Loading comparison
MINI Electric vs Renault 5
Selected trimLevel 1 · 2019-24Change trim145 mi · 32.6 kWh · £27,900
Selected trimEvolutionChange trim191 mi · 40 kWh · £22,995
At a glance
The MINI Electric was replaced by the MINI Cooper in 2024. Compare the MINI Cooper with the Renault 5
In this comparison, MINI Electric stays competitive across the board, while the Renault 5 leads on value for money, motorway range and family practicality.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Renault 5 if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.8p per mile on off-peak electricity
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Renault 5 wins almost every category - it's the clear choice unless price is the deciding factor.
ValueRenault
MINI
4.8
Renault
6
Motorway RangeRenault
MINI
3.6
Renault
4.2
FamilyRenault
MINI
4.4
Renault
5.9
ChargingRenault
MINI
2.5
Renault
3.5
Cost Per MileRenault
MINI
7.5
Renault
8.8
City Driving
MINI
8.7
Renault
8.7
Too close to call
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Renault 5
Evolution
- £4,905 cheaper
- 46 miles more WLTP range
- 115 litres more boot space
- 30 kW faster rapid charging
- 1 more seat
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | MINI ElectricLevel 1 | Renault 5Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £27,900 | £22,995 (better) |
| Official range | 145 miles | 191 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 211 L | 326 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 31 min | 31 min |
| 0-62 mph | 7.3 sec | Not available |
Size Comparison
View:
Align by:
MINI Electric
Renault 5
Length
MINI Electric3,845mm-77mm
Renault 53,922mm
Width
MINI Electric1,727mm-81mm
Renault 51,808mm
Height
MINI Electric1,432mm-66mm
Renault 51,498mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | MINI ElectricLevel 1 | Renault 5Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,845 mm | 3,922 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,727 mm (better) | 1,808 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 1,999 mm (better) | 2,020 mm |
| Height | 1,432 mm | 1,498 mm |
| Turning circle | 10.6 m | 10.3 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 673 mm spare (better) | 592 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | MINI ElectricLevel 1 | Renault 5Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 5 (better) |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | 2 | Not available |
| Boot space (seats up) | 211 L | 326 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 731 L | 1106 L (better) |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 0 kg | 0 kg |
Full specifications
| Specification |  MINI Electric Level 1 |  Renault 5 Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3.85m | 3.92m+77mm |
| Width | 1.73m | 1.81m+81mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.00m | 2.02m+21mm |
| Height | 1.43m | 1.50m+66mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.50m | 2.54m+45mm |
| Ground Clearance | 127mm | 145mm+18mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 211L | 326L (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 731L | 1106L (better) |
| Seats | 4 | 5 (better) |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.6m | 10.3m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 1,365kg (better) | 1,463kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 32.6kWh | 40kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 145 mi | 191 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 50kW | 80kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £27,900 | £22,995 (better) |
| Price after EV grant | £27,900 (not eligible) | £21,495 (-£1,500) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Available | 2019–2024 | 2025+ |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | MINI ElectricLevel 1 | Renault 5Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 145 miles | 191 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 121 miles | 160 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 31 min | 31 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 50 kW | 80 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Usable battery capacity | 28.9 kWh | 40 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | NMC |
| Battery architecture | 400V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Standard | Not available |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | MINI ElectricLevel 1 | Renault 5Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 7.3 sec | Not available |
| Power | 135 kW (better) | 90 kW |
| Torque | 270 Nm (better) | 225 Nm |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
MINI Electric
Level 1
Renault 5
Evolution
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
MINI Electric
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | MINI ElectricLevel 1 | Renault 5Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £12,287 | £19,804 |
| Average used price | £13,025 | £20,974 |
| Active used listings trackedIndependent UK dealer listings seen in the last 90 days. | 35 listings (better) | 26 listings |
| Recent used-price trend | Up 107.5% over ~6 months | Down 20.9% over ~6 months |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - MINI Electric Level 1
Tested 2014
Adult Occupant79%
Child Occupant73%
Vulnerable Road Users66%
Safety Assist56%
Euro NCAP - Renault 5 Evolution
Tested 2024
Adult Occupant80%
Child Occupant80%
Vulnerable Road Users76%
Safety Assist68%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | MINI ElectricLevel 1 | Renault 5Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,000 km | 160,934 km (better) |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag real-world range. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
MINI Electric
Level 1
Owners love
- Owners consistently say it is huge fun to drive, with instant acceleration, sharp handling and the feel of a MINI.
