The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech: A Modern Reimagining of an Iconic City Car
For years, the automotive landscape has been dominated by a relentless pursuit of speed, performance, and cutting-edge technology. Yet, amidst this evolution, a compelling counter-narrative has emerged: the resurgence of retro-inspired designs infused with contemporary electric vehicle (EV) innovation. Renault, a brand with a rich heritage, has masterfully tapped into this trend, first with the spirited Renault 5 E-Tech and now with a captivating revival of another beloved icon: the Renault 4 E-Tech. Having spent over a decade immersed in the automotive industry, from detailing the intricacies of EV powertrains to evaluating the nuanced driving dynamics of urban commuters, I can attest that this reborn 4 is more than just a nostalgic nod; it’s a thoughtfully engineered city car that addresses modern needs with a unique, joyful spirit.
Renault’s recent EV offensive has been nothing short of remarkable. The launch of the vibrantly colored, retro-styled Renault 5 E-Tech generated significant buzz, quickly followed by the sportier Alpine A290, a performance-oriented sibling. Now, the introduction of the Renault 4 E-Tech electric completes this exciting trio, showcasing a strategic approach that leverages beloved nameplates while integrating the most advanced EV technology available in the European market. While Renault’s prior offerings, though competent, may not have set the automotive world ablaze, this retro-futuristic strategy appears to be a game-changer. The Renault 5 has proven to be a smile-inducer, both in its appearance and its driving experience. The question naturally arises: can the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech electric achieve the same emotional connection and practical appeal?
A Legacy Reimagined: The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric’s DNA
The original Renault 4, produced from the early 1960s to the mid-1990s, was a revolutionary vehicle for its era. It was a masterclass in pragmatic design: a simple, affordable, and exceptionally practical small car that empowered ordinary French citizens. Its utilitarian charm and go-anywhere versatility made it a staple, a true people’s car. Fast forward to 2025, and the Renault 4 E-Tech electric inherits this legacy of practicality, but it’s been thoroughly modernized for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Built on the same versatile platform as the highly acclaimed Renault 5 E-Tech, this new 4 sheds its internal combustion engine roots for a purely electric powertrain. This shift not only aligns with current environmental mandates but also delivers a significantly refined driving experience. The promise of up to an estimated 247 miles of range on a single charge (under WLTP testing) positions it as a viable option for daily commuting and even occasional longer journeys, a stark contrast to the often-rattly character of its predecessors.
The design language of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech electric is a testament to sensitive modernization. While it clearly evokes the spirit of the original, with its boxy yet charming silhouette, it has been subtly scaled and refined to accommodate modern safety standards, battery technology, and passenger comfort. It might not possess the overtly flamboyant flair of the Renault 5, but it possesses a distinctively endearing quality that sets it apart. For those seeking an electric city car that elicits genuine pleasure upon approach, the Renault 4 E-Tech delivers. Its clever design flourishes, charming aesthetic, and undeniable “Frenchness” create a compelling proposition. In a world often characterized by anonymous vehicular sameness, the appeal of a vehicle that channels a sense of heritage and warmth is potent. It’s a smart play on nostalgia, offering a rose-tinted perspective on the future of personal mobility.
Powertrain and Performance: Effortless Urban Mobility
Renault has opted for a refreshingly straightforward approach to the 4 E-Tech’s powertrain, at least for the UK market. A single configuration features a 52-kilowatt-hour battery feeding a front-mounted electric motor that produces 150 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This setup enables a 0-62 mph sprint in a respectable 8.2 seconds, with a top speed capped at a competent 93 mph. While these figures may not set the world alight in the realm of high-performance EVs, they are more than adequate for its intended purpose: effortless urban and suburban navigation.
What truly sets the Renault 4 E-Tech apart in its segment is its focus on realistic range and driver transparency. Renault’s innovative “how far will I really go” online tool is a standout feature. By inputting driving habits, ambient temperature, and mode selection (like Eco), prospective buyers receive a more accurate projection of their real-world range. This proactive approach to managing driver expectations is commendable and a welcome departure from the sometimes-optimistic figures often quoted. It fosters trust and ensures drivers are well-informed, preventing the common disappointment of range anxiety in variable conditions. The industry as a whole would benefit from adopting such transparent tools.
