A Nostalgic Electric Compact That’s Redefining Urban Mobility
For years, the automotive landscape has been dominated by a relentless pursuit of power, speed, and increasingly complex technology. Yet, amidst this drive for innovation, a palpable yearning for simplicity, charm, and a connection to automotive heritage has emerged. Renault, a brand with a storied past, has masterfully tapped into this sentiment with its revived electric vehicle lineup, and at the forefront of this nostalgic yet forward-thinking movement stands the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric. This isn’t just another electric car; it’s a modern interpretation of a beloved icon, designed to inject joy and practicality into the daily urban commute. Having spent a decade immersed in the automotive industry, observing trends, and driving countless vehicles, I can confidently say that the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is the retro-charmer city car you didn’t know you wanted, but absolutely should.
Renault’s recent strategic pivot towards retro-inspired electric vehicles has been nothing short of a masterstroke. Following the enthusiastic reception of the vibrant Renault 5 E-Tech, and the sportier Alpine A290 variant, the introduction of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric solidifies this successful approach. These vehicles artfully blend unmistakable retro aesthetics with cutting-edge electric powertrain technology, creating a compelling proposition for a new generation of drivers and a welcome homecoming for those who remember the originals. It’s a bold strategy that demonstrates a keen understanding of consumer desires in the current market, particularly for those seeking electric cars that offer more than just efficient transportation – they offer personality.
A Legacy Reimagined: The Evolution of the Renault 4
The original Renault 4, produced from the early 1960s to the mid-1990s, was a triumph of pragmatic design. It was a small, unpretentious, and remarkably practical automobile that became a ubiquitous sight on the roads of France and beyond. Its affordability, spaciousness relative to its compact footprint, and reliable engineering made it a true people’s car, enabling everyday citizens to navigate life with confidence and ease. This enduring legacy is precisely what Renault has sought to capture with the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, but with a distinctly 21st-century electrified powertrain.
While the original was an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, the new 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is a fully electric compact car. It’s built upon the same versatile electric platform that underpins the highly acclaimed Renault 5 E-Tech, a testament to modern modular EV architecture. This shared foundation allows for efficient production and a consistent, high-quality driving experience. The resurrected 4 retains its charming, boxy silhouette but has been subtly scaled up to accommodate the demands of modern safety standards, passenger comfort, and, crucially, the sizable battery pack that powers its electric heart. The design team has done an exceptional job of modernizing the iconic shape without sacrificing its inherent appeal. It’s not as overtly flamboyant as some of its contemporaries, but it possesses a sophisticated cuteness that is both endearing and remarkably distinctive in today’s often homogenous automotive landscape. For anyone desiring an electric family car that elicits a genuine smile every time they approach it, Renault’s execution of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is spot on. The thoughtful design touches, graphical elements, and that undeniable “Frenchness” combine to create a vehicle that feels genuinely desirable. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, a touch of this retro-infused optimism is precisely the antidote many are seeking.
Powertrain and Performance: Pragmatic Electrification for Urban Life
Renault has adopted a refreshingly straightforward approach to the powertrain for the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, particularly in key markets like the UK. It features a single, well-balanced configuration: a 52-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack that feeds a front-mounted electric motor producing 150 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This setup is squarely aimed at providing efficient and enjoyable urban and suburban driving, rather than outright performance. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph is achieved in a respectable 8.2 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited to a practical 93 mph. While these figures won’t set any speed records, they are more than adequate for the intended purpose of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric.
Where it truly shines is in its range. Under the WLTP testing cycle, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric boasts a maximum range of up to 247 miles on a single charge. However, recognizing that real-world range can vary significantly based on driving style, temperature, and terrain, Renault has implemented a clever “range calculator” tool on its website. This feature allows potential buyers to input their typical driving conditions, allowing for a more realistic estimation of achievable mileage. This level of transparency is commendable and sets a new standard for consumer confidence in electric vehicle range. More manufacturers should adopt such proactive measures to manage customer expectations.
