Hot hatch fans, buckle up. Renault is reviving one of its most iconic rally monsters, but this time, it’s electric. Say hello to the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a modern EV infused with the spirit of the 1980s. Blending outrageous retro styling with cutting-edge electric performance, this limited-edition beast is set to hit the road—and tracks—in 2027.
And yes, it looks just as wild as it sounds.
A nod to history, built for the future.
This isn’t a concept car anymore. Renault plans to build just 1,980 units of the Turbo 3E, a number chosen to honor the original Renault 5 Turbos debut year: 1980. That rally legend ruled dirt tracks and bedroom posters alike—and its legacy now lives on, fully electric.
Design: 1980s Energy, 2020s Execution
The 5 -Turbo-3E doesn’t whisper. It shouts. With its massive boxy fenders, oversized spoilers, pixel-style LED tail lights, carbon fiber body panels, and wheels fit for an arcade racer, it’s a rolling tribute to ’80s excess.
It’s loud visually, even if its electric motors stay quiet. Low, wide, angular, and unapologetically dramatic, this is a car built to be seen.
Powertrain: No Engine, All Fury
Under the hood, the Turbo 3E swaps the roaring engine of its ancestor for two electric motors, each powering a rear wheel. That setup delivers 540 horsepower, giving this lightweight hatchback shocking acceleration.
- 0 to 60 mph (ca. 97 km/h) in under 3.5 seconds
- Top speed: 168 mph (ca. 270 km/h)
- 70-kWh battery
- Range: Up to 249 miles (ca. 401 km) (WLTP estimate)
That range won’t revolutionize long-distance EV travel, but let’s be honest—this car isn’t for quiet commutes. It’s for weekend blasts, track days, and yes, showing off on social media.
Inside the Beast
Forget plush luxury. The interior is stripped down and purpose-built, with racing seats, harnesses, a roll cage, and digital gauges styled like retro arcade displays. It’s raw, immersive, and thrilling—a perfect match for the car’s wild exterior.
Price: Exclusivity Has a Cost
Owning one will require substantial financial resources. Starting prices hover around £130,000 ($168,000), with custom specs pushing it to £200,000 ($260,000). What is the price for a hot hatch? It’s a fortune. But this vehicle isn’t a commuter car—it’s a collectible, a statement piece, and a future classic.
Can You Buy One in the U.S.?
Short answer: no—at least not easily. Renault doesn’t sell cars in the U.S., and there’s no official plan to bring the 5-Turbo 3E across the Atlantic. Your only hope would be importing through a specialist, assuming you’re ready to navigate federal regulations and costs.
For now, American fans will have to admire from a distance—and hope that Renault’s global ambitions accelerate.
Why This Car Matters (Even If You’re Not Buying One)
The 5 -Turbo-3E is more than a flashy EV. It proves that electric cars don’t have to be sterile or soulless. They can be outrageous, emotional, and fun.
Renault is tapping into its past to shape an electric future, showing that performance and personality still have a place in the EV world. That’s important—for the industry, for enthusiasts, and for the future of driving.
Conclusion: Electric Madness Meets Rally Spirit
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E pays homage to one of the most exciting periods in automotive history. Fast, bold, dramatic, and unmistakably retro, it’s a stunning showcase of what electric performance can be.
You don’t have to buy one to enjoy it. Just knowing that a car like this exists—a car that looks like an ’80s rally star but runs on electrons—is enough to make any gearhead grin.
The future doesn’t have to be boring. Renault just proved it.
