A tennis-tuned twist on an electric darling
Renault’s retro-chic EV gets a Roland-Garros makeover, and the result is more about style than substance. The special edition arrives as the priciest R5, at €36,490, which is €1,000 above the Iconic 5. It targets fans who want a little Centre Court flair with their daily commute.
The pitch is simple: same technical recipe, richer presentation. If you already like the R5’s cheeky charm, this limited run adds a court-side smile without changing how it drives.
Design serves with finesse
Outside, the tweaks are discreet but deliberate. The side badge swaps the classic “5” for a Roland-Garros emblem, set against Saint Andrew’s cross motifs that nod to the stadium’s architecture. A textured “Noir Étoilé” roof brings a retro vinyl vibe, framed by a tasteful silver trim.
The 18-inch “Electro” wheels look bespoke and suitably premium, with a satin grey hub finish. Four colors are offered, including Bleu Nocturne and a Gris Schiste Satin roof combo, but there’s no classic green homage here.
Cabin plays the Roland-Garros card
Inside, the special touches feel richer. The new seats retain the R5’s gentle tulip shape but use sport-inspired fabrics, blending grey textiles, darker knit, and a hint of blue faux leather. Door cards and the dashboard band mirror the same neatly woven theme.
You’ll spot “Roland Garros Paris” where the Renault 5 script usually sits, plus embossed tournament logos on the seatbacks. Warm “terre battue” accents on mats and storage liners echo clay-court tones. Best detail? The drive selector looks like a racket handle, complete with perforations and RG lettering.
Compact by design, and it shows
The R5 remains a small car at 3.92 m, and you feel it in the back seats. Rear legroom is modest, fine for kids but tight for taller adults. The 277-liter trunk is fair for the footprint, yet the high loading sill and stepped fold create practical hurdles.
Still, the shape is adorable, and the special trim keeps the R5 a head-turner. Even in subtler colors, it pulls curious glances like a surprise drop-shot.
Same powertrain, top spec only
Under the skin, nothing changes—this edition is purely cosmetic. It’s paired exclusively with the 150 hp motor and the 52 kWh net battery, rated for 410 km WLTP. Charging stands at 11 kW AC and 100 kW DC, with a claimed 10–80% in about 30 minutes.
Agile, refined, and mostly composed
On the move, the R5 still feels grown-up. Noise suppression is strong, steering is precise without being nervous, and overall refinement suggests a class above. In Sport, the dash glows red and the car feels properly sprightly. The 0–100 km/h in around eight seconds is believable, with instant throttle snap.
Grip, however, can wobble if you’re on the Goodyear Vector M+S all-seasons in warm weather. They struggle with traction and reduce the car’s playful edge. The brake pedal is on the firm side but remains consistent and controllable, while the ride is a bit taut on 18-inch wheels.
“As a daily driver, it blends retro charm and modern polish with a light, tennis-inspired wink.”
Real-world efficiency, summer-shaded
In mild-to-warm testing, we saw 13.9 kWh/100 km over 300 km—good for roughly 375 km per full charge. In the city, sub-12 kWh/100 is achievable; at 110–115 km/h, about 17 kWh/100 km translates to roughly 306 km per full battery and ~214 km between 10 and 80%.
A fast-charging session started strong at 101–102 kW from 17%, then hiccupped near 48% when the station faltered. It’s another reminder that public charging can be a mixed-bag, even when the car’s curve looks promising.
Verdict: a stylish ace, not a power play
This is a well-judged, design-led special, not a performance upgrade. You’re paying a premium for exclusivity, trim creativity, and clever tennis cues. If that resonates, it’s a charming, collectible twist on a deeply likeable EV. If not, the regular Iconic 5 delivers the same dynamic sparkle for less money.
- Pros: distinctive look, plusher cabin details, same excellent drive
- Cons: higher price, firm ride on 18s, modest rear space
- Good to know: 150 hp and 52 kWh are the only combo, with 11 kW AC and 100 kW DC charging
- Bottom line: a cosmetic win that keeps the R5’s fundamentals intact