Charging is also designed with convenience in mind. The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric supports DC fast charging up to 100 kW. This is ample for a compact EV intended for shorter journeys. Renault claims a 15% to 80% charge can be completed in approximately 30 minutes, a timeframe that perfectly aligns with a quick stop at a supermarket or a coffee break. This allows owners to easily top up their battery during routine errands, minimizing downtime and maximizing convenience. This focus on practical charging solutions is crucial for widespread EV adoption, especially for those living in apartments or without dedicated home charging.
Interior Space and Practicality: Designed for Daily Life
Beyond its charming exterior and efficient powertrain, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric excels in its practicality, a hallmark of its original namesake. The boot offers a generous 14.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats in place, expanding to an impressive 49.6 cubic feet when they are folded down. This ample cargo capacity makes it perfectly suited for weekly grocery runs, weekend excursions, or even hauling moderately sized items. Complementing the storage is an abundance of clever cubby holes and storage compartments throughout the cabin, ensuring that daily essentials can be neatly stowed away without clutter. The inclusion of a pair of cup holders in the center console, a seemingly minor detail, speaks volumes about the car’s user-centric design philosophy.
The Driving Experience: Effortless Urban Navigation
Stepping into the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is an invitation to a relaxed and enjoyable driving experience. The overall demeanor of the car is one of cheerful simplicity; there are no sporting pretensions here, though a “Sport” mode is available for those moments when a bit more responsiveness is desired. The controls are exceptionally light and intuitive, making the vehicle feel effortless to operate from the moment you engage the drive.
Selecting “D” from the steering-column-mounted selector, a gentle application of the accelerator pedal results in a smooth, almost gliding departure. In the default “Comfort” mode, the car accelerates with a pleasing perkiness, ideal for navigating city traffic. For those prioritizing maximum range, the “Eco” mode is available, which gently numbs the throttle response and other systems to conserve energy. While this mode might feel slightly less immediate, it’s perfectly functional for longer journeys or when range anxiety is a concern. For personalized settings, a “Perso” mode allows drivers to tailor the car’s response to their preferences.
The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric easily achieves and maintains local speed limits, and its cheerful audible alerts gently remind you if you exceed them, a characteristic of modern mandated safety features. Thankfully, these audible warnings, along with other active safety systems, can be deactivated if they prove too intrusive, a welcome feature for those who prefer a less-regulated driving environment.
Despite its relatively tall and somewhat slab-sided profile, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is remarkably easy to maneuver through tight urban spaces. The visibility is generally good, although the rear window offers a somewhat limited view. However, this is mitigated by a standard reversing camera. While the camera’s resolution isn’t the sharpest (far from an Insta360 experience, as some might joke), it’s functional enough to provide a clear enough picture for safe parking maneuvers. This slight niggle in camera quality is a minor drawback in an otherwise user-friendly package.
On the highway, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric performs admirably. It cruises comfortably at 70 mph, and its modest power output is sufficient for safe overtaking of slower vehicles. Wind noise is noticeable but not excessive, allowing for enjoyable conversations or listening to podcasts without significant disruption. Essentially, this is a vehicle engineered to smooth out the daily grind, transforming commutes into pleasant journeys.
Even on more engaging, twisty roads, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric offers a surprising amount of fun. The instant torque of the electric motor allows for easy speed maintenance and a fluid driving experience through corners. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, leading to a slight, predictable lean in turns, which contributes to the car’s relaxed feel. The steering is light and responsive, complementing the overall easy-going nature of the car. While the Sport mode adds a touch more verve, the car’s true strength lies in its enjoyable, unhurried agility – a rare trait in today’s performance-obsessed automotive world.
The regenerative braking system is adjustable via steering wheel-mounted paddles, offering a spectrum from minimal regeneration to full one-pedal driving. For most users, the one-pedal mode will likely become the default, simplifying driving and maximizing energy recovery.
