If you missed out on Renault’s wild electric hot hatch the first time around, you’ve got another chance. The French automaker just reopened orders for its exclusive 5 Turbo 3E after the first 500 units vanished within 48 hours. But fair warning – this isn’t your typical family car budget.
Lightning-Fast Sellout Creates Second Opportunity
The enthusiasm for this electric beast caught everyone off guard. When Renault first opened orders, car enthusiasts worldwide jumped at the chance to own something truly special. The result? Complete sellout in less than two days.
Now, the second batch of 500 units is available, but once these are gone, that’s it. Renault plans to build exactly 1,980 examples globally – a number that pays homage to 1980, the year the original 5 Turbo launched.
Glen Sealey, Renault Australia’s general manager, put it simply: “Once all 1980 vehicles are allocated globally there will be no more. This is an exclusive car.”
Price Tag That Makes Your Eyes Water
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Here’s where things get interesting – and expensive. The provisional European pricing sits at €155,000, which translates to about A$275,595. However, Australian buyers face additional costs that could push the final price well above $300,000.
| Cost Component | Amount/Percentage |
|---|---|
| Base Price (EUR) | €155,000 (A$275,595) |
| Import Duty | 5% |
| GST | 10% |
| Luxury Car Tax | 33% (over $91,387) |
| Reservation Fee | €50,000 (A$88,870) |
| Expected AU Price | $300,000+ |
This pricing makes it the most expensive new Renault ever sold in Australia, surpassing the previous record holder – the $108,000 Megane R.S. Trophy-R from 2019.
What Makes This Car So Special?
Not Your Average Electric Vehicle
The 5 Turbo 3E isn’t just a regular electric car with a sporty body kit. Renault built this on a completely different platform from their standard 5 E-Tech model. The most fascinating feature? In-wheel electric motors instead of the typical single front-mounted setup.
Performance That Delivers
The specs read like something from a supercar brochure:
- Power Output: 400kW from dual rear-wheel motors
- Acceleration: 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 270km/h
- Battery: 70kWh capacity with 350kW fast-charging
- Range: Up to 400km on the WLTP cycle
Design Philosophy: Function Meets Aggression
Bigger, Wider, Lower
The dimensions tell the story of a car built for performance. Compared to the regular 5 E-Tech, this version stretches 16cm longer, spreads 23cm wider, and squats 12cm lower. The wheelbase also grows by 3cm to 2.57m.
Track-Focused Interior
Step inside and you’ll find racing bucket seats with six-point harnesses – a clear signal this car means business. Carbon fiber trim, a 10.1-inch digital cluster, and a vertical rally-style handbrake complete the race-inspired atmosphere.
The bodywork prioritizes grip and downforce over efficiency, riding on 20-inch wheels that fill those flared arches perfectly.
Heritage Meets Modern Innovation
Honoring the Original
This modern interpretation draws inspiration from the legendary 1980s Renault 5 Turbo, a homologation special designed to dominate the World Rally Championship. The original was a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive monster that became an icon.
Color Options That Tell Stories
While Renault has primarily shown the car in yellow, silver, and black livery, buyers can choose from various exterior and interior combinations. The standout option? Rouge Grenade – the glossy red finish from the original model. Other choices include colors inspired by historic racing liveries, like the factory colors from the 1982 Tour de Corse.
The Reality Check: Delivery and Availability
Long Wait Ahead
If you’re thinking about placing an order, patience is essential. First customer deliveries won’t happen until 2027, subject to homologation requirements in each market.
The allocation system works on a first-come, first-served basis globally, meaning Australian buyers compete directly with European customers and enthusiasts worldwide.
Built to Order Only
Don’t expect to walk into a Renault dealership and find one on the lot. Every single 5 Turbo 3E gets built specifically for its owner, making each one even more special.
How It Compares to Competition
The performance figures put this Renault alongside serious players like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which also achieves 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds. Both cars use 800-volt electrical architecture for rapid charging capabilities.
However, the 5 Turbo 3E’s unique in-wheel motor setup and limited production numbers make it far more exclusive than any mainstream electric performance car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Renault 5 Turbo 3E cars will be made?
A: Only 1,980 units worldwide, commemorating the original 1980 launch year.
Q: When will Australian customers receive their cars?
A: First deliveries are expected in 2027, pending homologation approval.
Q: Can I still place an order?
A: Yes, the second batch of 500 units is currently available, but orders are limited globally.
