Renault is redefining automotive creativity with the all-new Renault 5, a retro-futuristic electric hatchback that blends nostalgia with modern innovation. As car designs become increasingly homogeneous, the Renault 5 stands out by celebrating French culture through clever, unexpected details. With its playful baguette holder and French flag-inspired headlights, this vehicle is more than just transportation—it's a statement of style, heritage, and individuality.
Renault has taken a bold and whimsical approach to incorporating French identity into the Renault 5. One of its standout features is the baguette holder, a delightful and practical addition that pays homage to France's deep-rooted love for bread. Located to the right of the center console, the wicker-made holder was designed in collaboration with French artisan Marguerite Herlante, evoking memories of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle flower vase but with a distinctly French twist.
Beyond its novelty, this feature showcases Renault's commitment to functional creativity. The holder not only keeps the classic baguette neatly in place but also helps maintain the clean aesthetics of the cabin—no more crumbs scattered around. With this attention to detail, Renault 5 proves it's more than just a new electric vehicle (EV)—it's an experience that balances aesthetics with usability.
Renault 5 doesn't just impress with quirky details; its design redefines vintage charm with futuristic elements. The car features a customizable gear selector, called the "e-pop shifter", designed to resemble a lipstick tube. Owners can swap out the shifter tip, adding a personal touch to their driving experience.
The 2024 Renault 5 comes with over 104 accessory options, including 3D-printed compartments, central organizers, and retro-inspired badges bearing the number "1972"—a nod to the original Renault 5’s debut. The car's interior takes inspiration from the Renault 5 Turbo, featuring a sculpted dashboard, vertical stitching, and an "H"-pattern seat motif. Additionally, the cabin incorporates denim fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, blending eco-conscious design with classic automotive styling.
The exterior design is just as innovative. A glowing "5" emblem on the hood doubles as a battery charge indicator, lighting up when the driver approaches. The LED daytime running lights in the bumper mimic the fog lights of the classic Renault 5 Turbo, while the French flag embedded in the headlights adds a subtle yet proud national touch. Renault also replaces its traditional diamond logo on the wheels with a retro "5" emblem, reinforcing the car’s unique character.
While its playful design steals the spotlight, the Renault 5 is no slouch in performance. Renault has confirmed a high-performance Alpine A290 variant, set to debut later this year. With over 150 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque, this sporty version will push the boundaries of EV performance, bringing a more dynamic driving experience to the compact electric hatchback segment.
This move reflects Renault's vision for the future of electric vehicles, proving that sustainability and performance can coexist. The Alpine A290 aims to set new standards, showing that EVs aren’t just about efficiency—they can be thrilling to drive, too.
Renault isn’t stopping at the Renault 5. The company is also working on reviving the Renault 4, as hinted by the 4ever concept, and a reimagined Twingo, both incorporating Renault’s signature "retro-futuristic" design philosophy.
With its bold styling, innovative features, and electrified performance, the Renault 5 is shaping up to be a game-changer. More than just a car, it’s a celebration of heritage and creativity, proving that electric vehicles can be fun, stylish, and full of personality.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.