- Renault’s electrification strategy takes a nostalgic turn with the revival of the iconic Renault 4, following the launch of the new 5 E-Tech.
- Previewed by the 4EVER Trophy concept, the subcompact crossover promises a blend of retro styling and modern technology.
- The all-electric Renault 4 is set for a 2025 launch, targeting European and select global markets.
The debut of the new 5 E-Tech was only the beginning of Renault’s efforts to add emotion to its expanding lineup of electric models by reinventing some of its most successful and iconic models from the past.
Next in line is the rebirth of one of the French brand’s most important nameplates, the Renault 4, with a career that spanned four decades, from 1961 to 1994, with over 8 million units sold worldwide.
More: New Renault 5 E-Tech Is A Retro Mini Cooper EV Rival For $27,000
Already previewed by the 4EVER Trophy concept, the high-riding Renault 4 is scheduled to hit showrooms across Europe and select global markets in 2025. In this article, we’ve gathered all the information we have on its design and technical specifications, accompanied by a new set of renderings we created based on the most recent spy shots, as well as the patent images.
The French carmaker originally confirmed the Renault 4 as part of its electrification strategy in June 2021. This reveal included teasers showing the grille, lighting signature, and silhouettes of both the passenger and LCV (light commercial vehicle) variants of the modern interpretations of the iconic 4L hatchback (1961-1994) and the equivalent 4 Fourgonette (1965-1992) van.
Retrofuturistic Design
Illustrations Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops)
However, the most revealing preview of the upcoming production model was the Renault 4Ever Trophy Concept which debuted in Paris in October 2022. This study gave us a better idea of the production model’s rugged styling and budget-oriented character.
Our artist has crafted a highly accurate depiction of the 2025 Renault 4 crossover, drawing from official teasers, prototypes spotted over the past month, and last year’s concept. The front and rear three-quarter renderings mirror the concept’s body and styling cues, albeit with some adjustments for production.
These are likely to include smaller diameter wheels, conventional mirrors and door handles, a more discreet body kit, and the omission of the extreme off-road equipment of the concept, as well as the futuristic hollow bonnet which sacrifices practicality.
The simple black grille that encloses the LED headlights, the greenhouse, the vertically-mounted taillights, the shape of the pronounced fenders, the trapezoidal, vented rear side windows, and the tapered tail with the pill-shaped taillights are clear references to the original 4L and will most likely make it to production.
Illustrations Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops
At the same time, the generous ground clearance, the heavy dose of plastic cladding on the boxy wheel arches, and the large unpainted sections on the bumpers give it a more adventurous stance in line with rugged SUVs like its Dacia Duster stablemate.
Dimensions, Interior And Tech
The 4 is expected to closely mirror the concept’s footprint, with a length of 4,160 mm (163.8 inches) and a 2,570 mm (101.2 inches) wheelbase, placing it firmly in the B-SUV segment. This would make it almost half a meter (19.6 inches) longer than the original 4L from the ’60s, but 68 mm (2.7 inches) shorter than the ICE-powered Captur, which is currently the smallest SUV in Renault’s European range.
The interior of the Renault 4 is anticipated to be based around the new 5 E-Tech electric hatch. While the extent of this influence remains uncertain, our spies caught a glimpse of the dashboard revealing a screen layout reminiscent of the hatch. Despite its compact size, the electric platform is expected to accommodate a five-seater cabin and a fairly spacious boot for the segment.
Renault’s approach of blending retro and modern design elements will be limited to the R5 and 4 models, differentiating them from the rest of the lineup. As described by Renault Group Chief Design Officer Laurens van den Acker, this decision is similar to the strategy used by Ford for the Mustang and Bronco nameplates, allowing designers to “tell stories from the past”. Other EVs that draw on their automaker’s legacy in terms of styling include the Fiat 500e, Honda e, and MINI Cooper SE.
The Renault 4 will be built on a stretched version of the CMF-BEV architecture that also underpins the R5, the upcoming Alpine A5 hot hatch, and the electric successors of the Nissan Micra and Juke. Similar to the 5, it is expected to offer three single-motor, front-driven powertrain options, delivering 94 hp, 121 hp, and 148 hp respectively. However, Renault may also offer the option of a rear-mounted second motor, giving the 4 all-wheel drive.
Customers will have the option of selecting either a 40 kWh battery or a larger 52 kWh pack, mirroring the choices available for the 5, granting the EV a potential range of up to 249 miles (400 km). These packs are compatible with DC fast charging capabilities of up to 80 kW and 100 kW, respectively. Furthermore, similar to the 5, the Renault 4 is expected to incorporate vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.
More: Everything We Know About Ford’s New Small SUV
Official teasers of the new Renault 4
We also know that the new low-cost batteries will feature nickel, manganese, and cobalt technology (NMW) and will be produced in France, just like the Renault 4, which will be manufactured at Renault Group’s ElectriCity hub.
The R5 supermini and 4 crossover will serve as the zero-emission counterparts to the ICE-powered Clio and Captur, filling Europe’s popular B-Segment. These EVs, with their retro-inspired designs, will complement Renault’s future passenger EV range, alongside models like the Megane E-Tech and the Scenic E-Tech. Additionally, the 4 Furgonette van will be positioned alongside Renault’s light commercial vehicles such as the Kangoo E-Tech and Master E-Tech.
- Note: The illustrations in this story are not affiliated with or endorsed by Renault. Furthermore, we have updated the article with new renderings and the most recent information available on the EV as of April 20. Additional reporting by John Halas.
Renault 4ever Trophy Concept
Stefan Baldauf / Guido ten Brink for CarScoops