Renault 5 E-Tech gets longer range and tech upgrades

The Renault 5 E-Tech has been given a series of efficiency and tech updates, increasing its maximum range while keeping prices unchanged.

The updated model makes its UK debut with revised aerodynamics and battery electronics, alongside a new driving mode, upgraded wireless phone charging and Google’s Gemini AI assistant.

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Both versions of the electric supermini gain an additional seven miles of official range. The 40kWh ‘Urban Range’ model increases from 190 to 197 miles, while the 52kWh ‘Comfort Range’ rises from 252 to 259 miles.

The Renault 5 continues to compete with small electric cars including the Citroën ë-C3, Fiat 500e, Hyundai Inster and BYD Dolphin Surf, while the forthcoming Volkswagen ID. Polo will add another significant rival.

Small efficiency improvements add seven miles

Renault hasn’t changed the batteries or electric motors as part of this minor update. Instead, aerodynamic changes to the underside of the car and its door mirrors have been combined with optimised battery electronics to extract slightly more range from the existing powertrains.

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The entry-level 40kWh battery and 120hp motor remain exclusive to ‘Evolution’ trim, while ‘Techno’, ‘Iconic Five’ and ‘Roland Garros’ continue with the 52kWh battery and 150hp motor. The result is 197 miles of battery range for the former and 259 miles for the latter.

New driving mode

Another addition is ‘SmartMode’, which automatically switches between the existing ‘Eco’, ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ driving modes depending on how the car is being driven.

For example, the system can select ‘Sport’ when harder acceleration is requested for an overtake before switching back to ‘Eco’ during slower driving.

Drivers can still select the modes themselves through the central touchscreen or using voice commands. However, the dedicated ‘Multi-Sense’ button previously fitted to the steering wheel has been removed.

The wireless phone charger has also been upgraded to the newer ‘Qi2’ standard, using magnets to position compatible phones correctly and active cooling to reduce overheating. Renault says it can restore up to half of a compatible phone’s battery in an hour.

The car’s emergency eCall system has meanwhile been upgraded to work with newer 4G and 5G mobile networks.

Google Gemini added

Google’s Gemini AI assistant is also coming to the Renault 5 as an optional over-the-air update, replacing Google Assistant. The new system is designed to understand more conversational requests rather than requiring specific voice commands. Users can also interrupt responses or switch languages during a conversation.

There are some smaller cosmetic changes too. New Flame Red and Shadow Grey paint colours will arrive later in the year, accompanied by additional sticker packs.

Midnight Blue cars in Techno+ and Iconic Five+ trim gain a contrasting red roofline, while Iconic Five+ swaps its existing yellow upholstery for a new mottled blue design.

The updated Renault 5 E-Tech electric is available to order now, with prices unchanged. The range starts at over £21k, including the current £3,750 Electric Car Grant.

The Renault 5 E-Tech currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 79%. It achieves top marks for its impressive media reviews, low running costs and zero tailpipe emissions, while its safety score is also good. However, Renault’s new car warranty is only average.