Renault 5 Turbo 3E Unveiled as a 500 HP-Rated Super-EV Hatch

French automaker Renault has reviewed the famed R5 Turbo in an all-electric, 500 HP-rated super-hatch form.

Remember the radical Renault 5 Turbo 3E concept that served as a basis for the new Renault 5 E-Tech EV hatch? It turns out the French automaker is also planning to transform said radical concept into a full-blown production model, set to become the modern-day successor to the famed R5 Turbo hot-hatch.

The resemblance of the new R5 Turbo 3E with the rally-hatch it is based on, precisely with the Renault 5 Turbo II homologation special, is uncanny, as the EV hatch gets the same boxy, retro-inspired design. Aside from retaining the same boxy fenders and front face, the R5 Turbo 3E also gets a sleeker roofline and reworked aero parts, including a prominent rear diffuser, plus some modern equipment such as full LED lighting units on both ends and riding on larger wheels.

What separates the new R5 Turbo 3E from the original R5 Turbo is the all-electric powertrain setup, with the former even riding on a bespoke carbon fibre monocoque chassis that is entirely different from the AmpR platform used on the vanilla R5 EV. Featuring two motors on its rear axle (RWD), the R5 Turbo 3E is said to boast a combined system output of over 500 HP, making it the most powerful production model ever made by the French automaker.

Although no further details were shed on its battery, charging, and range figures, Renault touts the R5 Turbo 3E can complete a 0-100 KM/H sprint in under 3.5 seconds, thus possibly making it on par with the current EV hot-hatch king, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. For reference, said Korean hot-hatch’s century sprint time is capped at 3.4 seconds, although we’d reckon the Ioniq 5 N may have enticed enthusiasts with its arsenal of ‘driving tricks’ over straight-line performance per se.

According to Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo, the new R5 Turbo 3E is developed “only for the brave,” adding that “it’s going to be fun.” The boss also added that the automaker has brought the best of its skills and expertise to the development of this ultimate Renault brand icon”, which means that Renault has likely enlisted the help of its performance sub-brand, Alpine, which already came up with a sportier version of the R5 E-Tech—the Alpine A290.

Again, Renault also didn’t announce any details regarding the pricing for the new R5 Turbo 3E, although Autocar UK did report that the EV super-hatch might make its debut later in 2026. Judging by the extensive work done by the Renault team in building this EV hatch, we’d reckon the R5 Turbo 3E might be a limited production model with an exorbitant price tag to match.