Inspired by the original Renault 5 in styling,[6] the 5 E-Tech was previewed by a concept car shown in January 2021,[7] with the production model being officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in February 2024.

The mockup caught the attention of De Meo, which asked the design team to turn it into a prototype car.

[10] Among the technologies on display was a simulation of a virtual reality paint booth, with the vehicle rendered in 3D for the demonstration being the production version of the Renault 5 EV, the first time it has been shown without camouflage.

[11] In March 2023, journalists had the opportunity to test a development mule of the production version, scheduled for a release in 2024.

It was inspired by the legacy Renault 5 model, with updates influenced by contemporary consumer electronics, furniture, and sports products.

[21]: 66  The double-diamond Renault logo, which was designed by Victor Vasarely and his son Jean-Pierre (aka Yvaral) and debuted with the original R5 in 1972, was illuminated and updated for the R5 EV prototype.

[18] DC fast charging will be an added-cost option, and should match the maximum rate (130 kW) of the Renault Mégane E-Tech.

[4] The charging port is mounted on the bonnet, behind a door just in front of the driver on the left-hand side designed to resemble the air intake on the original R5.

[22] The pre-production prototypes of the R5 were built in the Technocentre facility near Paris that imitates the manufacturing process of the regular factories.

[19] An Alpine-branded high-performance variant is planned, and will use the more powerful traction motor from the Mégane E-Tech, which is rated at 160 kW (210 hp).

The Alpine variant is expected to retain the front-motor, front-wheel drive layout of the Renault 5 E-Tech, but the track will be wider for a sportier look.

[32] The R5 Diamant is a one-off vehicle that uses the original R5 body panels and silhouette with detail updates, such as protruding headlights and taillights providing a jewel-like look.