Renault, the French automaker with a penchant for creating insane little cars, has just announced the Renault 5 Turbo 3E—a tribute to the Group B rally legends of the 1980s. But hold on to your chairs because this one is electric, and it’s packing enough power to make even the most hardened petrolhead in Mumbai sit up and take notice.
540 Horses in a Hatch? Sacré Bleu!
Let’s get straight to the good bits. Underneath that wide-bodied, rally-inspired shell sits a 70 kWh battery feeding not one but two in-wheel motors, putting down a jaw-dropping 540 bhp and 700 Nm of torque. If you’re wondering, that’s enough poke to catapult this electric pocket rocket from 0-100 km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds—as quick as some supercars costing crores! And if you keep your foot buried in the carpet, you’ll nudge a top speed of 270 km/h. Yes, in a hatchback. Let that sink in.
Range, Charging, and a Pit Stop for Masala Chai
Renault claims the 5 Turbo 3E can manage about 400 km on a single charge if you drive sensibly. But, let’s be honest—nobody is buying these plans to take it easy. Push it hard, and the range will drop quicker than your phone battery on Instagram Reels. Luckily, Renault has thought of that. Thanks to its 350 kW ultra-rapid charging, a 15-minute pit stop will get you from 15 to 80 per cent—just enough time to stretch your legs and grab a cutting chai before hitting the road again.
Drift Mode and Rally Antics
Now, here’s where things get spicy. The Turbo 3E has a drift mode and an oversized rally-spec handbrake. Yes, you read that right. You can slide this around like you’re starring in your Bollywood action sequence. It sits low, thanks to a bespoke aluminium chassis, and despite the batteries, it weighs a relatively manageable 1470 kg.
There are also multiple driving modes, including Snow, Regular, Road, and Race, with the latter offering a push-to-pass button—essentially an instant turbo boost to embarrass unsuspecting German sedans at the traffic lights.
Customisation Galore: Make It Your Own
Renault knows that part of the fun of owning a car like this is making it uniquely yours. That’s why the Turbo 3E will offer a range of classic rally liveries and eye-catching Rouge Grenade paintwork. You can expect a “statement of sporting intent” with bucket seats, six-point harnesses, carbon fibre components, and premium Alcantara upholstery. In keeping with modern times, there will be plenty of digital screens and a Google-powered infotainment system.
Limited to 1980 Units: Blink and You’ll Miss It
To celebrate the era of the original Renault 5 Turbo, only 1980 examples of the Turbo 3E will be produced. Order books will open soon, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. But here’s the kicker—none of these beauties will be heading to the U.S. So, Indian enthusiasts, this might be your chance to snag a slice of French madness.
What’s the Damage?
While Renault hasn’t revealed official pricing yet, expect the Turbo 3E to cost a pretty penny—likely somewhere north of Rs 1.2 crore, considering its performance and exclusivity. But for that price, you’re getting a modern interpretation of a rally icon that’s faster, meaner, and ready to drift through the streets of Delhi or the ghats of Lonavala.
Start saving now because this French firecracker will be worth every paisa.
