Cheaper than a BYD Dolphin, the 2024 Renault 5 revives '70s era rally-winning nameplate

Renault has revived the iconic ‘70s era rally-winning Renault 5 nameplate for the electric era. This fully electric 2024 Renault 5 E-Tech will go on sale in Europe this September with an estimated starting price of around 25,000 Euros, which is 5,000 Euros less than a BYD Dolphin in Europe.

Detailed specifications have yet to be released, but a 52-kWh battery capacity with a 400 km driving range (WLTP) has been confirmed for higher range variants. A cheaper 40 kWh / 300 km variant is expected to follow later.

It supports up to 11 kW AC charging and 100 kW DC charging (80 kW for lower range variants).

At least three variants, all with varying power output levels – 95 PS / 122 PS / 150 PS – will be offered. Claimed 0-100 km/h time is 8 seconds.

It will weigh less than 1,500 kg, with a 326 litres boot.

Like the BYD Dolphin, it comes with V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function, allowing users to use the Renault 5 as a giant power bank for home appliances. On top of V2L, it also supports V2G, which in markets with suitably-equipped smart grids, allows the Renault to supply power back to the national grid, thus contributing to grid stabilization.

Wearing the Renault badge, expectations for ride quality are high. The company says “multi-link rear suspension, borrowed from top-end market segments delivers a level of roadholding and performance formerly unknown in this segment. All of which adds up to exceptional driving pleasure, with no trade-off in comfort.”

The Renault 5 is the first model to ride on Renault’s AmpR Small platform for B-segment cars.

In terms of size, the Renault 5 is shorter than the BYD Dolhin, measuring 3,920 mm long, with a 2,540 mm wheelbase, versus the BYD Dolphin’s 4,290 mm length and 2,700 mm wheelbase.

The Renault 5 is developed by the French marque’s EV subsidiary Ampere. Production will be at the Douai Gigafactory in France, with high voltage battery is supplied by Envision AESC.

Renault 5 E-Tech electric will achieve an overall level of recyclability of 85%, incorporating 19.4% of recycled materials (ISO14021 standard) and 26.6% of materials recovered from the circular economy, including 41 kg of recycled polymers.

The motor has no permanent magnets, therefore does not require any rare earth mining to produce.

The seat fabrics will be made from fully recycled material on the Techno and Iconic Cinq trim levels. This last one will also include bio-sourced materials for its steering wheel and interior insulation.

In Malaysia, Renault was a pioneer in EVs, but the Zoe E-Tech sells for RM 165,000, pricing it out of competition.