Renault 4 E-Tech test: drive a new lease of life!

The 20th-century Renault 4, also known as the 4L, marked the history of European automobiles for 33 years (from 1961 to 1994). A DNA that the "new" Renault 4 hopes to revive with an electric engine. Can the 150 hp version revive the legend?

After the Renault 5 E-Tech experiment, the diamond-shaped brand is once again playing on the nostalgia of an iconic model by repeating the neo-retro electric experience. This time, it's the practical and clever 4L, designed to overshadow the 2CV, that serves as the model. Overall, the Renault 4 E-Tech shares the same traits as its venerable ancestor, albeit in a different size. However, there's no purring: silence is golden when it comes to electric vehicles. Outside, however, the car can emit a warning sound for pedestrians, designed by Jean-Michel Jarre.

Versatility

Our 2025 R4 measures 4.14 m long, 2.02 m wide (including mirrors), and 1.55 m high. Only the height is identical to its grandmother, which was a mere 50 cm shorter and narrower than its descendant. So be it! Let's also point out the nostalgic side, the curved profile, and the quarter windows. The false grille features LED lights reminiscent of the face of yesteryear. Its lines and the few references to the past really make an impact from the outside. Even if a hood in the same color as the bodywork—poetically named "cloud blue"—would have been more elegant in our eyes. It's all about customization.

On board, the links to the past are less obvious. As proof, we find almost the same universe as in the Renault 5 E-Tech, with a dual screen. The control for the transmission is located to the right of the steering wheel. It would have been so much fun to find a lever on the console (under the screen, in fact) in the style of the 4L. Missed opportunity... Fortunately, there are still buttons on the console. These are the ones for the air conditioning ramp. For the volume, apart from the wheel of the radio control module on the steering wheel, there are also two small discreet push buttons at the top of the central screen. And the button to turn it off or restart it after a bug.

Where the 21st century also meets the 20th is in the interior space. There's plenty of room up front, with good headroom. In the rear, side passengers aren't penalized either. Especially since the seats, made of quilted recycled denim with copper stitching, are comfortable. The air vents also shine with copper. Despite some hard plastics, most of the visible surfaces are pleasant to the touch with the Techno finish.

Versatile

For luggage, the trunk offers 420 liters of space. That's not bad. By folding down the rear seats, but not completely flat, you can increase this volume. Especially since the passenger seat can be folded completely flat to obtain a maximum of 1405 liters and a load length of 2.20 meters. There's a 35-liter storage space under the floor for the cable. Except for us, because the Harman-Kardon sound system took up this space for the subwoofer. And since there's no frunk under the hood, you'll have to leave the cable in the trunk or the passenger compartment… As for the door pockets, be careful. The rim is too short, with a real risk of dropping items placed there, including the case with sunglasses and the parking permit.

This test was carried out with the sharpest Renault 4 E-Tech, namely the one with the 150 hp (110 kW) engine and the "large" 52 kWh battery (55 kWh gross). Theoretically, the manufacturer announces a WLTP range of 408 km. I can see you coming: "yes, but in reality?" To find out for sure, head to Namur, the capital of Wallonia, and then the French Ardennes with its forest roads.

To achieve this, we had the choice between Android Automotive by logging in with a Google Gmail account or Android Auto projection via our Google Workspace account. With the first solution, it is possible to install several applications such as HBO, TF1+, Spotify, a virtual crackling fireplace, a music player for USB stick… However, we would have to install an application to correct the focal length of the rearview camera. What is this blurry image?

The old-school way

Start with a Power button between the two screens and the lever to the right of the steering wheel. Once the car is moving, the speed alert quickly starts to sound ridiculously fast. We feel like switching it off. Especially since, leaving it with its ADAS system fully operational, the neo-retro SUV tended to beep unreasonably on narrow roads and in bends. With Renault, the new formula is the personal My Safety menu. Simply configure the various assistance systems (ADAS) according to your preferences. Then, either via the screen or by pressing twice the button depicting a car surrounded by a circle, the Renault 4 becomes much less grumbling. Peace, finally, like in the old days! That custom deactivation button will wear out quickly, believe me.

As the miles go by, the 4 E-Tech demonstrates that its chassis is tuned to smooth out imperfections. These good suspensions also prevent shoulder movements. Firmly anchored to its supports, the French car remains stable and silent, filtering out imperfections very well. It even proves very precise when taking turns. Renault offers several driving modes, each with its own default mood color: Eco – Comfort – Sport – Snow – All Terrain.

