It is clear that the highly anticipated new Renault 5 E-Tech is creating a buzz. First, its modern look that pays homage to the past is captivating. Secondly, it also promises to make electric mobility more accessible. While an entry-level model starting at €25,000 is expected to hit the market in 2025 with a smaller battery and less features, for now, the two most equipped versions, Techno and Iconic Cinq, along with the large 52 kWh battery, are opening the doors for orders on May 31st. With prices of €33,490 and €35,490 respectively, excluding the €4,000 CO2 bonus, how does this new R5 stack up against the competition? Let’s compare.
### The Renault 5 E-Tech vs. the Peugeot e-208
Although not playing in the neo-retro look field, the Peugeot e-208 is now the first rival of the R5. Taking the 5th spot in the most sold electric cars in France in 2023, the Peugeot e-208 is longer by 15 cm and has an entry-level price of €33,080, significantly higher than the future entry-level R5. On the other hand, it competes head-to-head with the R5 E-Tech Techno, which has a slightly higher price. The technical specifications favor the R5, with a power of 150 hp (136 hp for the e-208) and a claimed range of 410 km compared to 362 km for the Peugeot.
Additionally, the e-208 in the base Active trim competes against the high-end Techno trim of the R5. The R5 offers more attractive features such as 18-inch alloy wheels (compared to 16-inch steel wheels), a 10-inch instrument display, electrically foldable mirrors, a rear-view camera, and a heat pump – essential for maintaining autonomy.
The higher Allure trim on the Peugeot e-208 is priced at €35,020, putting it against the more luxurious R5 E-Tech Iconic Cinq. The R5 retains its edge with 18-inch wheels compared to 16-inch on the Peugeot. While the Peugeot boasts a 10-inch digital instrument display and electrically foldable mirrors, the base trim lacks these features, which are already standard on the R5.
To match the power and range offered by the new R5 with the 52 kWh battery, you would need to look at the e-208 GT, the only variant available with 156 hp and 410 km of range, but priced at €38,130.
### The Renault 5 E-Tech vs. the Citroën ë-C3
Citroën recently introduced a model that aims to popularize electric mobility with the ë-C3. The Citroën city car may not exude the same elegance as the Renault, but it comes with a significantly larger battery capacity of 52 kWh, providing around 100 km more range on the WLTP cycle. With similar dimensions, both being all-electric and from French manufacturers (R5 made in France while ë-C3 is assembled in Poland), the ë-C3 competes in the R5’s competitive landscape. It is actually the smaller R5, expected in 2025, that will directly rival the ë-C3. Priced starting at €23,300 before CO2 bonuses, it will be slightly cheaper than the R5 with a 40 kWh battery promised at €25,000. The ë-C3 offers better theoretical range (320 km vs. 300 km) and significantly more interior space compared to the R5. Furthermore, even in the higher-end Max trim, the ë-C3 is priced at €27,800 with a well-equipped package.
### The Renault 5 E-Tech vs. the Mini Cooper Electric
Although not French, in the realm of neo-retro city cars like the R5, we should not overlook the new Mini Cooper Electric. To compete with the top-tier R5 E-Tech models, you need to look at the base version of the Mini Cooper Electric, priced at €34,000, placing it between the R5 Techno and Iconic Cinq. Despite being manufactured in China and missing out on CO2 bonuses, the English car deserves a mention due to its competitive pricing. The Mini is more powerful, but its 184 hp may not be as refined. It also offers slightly less range, just over 300 km. In terms of equipment, the Mini falls short with 16-inch wheels that do not stand out compared to the R5.
In conclusion, the Renault 5 E-Tech is set to shake up the electric car market with its stylish design, competitive pricing, and impressive features, making it a strong contender against its rivals like the Peugeot e-208, Citroën ë-C3, and Mini Cooper Electric.