Fast charging capability is capped at 100 kW, which is perfectly suitable for a compact EV designed for shorter commutes and city driving. Renault claims a 15% to 80% charge can be completed in approximately 30 minutes. This is convenient for quick top-ups during a grocery run or while attending to other errands, ensuring the car is ready for its next outing without significant downtime.
Practicality Meets Personality: Interior and Cargo Space
Beyond its charming exterior and efficient powertrain, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech electric excels in practicality. The cabin is designed with daily life in mind. With the rear seats in place, the trunk offers a respectable 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to a generous 49.6 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. This flexibility makes it well-suited for everything from weekly grocery hauls to transporting larger items. Thoughtful storage solutions are abundant, with numerous cubby holes and even a pair of cupholders integrated into the center console, ensuring that everyday essentials have a designated place.
Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Simplicity and Joy
Stepping into the Renault 4 E-Tech electric is an immediate invitation to a more relaxed driving experience. The overall sensation is one of lightness and ease. There are no pretensions of sporty handling here; instead, the focus is squarely on delivering a comfortable and enjoyable urban commute. The steering is feather-light, making maneuverability in tight city streets a breeze.
Engaging the “D” gear via the intuitive steering-wheel-mounted stalk and a gentle press of the accelerator pedal results in a smooth, almost gliding departure. In Comfort mode, the car responds readily to even the slightest throttle input, providing a zesty acceleration suitable for navigating city traffic. For those prioritizing maximum range, Eco mode is available, though it does introduce a slight dulling of the throttle response. For most urban journeys, however, Comfort mode strikes an excellent balance between responsiveness and efficiency. A “Perso” mode allows drivers to fine-tune various settings to their personal preferences, further enhancing the bespoke feel of the driving experience.
The car effortlessly reaches and maintains local speed limits, and its audible alerts gently remind drivers to slow down if they exceed them. As with all modern mainstream vehicles, the 4 E-Tech is equipped with a comprehensive suite of mandated active safety features. While their presence is a legal requirement and a benefit for overall road safety, the constant auditory cues can sometimes be intrusive. Fortunately, Renault has made these systems relatively easy to disable, a feature I wholeheartedly endorse for driver sanity.
The tall, relatively slab-sided profile of the Renault 4 E-Tech electric aids in its ability to navigate narrow gaps and congested areas with confidence. However, the glasshouse, while contributing to the car’s distinctive look, is somewhat compact, and the rear window offers limited visibility. Thankfully, the inclusion of a reversing camera mitigates this, although its rather low resolution can be a minor annoyance. It performs its function adequately, but it’s not the crystal-clear view one might hope for.
On the open road, the Renault 4 E-Tech proves its mettle. It cruises comfortably at highway speeds, and its modest power output is more than sufficient for confident overtaking maneuvers. While there is some discernible wind noise at higher speeds, the cabin remains quiet enough for enjoyable conversations or listening to podcasts. In essence, this is a car designed to smooth out the rough edges of daily travel.
Even on winding country roads, the Renault 4 E-Tech manages to inject a sense of fun. Its immediate electric torque, coupled with modest power, allows for maintaining momentum and enjoying a fluid driving experience through corners. The suspension, tuned for comfort, exhibits a degree of body lean, but this doesn’t detract from the enjoyable, relaxed cornering. The steering remains light and predictable, contributing to the overall effortless feel. While the Sport mode does add a touch more responsiveness, it’s not transformative. For the majority of driving scenarios, remaining in Comfort mode is more than sufficient. The Renault 4 E-Tech masterfully balances fun with a sensible approach to speed, a rare and appreciated characteristic in today’s performance-obsessed market.
The versatility of the drivetrain extends to its regenerative braking system, controllable via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. Drivers can adjust the level of regeneration from minimal to full one-pedal driving. While the one-pedal mode is highly effective and convenient for city driving, the ability to fine-tune this setting offers further customization for the driver.
