Renault 4 (2025): The Retro Electric SUV That Got Everything Right
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Winner of 2025 EV of the Year
The Electric Revival of an Automotive Legend
Few cars have managed to reinvent themselves as successfully as the Renault 4. Originally launched in 1961, the classic Renault 4 became one of Europe’s most beloved cars, selling more than 8 million units across more than 100 countries. It earned a reputation for being practical, affordable, reliable, and capable of tackling everything from city streets to rough country roads.
Fast forward to 2025, and Renault has achieved something remarkable. Instead of simply recreating the past, the company has modernized one of its greatest icons into a fully electric crossover that perfectly captures the spirit of the original while embracing the future.


Every coffee is greatly appreciated!
The result is the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, one of the most exciting compact electric vehicles on sale today.
Following the huge success of the Renault 5 E-Tech, Renault continued its winning formula by bringing back another legendary nameplate. The Renault 4 doesn’t just rely on nostalgia it delivers outstanding comfort, clever practicality, impressive driving dynamics, and excellent value for money.
In fact, many automotive journalists believe Renault has produced one of the finest affordable electric cars ever made, earning numerous awards, including 2025 EV of the Year.
A Design That Balances Nostalgia and Modern Style
One look at the Renault 4 instantly reveals its heritage.
Rather than producing a carbon copy of the original 1960s car, Renault’s designers cleverly incorporated familiar design cues into an entirely modern crossover.
Classic elements include:
- Illuminated oval front grille
- Round LED headlights
- Vertical rear lights
- Distinctive roofline
- Characteristic side window shape
- Strong wheel arches
- Raised ride height
The result feels authentic without looking outdated.
Unlike many electric crossovers that blend together, the Renault 4 has genuine personality.
It stands out in traffic while remaining tasteful and elegant.
Compact Outside, Surprisingly Spacious Inside
One of the original Renault 4’s greatest strengths was practicality.
The new version proudly continues that tradition.
Although classified as a compact crossover, the Renault 4 offers interior space that rivals much larger vehicles.
Passengers enjoy:
- Excellent headroom
- Comfortable rear seating
- Plenty of legroom
- Large windows for outstanding visibility
- High seating position
- Wide-opening doors
The cabin feels bright and airy, making longer journeys much more comfortable.
Unlike some electric vehicles that sacrifice practicality for style, Renault focused on everyday usability.

Boot Space That Leads the Class
One area where the Renault 4 truly excels is cargo capacity.
The rear boot offers approximately 420 litres of luggage space, placing it among the largest in its class.
Useful features include:
- Low loading lip
- Square cargo area
- Fold-flat rear seats
- Adjustable boot floor
- Hidden storage compartments
- Numerous interior storage spaces
Whether transporting shopping, sports equipment, camping gear, or family luggage, the Renault 4 handles daily life with ease.
Comfortable Driving Comes First
Many compact SUVs prioritize sporty handling at the expense of comfort.
Renault chose a different approach.
The Renault 4 delivers one of the smoothest rides in the small EV segment.
Its suspension absorbs potholes, speed bumps, and rough roads impressively well.
The result is a relaxing driving experience that’s equally suited to:
- Urban commuting
- Motorway cruising
- Country roads
- Weekend adventures
Passengers notice significantly less vibration than in many rival electric SUVs.
Surprisingly Fun to Drive
Comfort doesn’t mean the Renault 4 feels boring.
Quite the opposite.
Renault has fine-tuned the chassis to provide excellent balance between agility and refinement.
Drivers benefit from:
- Accurate steering
- Strong grip
- Minimal body roll
- Predictable handling
- Confident cornering
- Responsive acceleration
The car feels light on its feet, making city driving enjoyable while remaining composed on faster roads.
Electric Performance
Depending on specification, the Renault 4 offers different electric powertrains.
Typical figures include:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | Up to 150 hp |
| Torque | 245 Nm |
| 0–62 mph | Around 8.5 seconds |
| Top speed | Approximately 93 mph |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
Performance is perfectly suited to everyday driving.
Electric torque delivers brisk acceleration from traffic lights while overtaking feels effortless.
Battery Options
The Renault 4 offers battery choices aimed at different buyers.
Available options include:
40 kWh Battery
Ideal for:
- City driving
- Daily commuting
- Lower purchase cost
Expected range:
Approximately 190–200 miles (WLTP).
52 kWh Battery
Perfect for drivers who regularly travel longer distances.
Expected range:
Approximately 250–250+ miles (WLTP) depending on specification.
For most drivers, this provides more than enough real-world usability.
Fast Charging
Charging technology has improved dramatically.
The Renault 4 supports rapid DC charging.
Typical charging performance includes:
- DC Fast Charging: up to 100 kW
- AC Charging: 11 kW
Using a compatible rapid charger:
- 15–80% charge takes roughly 30 minutes.
Home charging overnight easily prepares the vehicle for another full day of driving.
