Renault’s commitment to redefining mobility through electric innovation has been reaffirmed with the Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric earning its place among the seven finalists for the prestigious Car of the Year (COTY) 2025 award. Joining the Renault 5 on the shortlist is its platform sibling, the Alpine A290, marking a significant milestone as both vehicles vie for the top honor in the electric age.
Renault: A Legacy of Excellence
This year’s nomination continues Renault’s remarkable streak of COTY finalists, with the brand earning a spot in the top seven for the fourth consecutive year. Past contenders include the Megane E-Tech (2022), Austral (2023), and the victorious Scenic E-Tech (2024). The Renault 5 E-Tech now carries the torch, blending heritage with cutting-edge technology.
First introduced in 1972 as a revolutionary compact car, the Renault 5 has been reimagined for the modern era. The Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric retains its iconic spirit while offering a thoroughly contemporary electric driving experience. Built on the AmpR Small platform, it features advanced multi-link rear suspension and an engaging, dynamic character.
As a locally manufactured vehicle in northern France, the Renault 5 E-Tech is a model of sustainability and innovation, aligning with Renault’s broader ambition to democratize electric mobility. With a playful, functional design and a compact 3.92-meter footprint, this all-electric urban companion is set to become a benchmark for B-segment city cars.

Alpine A290: A Hot Hatch for the Electric Era
Alpine’s entry into the COTY finals is equally groundbreaking. The A290, a 100% electric sports hatch, resurrects the beloved “hot hatch” segment with Alpine’s trademark dynamism. Sharing the AmpR Small platform with the Renault 5 E-Tech, the A290 combines agility, high performance, and everyday usability.
With electric motors offering 180 hp and 220 hp, the A290 delivers exhilarating performance while embracing Alpine’s commitment to sustainable sportiness. Its sharp aesthetics and cutting-edge connectivity further cement its status as a next-generation icon.
Built in France as part of the Renault Group’s ElectriCity network, the A290 epitomizes the future of electric mobility. It is the first model in Alpine’s Dream Garage vision, a lineup that will soon expand with the A390 sport fastback and a reinvented A110.
The Road Ahead
The 2025 Car of the Year winner will be unveiled on January 10, 2025, at the Brussels Motor Show, as 60 journalists from 23 countries evaluate the seven finalists. This year’s competition showcases the pinnacle of automotive innovation, with the Renault 5 E-Tech and Alpine A290 as standout representatives of the electric revolution.
Renault’s history of electrification spans over a decade, with landmark vehicles like the Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech solidifying its leadership. The Renault 5 E-Tech and the upcoming Renault 4 E-Tech are set to accelerate this momentum, ensuring the brand’s prominence in sustainable mobility.
With two co-finalists in the race, the Renault Group is poised to make an indelible mark on the industry. Whether through the nostalgic charm of the Renault 5 or the thrilling performance of the Alpine A290, the future of driving has never looked more electric.




















