Retro Meets Revolution: The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric Makes Its Debut

Renault 4 E-Tech Electric (2025): Initial Impressions of the Retro Electric Vehicle

How much does this electric car share with its classic predecessor? We've already taken a seat inside.

Unquestionably, it's one of the highlights of the Paris Motor Show 2024: the reinvention of the Renault 4 as an electric model. Officially called the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, this SUV-like car is set to hit our markets in 2025. While in Paris, we seized the chance for an early seating trial.

Renault describes it in their own words: "It's a bit bigger and more spacious, akin to the relationship between the Captur and the Clio. And while the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric primarily appeals to city dwellers, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is designed with a wider audience in mind, aiming to attract everyone including young families to the world of electric vehicles."

Photo Feature: First Look inside the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric (2025)

Exterior

Visually, the homage to the classic 1960s model (produced until 1992 with more than eight million units) is undeniable. Distinctive references include the rectangular front grille paired with round headlights, the characteristic taillights, the air intakes below the windshield, and the distinctive crease running along the rear windows including a third window.

Renault claims that their front end, constructed from a single piece measuring 1.45 meters, is a global first in the car industry. However, they have designed it so that the polycarbonate glass can be replaced independently, without the need to tamper with the grille or headlights.

In contrast to the latest Renault 5, which shares its technology, the Renault 4 features actual door handles on the back doors. It also boasts a greater amount of unpainted plastic, which, according to Renault designer Gilles Vidal, is in keeping with the themes of "countryside" and "off-road." The new Renault 4 is significantly more spacious than its predecessor, which was 3.66 meters in length. The photo vehicle's deep red and black paint job gives off a nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of the "Parisienne" fashion.

Let's examine the size specifications: The length of this vehicle is 4.14 meters, positioning it between the Clio, which is 9 centimeters shorter, and the Captur, which is 9 centimeters longer. It has a wheelbase of 2.62 meters. The width is reasonably set at 1.80 meters, and its height stands at 1.57 meters, which is comparable to the Captur. The primary distinction between the two is ground clearance: The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric boasts a ground clearance of 18.1 centimeters, which is 1.2 centimeters higher than that of the Captur.

Trunk Space

Similar to the R5, every model of the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric comes standard with 18-inch wheels. There is an option for an electrically operated tailgate. The loading sill stands at a height of 61 centimeters, and the trunk space can accommodate up to 420 liters of luggage when in its standard configuration. Conveniently, there is a 35-liter storage compartment beneath the floor, perfect for stashing items like the charging cable. The compartment cover is split into two sections, adding to the practicality. This means if one side is obstructed by luggage, the other side can still be accessed easily.

Thanks to the foldable rear seats and the passenger seat that can be flattened, there's an option to create a loading length of 2.20 meters when needed, which is suitable for carrying items like a small wardrobe or skis. However, it's worth noting that folding down the back seats results in a raised level. So, anyone planning to sleep in the new R4 should bear this in mind.

Interior

With a wheelbase measuring 2.62 meters, the legroom in the second row is 16.4 centimeters, which is comparable to the Captur when its rear bench is slightly reclined. The headroom is notably spacious for a vehicle in the B segment, measuring 85.3 centimeters, which Renault claims is on par with the Captur. From our own observations, we note that while there is indeed additional leg space, it's not exactly lavish. This also applies to the space above the head.

Just like in the Renault 5, the rear door panels feature a considerable amount of hard plastic, while the front benefits from an abundance of fabric, enhancing the interior's overall appeal. The Techno variant is all about denim vibes. The dark blue recycled seat covers are reminiscent of classic denim jeans. The copper rivets on the sides of the seats are inscribed with the phrase: "Allez-y vous êtes en Renault 4" ("Go ahead, you're in a Renault 4"). The stitching on the seats also sports a copper hue, much like the stitching found on denim trousers. This quilted square pattern extends beyond the seats, adorning the dashboard and door panels as well.

The front seats offer comfort, and the dashboard design is largely borrowed from the Renault 5. There's an optional baguette holder available, but a unique feature reserved for the number 4 model is the expansive sunroof. All necessary driving data is displayed on a 10.1-inch digital dashboard screen, with the base model featuring a 7-inch screen. Additionally, a central 10-inch multimedia screen is standard across all models, providing access to the OpenR link system which includes integrated Google services.

In terms of technology, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is designed purely as an electric vehicle and shares the AmpR Small platform with the upcoming Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. Renault highlights the Extended Grip traction control, typically an optional feature, and a towing capacity of 750 kilograms for the Renault 4.

The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric marks Renault's inaugural vehicle featuring a one-pedal operation. This feature becomes accessible starting from the Techno trim level, operates alongside the initial trio of regenerative braking modes, and is similarly engaged using the steering wheel paddles.

A heat pump works in tandem with an 8-kW high-voltage coolant heating system (HVCH) to swiftly raise the temperature of a vehicle's cabin to a comfortable level, ensuring passenger warmth while also reducing strain on the battery. Additionally, to preheat and defrost the vehicle before departure, both the interior and the battery can be pre-conditioned by setting up the system in advance.

Additional information from Renault:

The latest Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is powered by an electric motor available in two power outputs, 90 and 110 kW, and comes with a choice of two battery sizes, 40 and 52 kWh. This setup allows the vehicle to travel up to 400 kilometers before needing to recharge. The car supports fast charging up to 100 kW, enabling the battery to be charged from 15 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

Cost and Release Date

The production of the Renault 4 is set to commence in March 2025 at the Maubeuge factory, with the engine being sourced from Cleon, close by, and the battery being produced in Douai. Pricing details have yet to be released; however, it is anticipated that the 110 kW model will be priced higher than the current R5, which stands at 32,900 euros. Will the nostalgic appeal ensure its success? We're eager to find out…

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