The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is not just another hot hatch revival; it’s an audacious, hand-built machine that fuses retro charm with cutting-edge electric performance. With 533bhp, a bespoke carbon-fibre body, and an unmistakable stance, this mid-engined electric powerhouse is as outrageous as its 1980s ancestors. Better still, it’s road-legal.

A Tribute to the Madness of the 80s

Renault’s original 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 were rally-bred icons. In fact, they were famous for their radical mid-engine layout, explosive turbocharged power, and flared arches, which made them look like nothing else on the road. The Turbo 3E sticks to the same formula – except it swaps petrol for electrons and takes the wild styling to another level.

Unlike the upcoming Alpine A290, which shares its underpinnings with the new Renault 5, the Turbo 3E sits on a bespoke platform engineered by Alpine. The goal? To create an all-electric monster that delivers the same thrilling, rear-driven experience as its legendary predecessors.

Bold Design That Commands Attention

At first glance, the Turbo 3E looks like a concept car that somehow escaped from an auto show floor. Its styling is a modern interpretation of the classic Renault 5 Turbo, but everything is exaggerated. The ultra-wide stance, enormous air intakes, and dramatic haunches make it one of the most aggressive hot hatches ever built.

The car shares only a few design elements with the standard Renault 5, including the windscreen, door mirrors, and rear lights. Everything else is bespoke. The bodywork is entirely carbon fibre, keeping weight in check at 1,450kg. Renault’s designers are even working to shave that down to 1,400kg before production.

Other standout features include:

Oversized wheel arches – even wider than the original R5 Turbo, giving the car an almost supercar-like presence.

Functional vents and scoops – the huge bonnet vent helps cool the radiator, while rear intakes channel air to the electric motors.

20-inch wheels with aero covers – designed for efficiency on the road, though they should be removed on track days for better brake cooling.

A massive rear diffuser – flanked by a subtle roof spoiler to enhance downforce without looking excessive.

Size-wise, it measures 4.08 metres in length and a staggering 2.03 metres in width. It sits just 1.38 metres tall, with a mere 118mm of ground clearance – low enough to worry about speed bumps.

A Powertrain That Redefines Hot Hatch Performance

Renault’s engineers at Alpine have built something special under the Turbo 3E’s striking bodywork. Instead of a turbocharged four-cylinder mounted in the rear, this car features twin electric motors – one for each rear wheel. The result? A staggering 533bhp and a jaw-dropping 4,800Nm of torque.

This power translates into blistering performance:

0-62mph in under 3.5 seconds – quicker than most supercars.

Top speed of 168mph – enough to keep up with high-performance sports cars.

372bhp per tonne – giving it a power-to-weight ratio superior to a Porsche 911 GT3.

The motors are designed for instant torque delivery and agility. Torque vectoring ensures precise handling, making the car feel nimble despite its aggressive footprint.

A Battery That Balances Performance and Range

Powering the Turbo 3E is a 70kWh battery, cleverly positioned under the floor to keep the centre of gravity low. Renault claims it offers:

Up to 248 miles of range – decent for an electric performance car.

Half an hour of full-throttle track driving – ideal for enthusiasts.

800V architecture – allowing for ultra-fast 350kW charging.

A 15-80% recharge takes just 15 minutes, making it one of the quickest-charging EVs on the market. The charging port is neatly hidden inside one of the rear scoops – a nod to the original’s rear-mounted fuel filler.

A Cabin Designed for Racing and Style

Inside, the Turbo 3E embraces its motorsport DNA. There’s no rear seat – instead, a roll cage dominates the cabin. Up front, two carbon-fibre bucket seats with six-point harnesses keep occupants firmly in place. Renault has even added a rally-style handbrake for executing perfect drifts.

Other notable details include:

Alcantara-covered dashboard – featuring a hand-drawn tartan pattern.

Three-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel – borrowed from the Alpine A290.

Dedicated drive mode buttons – including ‘Snow,’ ‘Regular,’ ‘Sport,’ and ‘Race’.

‘OV’ (Overtake) mode – unlocking full power for maximum acceleration.

10.25-inch driver’s display and 10.1-inch touchscreen – running Renault’s OpenR Link infotainment system, with Google apps built-in.

Unlike some stripped-out track cars, the Turbo 3E retains everyday usability with a climate control system and an intuitive digital interface. Renault’s design boss, Gilles Vidal, explains: “We could have gone hardcore and removed everything, but we wanted people to drive it to the track, not just trailer it there.”

A Supercar in Hot Hatch Form

With its extreme styling, cutting-edge electric powertrain, and motorsport-inspired cockpit, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a bold statement. It’s a celebration of the past and a glimpse into the future of performance cars. While it may not be the most commercially viable model Renault has ever built, it’s a brilliant brand builder that proves electric cars can be thrilling, stylish, and outrageous.

What Do You Think?

Would you take the Turbo 3E over a traditional petrol-powered hot hatch? Does its mix of retro styling and electric performance win you over, or do you think Renault should have kept it as a concept? Let us know in the comments.

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