to ignore, with more range, improved efficiency, cleverer technology and a fresh selection of colours and personalisation options heading to the electric supermini.
And while this isn't a dramatic facelift, some of the changes are more significant than they first appear. Most notably, the longest-range Renault 5 can now travel up to around 267 miles on a charge, giving the retro-inspired hatchback considerably more flexibility beyond the city.
More miles without a bigger battery
Rather than simply squeezing a larger battery underneath the Renault 5, engineers have concentrated on making the existing car more efficient.
Revised lower-body aerodynamics, redesigned door mirrors and optimised battery electronics have all contributed to improving the official WLTP figures.
The 40kWh Urban Range model, powered by a 120hp electric motor, increases from around 194 miles to 196 miles. That's admittedly a small improvement.
The difference is much more noticeable with the 52kWh Comfort Range model. Paired with the more powerful 150hp motor, its maximum WLTP range rises from roughly 255 miles to 267 miles.
That's an extra dozen or so miles without increasing battery capacity, and makes the Renault 5 a more convincing proposition for drivers who regularly venture beyond their daily commute.
For context, the Renault 5 currently offers up to around 250 miles on Renault's UK website, so the updated model represents a useful step forward when the revisions reach Britain.
A new entry-level Renault 5 is coming too
Elsewhere in Europe, Renault is making an interesting change at the cheaper end of the range.
The entry-level Five version will gain a new 110hp electric motor alongside a 36.5kWh lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, battery. LFP batteries are increasingly common in more affordable EVs, and Renault is using a cell-to-pack design intended to make the most of the battery's size and weight. Despite its smaller capacity, Renault says the new setup can deliver up to 190 miles of WLTP range.
It isn't exactly going to turn the Renault 5 into a hot hatch, but 0-31mph takes just 3.5 seconds, which should make it feel suitably lively when pulling away from traffic lights or darting through town.
Perhaps more importantly, the new Five also gains 80kW DC rapid charging alongside its 6.6kW AC charger, making the most affordable version considerably more versatile.
Whether that particular version comes to Britain remains to be seen. Renault's current UK range starts with the 120hp Evolution, while the newly announced Five has so far been detailed as part of the wider European line-up.
The Renault 5 discovers its inner Clio Williams
Efficiency might be the sensible part of the update, but Renault thankfully hasn't forgotten that one of the 5's greatest strengths is its personality.
A new Flame Red paint colour joins the range, alongside Metallic Schist Grey, while buyers will have even more scope to customise their car with contrasting roofs, coloured rooflines and new Vibrant5 and Hyper5 graphics.
Then there are the wheels. Renault is introducing an optional gold finish for the Techno wheels. Combine those with a dark blue Renault 5 and there is more than a hint of the legendary blue-and-gold Renault Clio Williams about it.
Completely intentional or not, we suspect that particular combination could prove rather popular with Renault enthusiasts.
Inside, the distinctive heathered yellow upholstery offered on Iconic versions is also being replaced by a more subdued heathered blue finish.
Your Renault 5 is getting smarter
There are some useful technology upgrades too. A new Qi2 magnetic wireless phone charger doesn't just hold compatible smartphones more securely, it is cooled to reduce overheating while charging. Renault claims it can restore as much as 50% of a phone's battery in around an hour.
There's also a new Smart driving mode, replacing the existing MySense system. Rather than asking the driver to constantly choose between Eco, Comfort and Sport modes, the car can now switch automatically depending on how it is being driven. Put your foot down to overtake and the car can call upon Sport mode for a sharper response. Slow down through a town or village and it can prioritise efficiency instead.
As a result, Renault has removed the dedicated Multi-Sense button from the steering wheel, although drivers can still manually select a mode through the infotainment screen or by voice command.
Google Gemini is coming to the Renault 5
Perhaps the most interesting technology update is happening inside the OpenR Link infotainment system.
Google Gemini is coming to the Renault 5, replacing the more conventional Google Assistant experience through an optional over-the-air update.
Rather than memorising particular phrases or commands, drivers will be able to speak to Gemini in a much more natural way.
The system is designed to understand more complicated requests, cope with follow-up questions and even allow the driver to interrupt it mid-sentence or switch between languages during a conversation.
We're gradually moving from cars that respond to a handful of predefined voice commands to ones you can actually have something resembling a conversation with, and the Renault 5 looks set to be one of the smaller and more affordable cars offering that technology.
Small changes that make the Renault 5 easier to recommend
None of these upgrades fundamentally changes what the Renault 5 is, and that's probably a good thing.
Its styling remains one of its biggest selling points and Renault hasn't attempted to fix something that wasn't broken. Instead, it has concentrated on addressing the areas that matter in everyday use.
More range makes the 52kWh model easier to live with. Improved charging broadens the usefulness of the entry-level European version. Smart driving modes reduce the amount of fiddling required behind the wheel, while Gemini and the upgraded phone charger make the technology feel more current.
Then Renault has thrown in red paint, decals and gold wheels for good measure.
The result is an electric supermini that hasn't necessarily changed dramatically, but has become that little bit more useful without losing the fun and character that helped the Renault 5 stand out in the first place.
The updated Renault 5 E-Tech electric will make a public appearance at the 2026 Paris Motor Show from 12 to 18 October. UK specifications, pricing and timings for the complete updated range are still to be confirmed.
Current Renault 5 Leasing Deals
