The Iconic Renault 5 Will Be Reborn as An EV Hatch with Multi-Link Rear Axle

French automaker Renault is set to revive its rally icon, the Renault 5, in a much cleaner and modern form. Scheduled to make its global debut in 2024, the new Renault 5 will be an all-electric supermini, possibly replacing the Zoe EV, which will not live to see a next-gen redux.

The Renault 5 EV will underpin the marque’s proprietary CMF-B EV platform, which borrows most of its parts from its ICE twin, used in few models like the Clio and Captur SUV. This, in turn, helps Renault to cut production costs up to 30% compared to the model it’s said to replace.

Unlike the Zoe, however, the Renault 5 will harness four large battery modules, instead of 12 smaller ones, resulting in a 15 KG weight reduction. These bigger battery modules come with higher energy density, while its bulkier size grants the Renault 5 with a better underbody rigidity. Above all, Renault claims this new battery setup will reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels, promising a smoother and better ride quality.

Renault has yet to reveal any specifications of the powertrain, but the head of engineering for its B-segment EV family Jeremie Coiffier promised this new EV hatch will have the “best-in-class performance.”

“Without giving anything away, the early test drives are a clear indication that it is a worthy descendant of the Megane E-Tech electric with best-in-class performance for its category; encouraging results that drive us to push ahead with testing through to its commercial launch set for next year," Coiffier added.

Derived from the Megane E-Tech and Zoe EV, the R5 EV’s powertrain setup is said to weigh 20 KG due to its more compact footprint. This new setup employs a synchronous motor instead of permanent-magnet one, while not utilising any rare-earth materials in its production. Other components in the electric powertrain include the DC/DC converter (400V into 12V), the charger, and an accessory box for managing power distribution.

However, the biggest news about the R5 EV is that Renault has decided to give it a multi-link rear suspension, which is a rarity in B-segment hatch, let alone an electric one. This, plus the floor-mounted battery pack, promises the R5 EV to be a quick and agile car to drive, which makes us wonder how much better the performance-oriented Alpine version of this EV hatch will be.

Just like the powertrain specs, Renault has also remained silent on the R5 EV’s appearance. While there are multiple spy shots and rendered images circulating around the web, it is best to assume that it will carry some design language derived from the Renault 5 Concept unveiled back in 2021, as well as from the current Renault EV models.

Renault is expected to unveil more about this new EV hatch in the coming months. As we mentioned earlier, the Renault 5 EV will replace the soon-to-be-axed Zoe, but it won’t outright replace the Clio as the marque’s sole supermini offering, as it will live on as an ICE-powered alternative.