Since bursting onto the UK market in Spring 2025, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric has won a string of accolades and five-star reviews.
Along the way, the quintessentially French hatch has redefined expectations for affordable, desirable EV ownership, uniquely appealing to the head and heart of British buyers.
To celebrate the success of the launch so far, here’s the Renault 5 E-Tech electric’s success story in fact and figures:
Over 19,000 registrations since launch
More than 19,000 R5s have been registered. The momentum in 2026 is particularly strong, with more than 10,000 Renault 5s hitting UK roads across all channels so far this year.
More than 10,000 retail registrations and #1 EV for retail buyers several times
Private buyers have played a major part in the R5 success story, accounting for over 10,000 registrations since launch. Renault 5 was also the best-selling retail EV in the B-segment during Q2 2026, as well as the best-selling EV to private buyers in January, April and July this year, plus April, May, October and November 2025.
85% retail customers new to Renault
R5 isn’t simply winning over existing Renault drivers: around 85% of its retail customers are new to the brand, with many new to electric motoring. Its appeal stretches across the generations too, appealing to many younger buyers, showing that while its unmistakable design draws on Renault’s past, its success is about much more than nostalgia.
50 major awards and counting
The trophies have piled up almost as quickly as the registrations. Renault 5 E-Tech electric had secured the European Car of the Year title even before the first UK customer deliveries began, while its 50 awards now include What Car? Car of the Year, Top Gear Car of the Year and the overall UK Car of the Year 2026 title. It has since added ‘New Car of the Year’ and ‘New EV of the Year’ at the AM Awards 2026, plus a hat-trick at the Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards.
How Britain is making Renault 5 its own
The headline numbers show how far Renault 5 has come. But look more closely at what customers are actually choosing, and it’s clear that the 5’s characterful design and sense of fun is what’s driving much of this success.
45% choose iconic five
The iconic five – the highest standard level of trim – has emerged as Britain’s favourite Renault 5 E-Tech electric, accounting for 45% of the total sales mix since launch.
Pop Yellow! is the overall favourite
Britain’s favourite R5 colour is fittingly bold, with Pop Yellow! accounting for 26% of registrations, ahead of Diamond Black at 23% and Midnight Blue at 21%. Tastes vary by trim, however: Pop Green! leads on evolution at 34% and techno+ at 22%, Pop Yellow! is the clear favourite among iconic five customers at 41%, while Midnight Blue tops the choices for Roland Garros at 29%.
One Porsche Cayenne
The breadth of R5’s appeal can also be seen in some of the cars customers are leaving behind. Among the vehicles known to have been part-exchanged against a new Renault 5 is a Porsche Cayenne, an unlikely swap that neatly illustrates how far beyond the traditional supermini market Renault’s electric icon is reaching.
Other trade-ins include a Ford Mustang, Porsche Boxster, Range Rover Velar, Ford Ranger, Tesla, and several Audi TT, while more common trade-ins include the Fiat 500, MINI, and Ford Fiesta. Many Renault ZOE owners have also upgraded from Renault’s original electric supermini to the R5.
Offering a 252-mile WLTP range and available with the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric is priced from £21,495 on-the-road.
For more information or to configure your own Renault 5 E-Tech electric, visit:
https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-vehicles/r5-e-tech-electric.html