Inside, the information display is clear and legible, with large text providing essential data such as speed, selected drive mode, and remaining range. The 10.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen is equally intuitive and responsive, even to a light touch. Renault’s proprietary software is user-friendly, and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay is also supported. While some climate control functions are managed via physical buttons, the highly effective heated seats are accessed through the touchscreen.
What Shines Brightest: The Joyful Experience
The most compelling aspect of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is its sheer joyfulness. Renault has successfully infused its latest EVs with a sense of playful optimism, and this truly resonates in the driving experience. While other manufacturers may talk about creating “joy machines,” the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric delivers it organically. Its refusal to take itself too seriously, and its encouragement of a calm, unhurried driving style, is a significant advantage. This “non-sporty” character translates directly into exceptional comfort. The pliant suspension effortlessly absorbs road imperfections, the seats are supportive without being constricting, and the overall sensation is one of gliding through your journey. For those who spend significant time in stop-and-go city traffic, the comfort offered by the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is a major selling point.
Furthermore, the battery performance in colder weather has proven to be a pleasant surprise. Unlike some other EVs that experience significant range degradation in low temperatures, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric demonstrated impressive resilience. In mixed driving conditions, it achieved a commendable 3.6 miles per kWh, translating to an estimated real-world range of around 187 miles – a far smaller drop than one might typically expect. This consistent performance in varying climates adds another layer of practicality.
Areas for Refinement: Minor Hiccups in a Charming Package
While the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is a delightful proposition, there are a few areas that could benefit from refinement. The steering-column-mounted gear selector, while visually appealing, can occasionally be finicky. It operates like a traditional automatic lever: foot on the brake, move the stalk to select forward or reverse, and then proceed. However, it requires a specific amount of brake pressure to engage, and if this isn’t maintained, it can refuse to change direction. This, combined with the need to glance at the display to confirm the selected gear, could potentially lead to accidental acceleration in the wrong direction, especially for less attentive drivers. While unlikely to cause major issues for most, it’s a point of awareness.
As with virtually all modern vehicles, the mandated active safety features, while designed to enhance safety, can be overly intrusive with their frequent audible alerts. While the ability to assign a programmable hotkey on the steering wheel to disable these functions is a welcome concession, one can only hope that owners will utilize this feature for their own sanity and a more serene driving experience.
The reversing camera, while functional, falls short in terms of image quality. While it adequately serves its purpose of detecting obstacles, the low resolution is a noticeable drawback. For a car that otherwise excels in user experience, this is a minor, yet discernible, area for improvement.
Price and Conclusion: The Smart Choice for the Conscious Urban Driver
The pricing of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric positions it as an accessible yet premium option in the electric city car segment. While the Renault 5 E-Tech with a smaller battery starts at a more budget-friendly price point, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric begins at approximately $35,668 for the base model, rising to around $40,914 for higher trim levels equipped with additional features. While not inexpensive at the higher end, the configurator experience is enjoyable, and the overall value proposition remains strong.
The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric is not intended to be a one-size-fits-all solution. Its compact size, modest range, and 100 kW fast-charging capability are ideal for the vast majority of urban and suburban driving needs, but may not satisfy those requiring extensive long-distance travel. However, for its intended purpose as a charming, practical, and enjoyable city car for frequent local trips, it is an outstanding choice. It injects a much-needed dose of personality and character into a market often dominated by bland, utilitarian vehicles.
For the drivers who connect with its unique blend of retro charm, modern electric technology, and effortless practicality, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric will be more than just a car; it will be a daily source of delight. It’s a vehicle that promises to brighten your day, every single time you get behind the wheel.
Ready to experience the revival of a legend? Discover the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric for yourself and redefine your urban driving experience. Explore local dealerships or visit Renault’s official website to configure your own and schedule a test drive today.
