Renault has introduced a series of battery and design updates to its best-selling Renault 5 E-Tech electric car in the United Kingdom.
The revised supermini arrives 24 months after its initial debut, bringing updated battery chemistry, improved aerodynamics, and an expanded selection of personalisation options.
Demand for the vehicle remains exceptionally strong, with the Renault 5 standing as the only electric car on sale with a waiting list stretching to as long as six months.
Renault has delivered more than 17,000 examples to British drivers since launch. High order volume means desirable specifications currently carry waiting periods of around 12 weeks, while the range-topping Roland-Garros model takes closer to six months to arrive.
New battery choices and extended range
Engineering modifications across the lineup deliver efficiency improvements for both available battery configurations.
The entry-level Urban Range model receives a minor range increase to 196 miles, up by three miles from its previous rating.
Renault has replaced the previous 40kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack with a smaller 36.5kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) unit that is cheaper to manufacture and offers higher energy density.
Maximum charging speeds on the Urban Range have dropped slightly, capping out at 80kW on public fast chargers and 6.6kW on a domestic home wallbox.
The higher-spec 52kWh Comfort Range variant, which accounts for the majority of customer orders, sees its official driving range increase to 267 miles, up from 255 miles previously.
Personalisation and Clio Williams tribute
Visual changes focus on new colour options and exterior decals designed to appeal to enthusiast buyers.
A flagship paint scheme pays homage to the 1990s Renault Clio Williams hot hatch, pairing metallic sports blue paintwork with distinctive gold wheels.
Renault is also introducing a new shade of red that resembles the 'Rebel Red' offered on the closely related Nissan Micra EV. The Nissan Micra EV shares Renault's electric vehicle platform and batteries and is manufactured alongside the R5 in France.
Additional exterior options include a grey roof finish or a red '5' decal applied to the roof panel. Gold wheels can now be ordered on both Techno and Iconic trim levels.
Inside the cabin, Renault has updated the interior trim options. The bright yellow seats previously fitted to Iconic models have been replaced by a subtle blue and grey upholstery scheme.
Technology and drive mode updates
Cabin technology receives a focused set of functional revisions.
Renault has removed the physical Multi-Sense drive-mode selector dial. It has been replaced by an automated Smart function that continuously adjusts vehicle responsiveness based on throttle input.
Drivers can still manually select between Sport, Eco, Comfort, and Individual driving modes using either the central touchscreen menu or voice command controls.
The wireless smartphone charging pad has also been upgraded, with Renault claiming it can now restore up to 50 per cent of battery power to a compatible smartphone within one hour.
Strong retail demand in the UK market
The Renault 5 has maintained strong sales momentum among individual private buyers, contrasting with broader electric vehicle market trends dominated by commercial fleets.
Approximately three out of every five UK registrations, or 60 per cent, are purchased outright by retail customers rather than leased or acquired through salary sacrifice programs.
The vehicle topped overall UK electric car sales figures in July, supported by pricing ranging between £21,495 and £23,945. Prior to the latest updates, official range figures spanned between 193 and 256 miles depending on specification.
Adam Wood, managing director of Renault UK, said the model demonstrates that drivers will choose desirable vehicles regardless of power source.
"Renault 5 captures that perfectly. It appeals to both the head and the heart, combining standout design with everyday affordability," Wood said.
The supermini segment has seen increased competition since the R5 debuted in 2024, with several retro-themed rivals entering the market. Competitors include Fiat's Grande Panda, Volkswagen's upcoming ID.Polo, and Citroen's planned 2CV revival, which is expected to debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.
Renault has not yet confirmed a UK launch date for the updated R5 lineup. A spokesperson for Renault UK stated that the specification changes remain under review for the British market.