Google Built-In Technology
The Renault 4 features Renault’s latest OpenR Link infotainment system.
Powered by Google, it includes:
- Google Maps
- Google Assistant
- Google Play Store
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Voice control
- Live traffic updates
- Remote vehicle monitoring
The system is among the easiest and fastest to use in any mainstream electric vehicle.
High-Quality Interior
Step inside and the Renault 4 immediately impresses.
The cabin feels far more premium than its price suggests.
Highlights include:
- Soft-touch dashboard materials
- Stylish recycled fabrics
- Comfortable seats
- Digital instrument display
- Large central touchscreen
- Attractive ambient lighting
- Excellent build quality
Renault has clearly invested heavily in making the cabin feel modern and welcoming.
Sustainability
The Renault 4 demonstrates Renault’s commitment to sustainability.
Many interior materials come from recycled sources.
The manufacturing process also focuses on reducing environmental impact through:
- Recycled plastics
- Sustainable textiles
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Efficient battery production
- Increased recyclability
Environmental responsibility extends beyond simply using electric power.
Practical Family Car
Families will appreciate numerous thoughtful touches.
These include:
- ISOFIX child-seat mounting points
- Large rear doors
- Easy access
- Multiple USB-C ports
- Wireless phone charging
- Large storage bins
- Cup holders
- Flat rear floor
Despite its compact dimensions, everyday practicality is exceptional.
Advanced Safety
Safety remains one of Renault’s strongest areas.
The Renault 4 comes equipped with numerous advanced driver assistance systems, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Traffic sign recognition
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Driver attention monitoring
- Parking sensors
- 360-degree camera (higher trims)
These technologies help make every journey safer and less stressful.
Affordable Pricing
Perhaps the Renault 4’s biggest strength is value.
Despite offering premium technology and impressive equipment levels, Renault has priced the vehicle competitively.
Compared with many rivals, buyers receive:
- More equipment
- Better practicality
- Better ride comfort
- Higher-quality interior
- Strong resale prospects
This combination makes it one of the smartest purchases in today’s EV market.
How It Compares with Rivals
The Renault 4 competes against several popular compact electric crossovers, including:
- Jeep Avenger Electric
- Volvo EX30
- MINI Aceman
- Fiat 600e
- Peugeot E-2008
- Smart #1
- Kia EV3
Where many competitors focus on either sporty styling, technology, or affordability, the Renault 4 successfully combines all three while adding practicality and charm.
Why Critics Love It
Professional reviewers consistently praise the Renault 4 for delivering exactly what modern buyers need.
Common compliments include:
- Beautiful retro styling
- Comfortable suspension
- Spacious cabin
- Excellent value
- Easy driving experience
- Smart technology
- Efficient electric powertrain
- Practical boot
- High-quality interior
Its balanced approach means there are very few compromises.
Everyday Ownership
Living with the Renault 4 is refreshingly straightforward.
The high driving position provides excellent visibility in traffic, while compact exterior dimensions make parking simple. Regenerative braking helps recover energy during city driving, improving efficiency and reducing wear on the brakes.
Owners also benefit from lower running costs compared with petrol-powered SUVs. Electricity generally costs less than fuel, servicing requirements are reduced because there are fewer moving parts, and many countries offer incentives for electric vehicle ownership.
The combination of low operating costs and strong practicality makes the Renault 4 an appealing long-term choice.
A Worthy Successor to an Icon
Reviving a legendary model is never easy. Expectations are high, and enthusiasts are often quick to criticize anything that strays too far from the original.
Renault has managed to strike an impressive balance. The new Renault 4 captures the character of its famous predecessor without becoming trapped by nostalgia. Instead of building a museum piece, Renault has created a thoroughly modern electric crossover that reflects the needs of today’s drivers.
Its blend of distinctive styling, generous interior space, comfortable ride, useful technology, and competitive pricing ensures it stands out in an increasingly crowded market.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is proof that retro-inspired design can be much more than a marketing exercise. It successfully combines timeless styling with cutting-edge electric technology, offering a vehicle that is both practical and enjoyable to drive.
Whether you’re looking for your first electric car, downsizing from a larger SUV, or simply want a compact crossover with real character, the Renault 4 deserves a place at the top of your shortlist.
Its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, excellent driving dynamics, generous equipment, and attractive pricing make it one of the strongest contenders in the affordable EV segment. Rather than following trends, Renault has created a car with its own identity one that celebrates the past while embracing the future.
In a marketplace crowded with small electric crossovers that often feel interchangeable, the Renault 4 stands apart. It is stylish without being flashy, practical without being dull, and modern without forgetting its roots. That’s precisely why it has earned widespread acclaim and why many reviewers consider it one of the best electric cars you can buy today.
For drivers seeking an electric vehicle that delivers value, personality, comfort, and everyday usability in equal measure, the Renault 4 isn’t just a good choice it may well be the benchmark against which future compact electric crossovers are judged.
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