Renault 5 Gets More Range, New Technology and Fresh Colours

More range, smarter technology and fresh new looks make the Renault 5 E-Tech even more appealing.

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric has quickly become one of the most distinctive electric cars on the road.

With its retro-inspired design, compact size and modern electric technology, it's a car that manages to stand out without trying too hard.

Now Renault has updated the range for 2026, bringing more range, improved efficiency, new technology and fresh colours.

For anyone considering their next EV through leasing, business contract hire or salary sacrifice, the Renault 5 is becoming an even more interesting option.

More range from the Renault 5

One of the biggest changes is improved efficiency.

Renault has made a number of technical and aerodynamic changes rather than simply increasing the size of the battery. These include revised lower bodywork, new door mirrors and optimisation of the battery electronics.

The result is more range from the existing battery options:

• 40kWh Urban Range: up to 196 miles WLTP
• 52kWh Comfort Range: up to 267 miles WLTP

There's also a new entry-level version using a 36.5kWh LFP battery and 110hp electric motor, offering up to around 189 miles WLTP.

It also gets 80kW DC rapid charging, making the entry-level Renault 5 more practical for longer journeys as well as everyday driving.

As always with EVs, real-world range will vary depending on driving style, speed, weather and temperature.

Fresh colours and more personality

The Renault 5 has never been short on personality, and the latest updates give buyers even more choice.

A new Flame Red colour is being added to the range, alongside Metallic Schist Grey on selected versions.

There are also new personalisation options, including contrasting roof colours, new roof and wing graphics and a Warm Titanium finish for selected wheels.

Inside, Renault has introduced new upholstery options to give the cabin a fresh look too.

It's all part of what makes the Renault 5 different from many of the more conventional electric cars currently available.

New technology

The updates aren't just cosmetic.

The Renault 5 gets a new Qi2 magnetic wireless smartphone charger, designed to improve charging performance while helping prevent your phone from overheating.

Renault has also introduced a new Smart driving mode, which can automatically switch between Eco, Comfort and Sport depending on how you're driving.

And there's more technology on the way, with Google Gemini being introduced to compatible Renault vehicles through an over-the-air update.

It's another example of how quickly the technology in modern electric cars is developing.

Could the Renault 5 be your next EV?

The Renault 5 is an interesting option if you're looking for an electric car that works just as well for everyday driving as it does for making a statement.

And you don't necessarily need to buy one outright.

With EV leasing, you can drive a brand-new Renault 5 for an agreed period and mileage, with fixed monthly rentals making it easier to budget.

For businesses, business contract hire can provide another way to add an EV to the fleet without purchasing the vehicle outright.

And for employees whose company offers it, salary sacrifice can make an electric car particularly attractive by allowing payments to be taken from gross salary, with the potential tax and National Insurance savings that come with the scheme.

The right option will depend on your circumstances, so it's worth comparing the numbers rather than assuming one route is automatically better.