- It is very efficient on local roads, with owners reporting 4 to 6 miles per kWh or more and tiny running costs on an off-peak tariff.
- Servicing is cheap and simple, mostly checks and software updates.
Watch out for
- Range is the big compromise: owners typically report 100 to 140 miles in summer and 60 to 100 in winter, and far less at 70 mph.
- The range estimate is widely described as pessimistic and unreliable.
- It is small inside, with three doors, a small boot and tight rear seats.
Owner tips
- Buy one only if your regular trips are well under 100 miles, with home charging.
- Use one charging scheduler (the car's or the charger's, not both) to avoid conflicts.
Renault 5
Evolution
Owners love
- Owners love the design and say it is fun, nimble and easy to park in town.
- The interior feels well made for the price, with comfortable front seats and physical climate buttons.
- The Google-based infotainment is quick and easy to use, and phone mirroring works well.
Watch out for
- Rear legroom is very tight, so owners call it a car for two adults or a family with small children.
- Real-world range falls well short of WLTP for some owners, especially in cold weather or on fast roads.
- There is no true one-pedal driving: the strongest regen setting still needs the brake to stop.
Owner tips
- If smart charging fails, ask the dealer for the latest software and set charging from the car's own schedule.
- Choose the 52 kWh battery if you do regular longer trips.
Buying options
Get a quote
MINI Electric
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Renault 5
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
MINI Electric
- £17,8682023Car360View
- £12,5712020Car360View
- £27,9732025Car360View
Renault 5
- £21,6622026Car360View
- £19,8992025Car360View
- £29,6992026Cars2View
Frequently asked questions
Is the MINI Electric worth the extra £4,905 over the Renault 5?
The MINI Electric costs £4,905 more than the Renault 5. For that premium it adds 45 kW more power. The Renault 5 is not just cheaper - it also offers 46 miles more WLTP range, 30 kW faster peak rapid charging and 115 litres more boot space. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Renault 5 comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the MINI Electric or the Renault 5?
The Renault 5 is £4,905 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £144 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Renault 5 comes out roughly £4,945 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the MINI Electric and Renault 5 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 121 miles for the MINI Electric and 160 miles for the Renault 5 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Renault 5 goes roughly 39 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 31-31 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the MINI Electric or the Renault 5?
The MINI Electric is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 81 mm narrower than the Renault 5. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 673 mm of total clearance for the MINI Electric and about 592 mm of total clearance for the Renault 5.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the MINI Electric or the Renault 5?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the MINI Electric and 84% for the Renault 5. That is close enough that capacity loss should not decide between them. Both use NMC-type cells, so for daily use keep the charge limit near 80% to slow degradation. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More MINI Electric comparisons
More Renault 5 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the MINI Electric and Renault 5 rank among EVs under £30,000Where the MINI Electric and Renault 5 rank among EVs under £40,000Where the MINI Electric and Renault 5 rank among the best small electric carsWhere the MINI Electric and Renault 5 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the MINI Electric and Renault 5 rank among the best city EVsWhere the MINI Electric and Renault 5 rank among the cheapest EVs to run
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideUsed MINI Electric buyer's guide (2020-2024)
Buying a used MINI Electric (Cooper SE): one battery, three trims, realistic range, what owners report, recalls and what to pay in 2026, and how it differs from the new Cooper E.
GuideBuying a Used Renault 5 E-Tech (2025 on): 40 vs 52 kWh, the Grant & What to Pay
A used Renault 5 E-Tech buyer’s guide: the 40 kWh and 52 kWh batteries, the trims, why the £3,750 grant makes a new one barely dearer than a used one, warranty, real-world range, what owners report, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .