Renault has resurrected its legendary 4L utility vehicle as an all-electric model, aiming to carry forward the classic’s celebrated versatility and robust design into a new era of sustainable mobility.
The original Renault 4, a global phenomenon, sold over eight million units across three decades and earned a place as one of the world’s best-selling automobiles. Its reputation for straightforward utility and go-anywhere capability is a key inspiration for the new E-Tech version.
The new 4 E-Tech maintains a recognizable silhouette while incorporating modern design cues. This includes an illuminated front grille spanning 1.45 meters. The single-piece lighting signature integrates the Renault logo, creating a “retrofuturistic” homage to the 1960s original.
Measuring 4.14 meters in length, the electric 4 positions itself as a smart offering that balances urban compactness with significant cargo capacity. With 18.1 centimeters of ground clearance and 18-inch wheels, it projects a “go-anywhere” aesthetic.
Behind the wheel, the electric powertrain delivers silent operation and surprising agility, making the vehicle adept at navigating tight city streets. A multi-link rear suspension system balances comfort with dynamic stability.
A notable feature is the “One Pedal” function, which allows drivers to largely control acceleration and deceleration using only the accelerator pedal. This system, which takes some adjustment, contributes to maximizing the vehicle’s driving range through regenerative braking.
Echoing the original’s focus on practicality, the 4 E-Tech offers exceptional cargo versatility. The 420-liter trunk is complemented by a low 61-centimeter load sill, making it easier to load items.
A motorized rear door opens automatically, with part of the bumper lifting to create an optimized rectangular opening. For even larger items, both the rear seats and, for the first time in an electric Renault, the front passenger seat can be folded flat, creating a cargo length of 2.20 meters.
The cabin features a dual-screen setup, with a 10.1-inch instrument panel and a 10-inch multimedia display. This system, powered by OpenR Link with integrated Google services, offers an intuitive and connected experience.
Built on Android Automotive, the OpenR Link provides direct access to applications like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Google Maps specifically enhances EV travel by planning routes with charging points and pre-conditioning the battery for faster charging.
The vehicle also includes “Reno,” a virtual avatar that acts as a knowledgeable copilot. It responds to voice commands for vehicle functions and even general knowledge queries through ChatGPT integration.
Powering the vehicle is a 52 kWh battery, providing an estimated WLTP range of up to 400 kilometers (approximately 248 miles). In mixed driving conditions, a realistic range is around 320-350 kilometers (199-217 miles). A 40 kWh battery option is also available.
An 11 kW AC bidirectional charger comes standard, enabling not only charging at home or public stations but also the use of the car as a power source via Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology. Fast DC charging at 100 kW can replenish the battery from 15% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
The V2L system allows the 4 E-Tech to power external devices, transforming the vehicle into a mobile energy source. This capability is a modern interpretation of its original utilitarian spirit.
Renault’s engineers aimed to capture the essence of the original Renault 4—its versatility, functionality, and sense of freedom—and successfully translate it onto a modern electric platform. As Pierre Dreyfus, the original’s visionary general manager, famously described the 4L as “a pair of jeans,” the new E-Tech model seeks to embody that same robust, useful, and stylish spirit for the electric age.
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric will be available in three versions, with prices starting at approximately $31,860 for the Evolution model, $37,800 for the Techno, and $39,960 for the top-tier Iconic version, based on initial European pricing.