Inside the cabin, the digital instrument cluster is clear and concise, displaying essential information such as speed, drive mode, and remaining range with large, easily readable text. The 10.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen is equally user-friendly, responding swiftly to even the lightest touch. Renault’s proprietary software is intuitive, and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay further enhances the connectivity options. While some climate control functions are accessed via physical buttons, the highly sought-after heated seats are managed through the touchscreen.
What Excels: The Embodiment of Joyful Mobility
The overarching sentiment driving the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech electric is one of pure, unadulterated joy. Renault’s recent electric vehicle offerings consistently exude a lighthearted approach, and this is particularly evident in the 4. In a market often saturated with hyperbolic claims of “driving pleasure,” the Renault 4 E-Tech delivers genuine happiness on the road. Its refusal to take itself too seriously, and its encouragement of a relaxed driving style, are significant positives.
The advantage of being a “not sporty” car translates directly into exceptional comfort. The suspension is remarkably compliant, the seats provide ample support without undue pressure, and the overall sensation is one of effortless gliding. Long stints in city traffic, which can be a chore in many vehicles, are remarkably palatable in the 4 E-Tech, a crucial benefit given its intended use case.
In colder conditions, where some EVs experience a noticeable reduction in range, the Renault 4 E-Tech demonstrated impressive resilience. During mixed driving, it achieved an efficient 3.6 miles per kWh, translating to an estimated real-world range of approximately 187 miles. This is a considerably smaller range degradation than anticipated, a testament to its well-managed battery and thermal systems.
Areas for Refinement: Minor Annoyances in an Otherwise Stellar Package
While the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech electric is largely a triumph, there are a few areas that could benefit from further refinement. The steering-wheel-mounted gear selector, though aesthetically pleasing, can occasionally be a source of frustration. Its operation mirrors traditional automatic shifters: foot on the brake, toggle the selector to engage forward or reverse, and release the brake to proceed. However, if insufficient pressure is applied to the brake pedal, even when stationary, the selector may refuse to change gears. This, coupled with a momentary lapse in concentration regarding the selected drive direction, could lead to an unintended acceleration in the wrong direction. While alarming, particularly for less attentive drivers, this design quirk is a point to be aware of.
The mandated active safety features, while legally required and beneficial for overall road safety, can be overly intrusive with their constant audible alerts. Although the ability to assign these functions to a programmable steering wheel button is a welcome concession, one questions how many owners will actively configure this to reduce auditory distractions. For the sake of their own sanity, one hopes they do.
The reversing camera, while fulfilling its fundamental purpose of detecting obstacles, suffers from a notably poor image quality. While it allows for sufficient situational awareness, the low resolution detracts from an otherwise refined user experience.
Pricing and Final Verdict: A Compelling Proposition for the Discerning Urban Driver
In the UK market, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric with its smaller battery option starts at a competitive £22,995. The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech electric, however, begins at a slightly higher $35,668 (£27,195), with higher trim levels reaching $40,914 (£31,195). While the upper end of the pricing spectrum may not be considered “cheap,” the value proposition becomes clear when configuring the vehicle and considering its unique blend of retro charm, modern EV technology, and practical urban capability.
It’s important to acknowledge that the Renault 4 E-Tech electric is not intended for every driver. Its compact size, moderate range, and 100 kW charging capability, while adequate for most, might not suit everyone’s needs. However, for those primarily navigating urban environments, with occasional excursions, it presents a truly outstanding choice. It’s fun to drive, remarkably easy to live with, and possesses a visual appeal that vastly outshines the often bland and uninspired offerings from many other manufacturers.
For the demographic it’s designed for, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech electric will be nothing short of perfect. It promises to inject a daily dose of joy and character into the driving experience, making every journey a welcome occasion.
If you’re seeking a city car that blends nostalgic charm with cutting-edge electric technology and a healthy dose of personality, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech electric deserves your serious consideration. We invite you to explore its features further, perhaps by scheduling a test drive at your local Renault dealership to experience its unique appeal firsthand.