The latter is a reminder of one of the strengths of the 4L of yesteryear: its ability to venture onto the roads. Confirmation for the current 4 E-Tech. Its ground clearance of 18 cm allows it to leave the asphalt. But it is not a 4x4. It does not have the slightest off-road ability. Moreover, the All Terrain mode only plays on the torque of 245 Nm to better control the grip and traction of the front wheels on slippery or delicate ground.

The front-wheel drive also has a Sport mode that makes the accelerator more responsive and quicker to send the volley of ions to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds. The Eco mode curbs the whole thing a little without being castrating. Nevertheless, the Comfort mode provides enough acceleration power and efficiency in all circumstances on the road. To regulate regeneration during braking, there are paddles on the steering wheel. By playing intelligently with them, it is possible to take advantage of descents to increase the range and to preserve the brakes a little when approaching a tight bend.

Speaking of the steering wheel, there's too much clutter on the right. There's the transmission on high, the wiper stalk in the middle, and the radio module at the very bottom. To the point where you can't even get one for the other. And bam! Instead of putting it in reverse, you just turned off the automatic wipers in the middle of Storm Benjamin.

Range and Charging

Motorway trips confirmed one thing: battery size matters. 52 kWh is a bit low. At 120 km/h, you need more than 17.5 kWh/100 km with all-season tires. Therefore, the comfortable range is barely more than 220 km. During our trip to Charleville-Mézières and its surrounding area, with detours via departmental roads, the average consumption was 16.1 kWh/100 km over 250 km. However, on a trip with less motorway use, it was possible to limit consumption to 13.4 kWh/100 km. In the city, it is possible to further reduce energy requirements to less than 12 kWh/100 km in autumn.

The fuel-saving feature offers true versatility in moderate temperatures. The heat pump will reduce range anxiety in winter. But there won't be any miracles; kilometers will cost more in extreme cold. The time it takes to reach a vacation spot will also have to take into account charging time. The maximum power is 100 kW. In reality, we've never had a fast charge with a peak higher than 83 kW. Overall, it takes 30 minutes to reach or slightly exceed 80% range. An average within the norm for 400 V cars. To reach 100%, you need to add between 20 and 30 additional minutes. For "slow" AC charging, the maximum power is set at 11 kW.

At the checkout

This 100% French product, including the battery manufacturing, isn't exactly a bargain. The vintage model didn't hold its own against the electric price, although it's not excessive. In Belgium and France (as of October 2025), you'll need to pay at least €29,900 for the 120 hp (90 kW) and 40 kWh variant. To rediscover the pleasure of driving it for longer periods between charging stations, you'll have to pay at least €32,900 (€33,490 in France) for a 4 E-Tech Comfort Range with 150 hp (110 kW), with a standard heat pump.

Our test model had the Techno trim level (€34,900). However, you still need to add the black hood (€100), the blue paint with a black roof (€1,050), the 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system (€600), the Winter Comfort package with heated front seats and steering wheel (€500), the power tailgate (€450), the Extended Grip package with all-season tires (€300), tinted rear windows (€200), the ADA Advanced Drive package including parking assistance (€850), and the V2L adapter for plugging in an electrical device via the charging port (€200). This brings the total to €39,150 on the Belgian market.

In the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the R4 with this equipment costs €37,662 (without tinted windows). In France, Renault offers this model for €39,890. In Switzerland, the base Renault 4 E-Tech starts at CHF 29,500. Equipped like our test model, without Extended Grip, the bill rises to CHF 38,600.

The Bottom Line

Nostalgia is evident on the outside, with its design inseparably reminiscent of the 4L. Behind the wheel, it's a different story. The Renault 4 E-Tech is firmly rooted in its technological era. Despite this, it emphasizes user-friendliness and modularity. Indeed, this comfortable SUV can fulfill many missions. Nothing to report? One complaint: its charging speed will require regular breaks on excursions and vacations. To better enjoy the native landscape or the local café? And for the more adventurous, Renault will soon offer a version with a "Plein Sud" canvas sunroof. Feeling like a true getaway?

(Olivier Duquesne – Source : Renault – Photos : © Olivier Duquesne)