The legendary compact hatch Renault 5 and Alpine’s first BEV go on sale the same day
Renault 5
Alpine A290
Renault Japon has announced the launch of the Renault 5 BEV on Thursday, November 19. On the same day, Alpine Japon will also release the Alpine A290, the brand's first-ever BEV.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
A Playful Design Reborn for the Modern Era
The Renault 5, once a groundbreaking compact hatch that captivated the world, has returned as a battery electric vehicle (BEV).
The original model debuted in 1972. More than half a century later, it has been reborn with a contemporary design that still hints at its heritage.
It features charming, playful details throughout, such as the distinctive headlights, vertical rear combination lamps, and a charging indicator on the hood that uses the number "5" as a motif.
The interior also inherits design essences from past Renault 5 models, incorporating a two-tier dashboard and seats inspired by the Renault 5 Turbo—which also made its mark in rallying—paired with an advanced digital cockpit.
It is equipped with the openR link multimedia system featuring Google services, offering connected features such as voice operation and route guidance that accounts for charging stops.
In terms of performance, it generates a maximum output of 150 PS and 245 Nm of torque. With a 52 kWh battery, it achieves a driving range of 405 km per charge.
By combining an EV-dedicated platform with a multi-link rear suspension, the Renault 5 delivers a light yet stable ride. It is a truly modern compact hatch that captures the unique driving experience and playfulness only an EV can offer.
Pursuing the Agile Driving Feel Typical of Alpine
Meanwhile, the Alpine A290 arrives as the brand's first BEV, signaling the beginning of its electrification era.
Although it shares the same platform as the Renault 5, it has been developed specifically to pursue the agile driving feel that Alpine has cultivated over the years, aiming for an experience that truly thrills the driver.
To achieve this, its output has been boosted to 218 PS and 300 Nm of torque, surpassing the Renault 5. It is equipped with a 52 kWh battery and provides a driving range of 360 km per charge.
The exterior asserts its Alpine personality with wide fenders and a lighting signature incorporating an X-motif that pays homage to rally cars.
The interior also inherits the design codes and driver-centric philosophy of the Alpine A110.
This model features the Alpine Portal, also powered by Google services. Furthermore, it includes Alpine Telemetrics, which helps drivers check performance data and hone their driving skills, making it an electric sports hatch that expands the joy of driving—in true Alpine fashion.
Renault 5 E-Tech electric
Body Size | 3,935 mm (L) × 1,775 mm (W) × 1,535 mm (H)
Max Output | 150 PS
Max Torque | 245 Nm
Battery Capacity | 52 kWh
Driving Range | 405 km
Capacity | 5 passengers
Tires | 18-inch alloy wheels
Alpine A290
Body Size | 4,020 mm (L) × 1,815 mm (W) × 1,550 mm (H)
Max Output | 218 PS
Max Torque | 300 Nm
Battery Capacity | 52 kWh
Driving Range | 360 km
Capacity | 5 passengers
Tires | 19-inch alloy wheels
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Learning More About the [Renault 5 E-Tech electric & Alpine A290]
Q. What kind of model is the Renault 5 E-Tech electric?
The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is the first 100% electric vehicle from the Renault brand to be officially introduced to the Japanese market. Renault Japon positions it as a "compact EV that will become a new icon of the electrification era." Produced in France, it leverages over a decade of EV technology cultivated by Renault. The electric motor is a proprietary design.
Q. What is the history behind the Alpine brand?
Alpine was founded by Jean Rédélé in Dieppe, France, in 1955. The A110, introduced in the 1960s, excelled in rallying and won the first manufacturers' title in the inaugural World Rally Championship (WRC) in 1973. Later, the brand became part of the Renault Group and ceased production in 1995, before being revived in 2017 with the new A110. The Alpine A290 is the brand's first electric vehicle, inheriting the design codes and driver-centric philosophy of the Alpine A110.
Q. What are the similarities and differences in equipment between the Renault 5 and the Alpine A290?
Both models are equipped with a 10-inch digital instrument panel and a 10-inch multimedia screen. While both feature Google services, the Renault 5 uses "openR link" and the Alpine A290 uses "Alpine Portal." The Alpine A290 lists the "Alpine Sport Chassis" in its key specifications and equipment, and features a four-lamp lighting signature incorporating an X-motif.
Both models are equipped with a 10-inch digital instrument panel and a 10-inch multimedia screen. While both feature Google services, the Renault 5 uses "openR link" and the Alpine A290 uses "Alpine Portal." The Alpine A290 lists the "Alpine Sport Chassis" in its key specifications and equipment, and features a four-lamp lighting signature incorporating an X-motif.