Top-Selling Renault 5 E-Tech Upgraded with More Range, Fresh Colours

The popular Renault 5 E-Tech has received series of tweaks to celebrate its second anniversary of being on sale.

Upgrades to the funky French electric hatchback include more efficient batteries, more colours to choose from and a new driving mode.

The changes come two years on from the model - which nostalgically revived the badge and classic style of the original Renault 5 but with a modern electric twist – hitting the road for the first time.

Since then, the R5 E-Tech has emerged as a major success story for both Renault and electric automotive movement, not least in the UK where it emerged as the best-selling BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) last month.

As such, Renault hasn’t messed with its winning formula so there is still no mistaking the retro-infused styling that has proven so popular with buyers.

Even so, Renault has expanded on the R5’s colour choices with Flame Red and Metallic Schist Grey now included, while a Starry Black roof can also be specified alongside new graphic options.

Better yet, for those who can remember back to the mid-90’s, there is also the chance to fit optional gold-tinted 18-inch alloy wheels in what is a clear nod to the iconic Renault Clio Williams hot hatch of that era.

Inside, the top-spec Iconic models now get blue – instead of yellow – trim on the centre console and seating, while a magnetic charging pad with cooling is also now available.

Under the skin, software updates to the two batteries available in the UK – the 40kWh Urban Range and 52kWh Comfort Range – has seen range increase to 196-miles and 267-miles respectively.

Both models are available with the UK government’s Electric Car Grant with the 40kWh version getting a £1,500 discount, while the 52kWh model gets the full £3,750 off the list price.

Also new for 2026 is the addition of a new ‘Smart’ driving mode that automatically adjusts the power settings to suit your driving style. As an example, putting your foot down – such as for overtaking – will see the R5 change to ‘Sport’ mode to deliver extra performance, while driving in low-speed zones will see it switch to more frugal ‘Eco’ mode.

There are also changes to Gemini – Google’s AI-powered virtual assistant that is built into the R5 – which has been updated with the latest software to execute more natural voice commands.