Nostalgia has Plugged in 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric
2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric – a beloved retro icon of Europe reborn as fun and practical electric SUV. Complete specs, range, price, and in-depth review.
Introduction
The original Renault 4 is a special, nestled between a classic Citroën 2CV and a rusty old Vespa. When it landed in 1961, the R4 was not a car — it was a rolling revolution: affordable, uncomplicated, versatile, and unkillable. It transported baguettes, chickens, students, and even whole families on vacation, all while disregarding the potholes and rural tracks.
It’s 2025 today. Europe’s cities are gradually booting out petrol vehicles, and the term “mobility” is used as casually as one mixes salad. Renault figured the time had come to remove the dust cover from a legend — but rather than an oily four-cylinder engine under the bonnet, there’s a silent battery pack whirring under the floor.
So — is this merely marketing nostalgia with an plug, or does the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric have the mettle to become Europe’s new urban hero? Let’s pop the bonnet (metaphorically speaking, of course — it’s sealed) and see.
Design and Storytelling: How Do You Bring Back a Legend Without Spoiling It?
Renault’s designers were confronted with a high-risk challenge: how do you update a shape that everyone will remember, without making it some soulless, bloated crossover that resembles everyone else’s?
Their solution? Leave it unmistakably boxy. The new Renault 4 E-Tech Electric proudly sports its blocky shape — squared-out wheel arches, a soft but upright front end, and that cheerful “face” that makes you want to thump it on the bonnet.
Unlike the previous tin-can R4, this one is built on the same CMF-BEV platform as the Renault 5 Electric. That is, it’s all fully modern under the metal, but still small enough to weave through narrow Parisian streets or fit into that too-narrow parking space behind your favoriteboulangerie.
Look closer, and you’ll find subtle nods to the past: the clamshell bonnet shape, vertical tail lamps, and even a cheeky faux grille pattern hinting at the old air intake. It’s retro done right — without looking like a museum piece.
Interior: Tough Love, Clever Touches
The interior is where the new Renault 4 proves it’s no show pony. It’s nothing delicate about it — this is built for life, muddy dogs included. The seats? Durable materials that won’t stain.The floor? Nearly flat, with durable mats that almost invite muddy boots.
But don’t confuse practicality with poverty spec. Soft-touch plastics mix with recycled plastics, demonstrating Renault’s drive to reduce carbon even further than the exhaust pipe (which, naturally, no longer exists).
You’re perched a bit higher than in the 5, so you get that mini-SUV vibe that shoppers are looking for. Vision is great with those upright windows. Back legroom is spacious for a compact car, and the boxy look makes the boot larger than you’d think — at around 420 litres, it competes with larger hatchbacks.
Tech-wise, you’re not roughing it. The floating 10-inch screen runs Renault’s latest OpenR Link OS, taken from the Megane E-Tech but customfor the 4’s simple vibe. Expect wireless smartphone mirroring, natural voice commands, live traffic updates, and all the connectivity goodies buyers want.
And for the nostalgic traditionalists? Even a signature optional canvas sunroof that glides back to introduce that fresh French countryside ambiance — without the leaks the original was notorious for.
Engineering: It’s Not Fast, But It’s Clever
No one purchasing a Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is looking for dragstrip runs — but that doesn’t make it dull. The low-end motor produces about 122 hp, with the bigger battery package adding some 150 hp. That makes 0–100 km/h in 8 to 9 seconds, depending on model.
It may not be exciting, but this is the thing: in town, instant torque rules. When you press the throttle, you’re away — ideal for zooming through circle or cutting in front of others when the lights turn green.
Suspension is tuned for daily comfort. The increased ride height and heavier tyres make cobblestones and speed bumps a breeze. Steering is light yet precise, turning tight parking places your new best friend.
Charging? You’ll see around 100 kW DC rapid charging at best — not world-record stuff, but sufficient to top up from 20–80% in about 30 minutes if you can locate a reasonable charger. Overnight on an 11 kW wallbox in the house is plenty to awaken with a full “tank.”
Safety: Good Vibes, No Compromise
The original R4 might have survived bumps thanks to sheer stubbornness. The new one? Far smarter. Expect a full suite of modern driver aids:
Automatic emergency braking
Pedestrian and cyclist detection
Lane keeping and lane departure warning
Traffic sign recognition
adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring
Euro NCAP hasn’t tested it for a crash yet, but Renault needs a 5-star rating to keep up with its city EV competition — and the body’s been designed with that in mind firmly.
Real-World Capability: Beyond the Commute
If you assume that the 4 E-Tech is nothing more than a posh supermarket trolley, think again. It’s made to cope with all the grimy, functional aspects of life as well. Fold down the back seats and you’ve got a tiny flatbed for cargo. Want more? The roof bar carries an 80 kg load — ideal for bikes, skis, or that forgotten IKEA bookshelf that somehow it must bring home with you.
The small footprint makes it city-perfect, but the added ground clearance and tough trim on some trims make light gravel tracks or muddy festival grounds not scare it off either.
Pricing and European Availability: Is It the People’s EV?
Renault understands that nostalgia is only going to sell if it’s affordable. That’s why the new Renault 4 E-Tech will try to beat the MINI Aceman EV, Fiat 600e, and Jeep Avenger Electric. Look for a UK starting price of around £27,000 (around €30,000–€35,000 depending on market and subsidies).
Production begins in Renault’s French plants in early 2025. First deliveries? If you’re eager and swift with a deposit, you could have your keys in late 2025 — just on time to baffle your grandparents with the “new old R4.”
Pros and Cons: Not Perfect, But Pretty Close
Pros
Retro looks with genuine everyday practicality
Reasonable price for a fashionable small EV crossover
Excellent range for city and suburban living
Smart interior that’s simple to live with
Excellent cargo versatility for its size
Cons
A few competitors charge more quickly
Power output is good but not exciting
Best driver-assist amenities are optional upgrades
Final Verdict: The EV for Drivers Who Miss Soul
If you need the fastest, furthest-reaching EV on the market, go elsewhere. But if you desire a vehicle with heart, heritage, and just enough functionality to serve your contemporary life, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric could be the ideal solution. It’s evidence that the EV revolution needn’t be cold and clinical in feel — sometimes, it can be more like an old mate on wheels, just purring rather than coughing.
FAQ
Q: What is the real range of the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric?
A: It is a WLTP of 300-400 km depending on the battery you option with; it’s more than sufficient for an urban life and weekend getaways.
Q: How much will the Renault 4 E-Tech be in the UK and Europe?
A: About £27,000 in the UK, and €30,000–€35,000 in mainland Europe
Q: When will the new Renault 4 be available in Europe?
A: Production begins spring 2025, with first deliveries towards the end of 2025.
Q: Is the Renault 4 suitable for families?
A: Yes — it’s got a spacious boot, intelligent folding seats, tough interior trim, and a compact SUV vibe with added ground clearance.
Q: How does it differ from the Renault 5 E-Tech?
A: The 5 is more city-oriented and hatchback in character; the 4 is higher, more SUV-feling, and family- or adventure-gear-friendly.
