In Brief
The Renault 5 E-Tech embraces a look inspired by the legendary Clio Williams, featuring a blue body and gold wheels. Despite this evocative styling, it isn’t a sport version but rather a 150-horsepower electric city car with no dedicated chassis or official Williams badge. The aesthetic elements recalling the Clio Williams are offered as options, but the technical specs and performance remain those of a standard R5. The nostalgia is therefore mostly visual, not a direct transfer of the iconic sport model’s performance.
A blue body, gold wheels, and 150 hp: this Renault 5 E-Tech strongly echoes the legendary Clio Williams. Yet behind this evocative presentation lies a perfectly conventional electric R5, with no sporty tuning.
A Renault 5 E-Tech that Echoes the Clio Williams
Renault knows how to leverage its heritage. After reviving the R5, R4, and Twingo, the diamond brand now seems to be tipping its hat to another icon in its history. With its blue paint and gold elements, this 150-horsepower Renault 5 E-Tech indeed shares some similarities with the famous Clio Williams.
A purely aesthetic resemblance, since this setup unfortunately hides no new sporty version. To understand the connection, let’s go back to 1993. Renault was enjoying success in Formula 1 and also sought to homologate the first-generation Clio for rallying.
Thus the Clio Williams came to be with a 2.0-liter engine delivering 150 horsepower and a heavily revised chassis. It could reach 215 km/h, but its charm went beyond its mechanics.
Its appearance became just as famous. The French sports car paired a distinctive blue paint with gold Speedline wheels. A combination that made it instantly recognizable. And thus helped build the legend of the Clio Williams.
More than three decades later, a Renault 5 E-Tech can now adopt a visually close recipe. But it shouldn’t be mistaken for an official Williams badge comeback.
Golden Wheels Available for 200 Euros
This look is simply the result of several items available in the Renault 5’s customization catalog in the Techno and Iconic Five trims.
Techno wheels can now receive a Gold finish, priced at 200 euros. To further reinforce the Williams racer vibe from the 1990s, Renault also offers the roof stripe “Unlimited 5 or,” for an additional 600 euros.
Finally, the body can be ordered in Nocturne Blue. It’s not new in the lineup and carries a 700-euro premium. Once these elements are combined, it’s hard not to think of the Clio Williams. Renault, however, does not officially claim any link between the two models.
The idea has already been explored elsewhere as well. A Dutch dealership last year offered a Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition that also borrowed some cues from the famous sportscar. But again, nothing officially tied to the Williams badge.
Same Power, But Not the Same Performance as the Clio Williams
The coincidence becomes even more amusing when you look at the technical sheet. In its most powerful version, the Renault 5 E-Tech develops 150 horsepower. Exactly the power claimed by the Clio Williams in its era.
The comparison ends there, though. This R5 remains a city car electric vehicle designed primarily for everyday use. It does not benefit from any specially revised chassis or any tuning aimed at changing its behavior.
This well-equipped setup also comes close to 32,000 euros. For those who prefer price to Williams-style looks, the Renault 5 now starts at 24,990 euros. That entry version mainly benefits from a major upgrade as it now supports fast charging in DC.
Its charging power reaches 80 kW, versus 100 kW for the other Renault 5 versions. Its electric motor also gains a few horsepower: it goes from 95 to 110 hp.
This upgrade, however, comes with a slight drop in range. The autonomy falls by 10 km and now stands at 305 km.
With its golden wheels, Nocturne Blue bodywork and 150 hp, the Renault 5 E-Tech can effectively lean into nostalgia. But fans hoping for a true electric R5 Williams will still have to wait. Behind this sporty outfit lies exactly the same city electric car as before.
Comparison Table
| Model | Power (hp) | Top speed (km/h) | Price (euros) | Fast charging (kW) | Range (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault 5 E-Tech (Williams-styled version) | 150 | – | approximately 32,000 | 100 | – |
| Renault 5 E-Tech (entry) | 110 | – | 24,990 | 80 | 305 |
| Clio Williams (1993) | 150 | 215 | – | – | – |
The Essentials to Remember
- The Renault 5 E-Tech visually echoes the Clio Williams with blue paint and golden wheels.
- This setup adds no official Williams badge nor any sport-tuning.
- The stylized version offers 150 hp, matching the Clio Williams’ power, but without the corresponding performance.
- Golden wheels cost 200 euros, the golden roof stripe 600 euros, and Nocturne Blue paint 700 euros.
- The price of a Renault 5 E-Tech so equipped approaches 32,000 euros, versus 24,990 euros for the entry version.
- The entry version offers 110 hp and 305 km of range, with 80 kW fast charging compared to 100 kW for the other versions.
FAQ
Is the Renault 5 E-Tech a true sports car like the Clio Williams?
No, despite its inspired look, the Renault 5 E-Tech has not received any sport-tuned treatment or a dedicated chassis like the Clio Williams.
What aesthetic elements echo the Clio Williams?
The Renault 5 E-Tech is offered with blue paint, gold wheels, and a gold roof stripe to recall the Clio Williams.
How do the Renault 5 E-Tech’s performance compare to the Clio Williams?
Both models show 150 hp, but the Clio Williams reached 215 km/h. The Renault 5 E-Tech remains a city electric car without sport-oriented upgrades.
What is the price of the Renault 5 E-Tech with the Clio Williams look?
The stylized R5 E-Tech configuration approaches 32,000 euros, while the entry version costs 24,990 euros.
Does the Renault 5 E-Tech officially wear the Williams badge?
No, Renault does not claim any official link with the Williams badge for this Renault 5 E-Tech version—only an aesthetic inspiration.
