Paris Motor Show 2024 Live: Renault 4 E-Tech stirs up nostalgia

  • An electric small SUV competing with the Fiat 600 EV
  • Inspired by the Renault 4EVER Trophy concept
  • Will be made in Maubeuge, France, with launch expected in H1 2025
  • Expected to be priced from under EUR 30,000 (USD 32,725) in France

This morning at the Paris Motor Show 2024, I witnessed the birth, or rather, the re-birth of the Renault 4. Called the Renault 4 E-Tech, here’s my observations of the chic electric crossover.

Design

The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is a modern twist to the iconic design of the original 1961 Renault 4, linking retro charm with electric drive. At a length of 4.14 meters, it balances practicality and versatility, just like its predecessor, while maintaining a contemporary (European) B-segment design. Built on the AmpR Small platform, shared with the Renault 5 hatch, it promises best-in-class interior space, agility, and comfort.

An illuminated oblong grille frames round LED headlamps at both ends, with Renault’s first-ever backlit emblem in the middle, recalling the 1960s model. The upright, pill-shaped tail lights have been updated with modern technology, framed by a glossy black outline for a sharp look.

The trapezoidal quarter windows above the rear wheels and sculpted door sills create a visual link to the original Renault 4, while a decal from the windshield to the wheel arches nods to the distinctive fenders of the original. Vertical overriders on the bumpers hark back to the chrome details of the original. A retractable fabric roof option is for those who enjoy open-air cruising, which is another important piece in the 4’s outdoorsy spirit.

Interior

The Renault 4 E-Tech electric features a dual horizontal screen setup—a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver and a 10-inch OpenR Link infotainment system with Google built-in.

The interior design varies based on the finish. The Evolution trim gets light-colored dashboard and door panels contrasted by dark grey quilted upholstery with French flag stitching, while the Techno trim adopts a denim-inspired look with dark blue recycled upholstery and copper accents, including a playful “Allez-y vous êtes en Renault 4” detail.

Some variants feature an electric Plein Sud canvas roof, inspired by the classic Renault 4 Plein Air. It provides a unique open-air experience with Renault claiming excellent acoustic and sealing qualities.

Renault 4 E-Tech infotainment system
I think the Renault 4 E-Tech’s tactile switches provide excellent feedback and I would prefer them any day over the capacitive buttons.

There are plenty of storage spaces in the Renault 4 E-Tech, totaling 23.3 liters (0.82 cu. ft.) in volume. Behind the seats, there’s a trunk with 420 liters (14.8 cu. ft.) of cargo space, including 35 liters (1.2 cu. ft.) of underfloor storage. It can be accessed through an electric tailgate, which conveniently opens with a foot-swipe gesture.

My experience in the Renault 4 E-Tech

The Renault 4 E-Tech has a certain charm that I find quite desirable. Getting in and out is surprisingly easy—easier than the Renault 5, on which it’s based. Once inside, I was pleasantly surprised by the ample headroom, and the ribbed headliner added a nice touch. The materials, like the jeans-like fabric on the dashboard and door panels, are tastefully done despite the car being built to a budget.

The seats offer good lumbar and under-thigh support, and the headroom is more than adequate for someone my height (six feet). Visibility is decent for a city car, though the glass area is understandably limited. The steering wheel feels premium and grippy, and the fully digital instrument cluster and infotainment system are responsive and packed with useful information. The brushed aluminum finish on the HVAC piano-style buttons adds a premium feel, though the center console reveals more budget-conscious hard plastics.

In terms of practicality, the hidden parking brake, two USB slots, and wireless phone charger are convenient, but storage space is minimal. The small armrest box barely fits a wallet, and the door pockets are quite limited, so this isn’t the car for big family shopping trips.

Moving to the back seat, I quickly realized it was not designed for taller adults. Once the front seat is adjusted for a six-footer, there’s almost no legroom for someone of similar size. Moreover, the upright backrest and knee-up seating position don’t offer much comfort for long journeys. I think the rear seat is best suited for kids or shorter adults on short trips.

Specifications

Renault 4 E-Tech side profile
Renault expects the 4 E-Tech to deliver a WLTP range of up 249 miles.

Based on the AmpR Small platform, earlier called CMF-B EV, the Renault 4 E-Tech is available in two variants, both with a FWD drivetrain layout. The base variant employs a 120 hp/166 lb.-ft. motor that gets its energy from a 40 kWh battery pack. Renault hasn’t revealed the chemistry of this battery pack’s cells. Customers can charge it at up to 11 kW(AC)/80 kW (DC) and achieve a maximum range of over 300 km (186 miles).

The top-end Renault 4 E-Tech bumps to a 150 hp/181 lb.-ft. motor, which gives it a 0-62 mph acceleration time of under 8.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). It uses a 52 kWh NMC battery pack with a peak charging input of 11 kW (AC)/100 kW (DC). On a full charge, the top-end variant can travel up to 400 km (249 miles).

The 4 E-Tech is the first Renault to give customers the convenience of one-pedal driving. It also comes equipped with an 11 kW AC bidirectional onboard charger, enabling V2L (vehicle-to-load) functionality for powering 220V devices from the vehicle’s battery, as well as V2G (vehicle-to-grid) capability for feeding electricity back into the grid, potentially reducing home charging costs by up to 50%.

Release Date

The Renault 4 will go on sale in France in the first half of 2024, with prices starting at under EUR 30,000 (USD 32,725).

Renault 4 is a myth. And myths never die! R4 is a car that everyone can love, and today we want to rediscover this universal dimension through a modern and electric reinterpretation.

Luca de Meo, Chief Executive Officer of Renault S.A. (Renault Group Conference held on October 17, 2022)

TopElectricSUV says

Being a compact SUV primarily for the urban sprawl, the Renault 4 Electric is suitable for younger buyers who want a well-styled and feature-laden EV at a relatively affordable price point.