A Nostalgic Reimagining for the Modern Urban Driver
For a decade, I’ve navigated the ever-shifting currents of the automotive industry, witnessing firsthand the relentless march of innovation. Yet, few developments have been as captivating as the resurgence of beloved nameplates infused with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology. Renault’s latest offering, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech, stands as a testament to this trend, artfully blending iconic retro charm with the pragmatic demands of contemporary urban mobility. This isn’t merely a car; it’s a thoughtfully curated experience designed to inject joy and practicality into the daily commute.
Renault has, in recent years, demonstrated a remarkable talent for looking backward to forge a compelling future. Following the wildly successful debut of the retro-futuristic Renault 5 E-Tech and the sportier Alpine A290 variant, the brand has now resurrected another legend: the Renault 4. This revival isn’t a superficial cosmetic exercise; it’s a comprehensive reimagining that captures the essence of the original while embracing the transformative potential of electric propulsion. My extensive experience suggests that few brands possess the heritage and understanding to pull off such a delicate balancing act, but Renault seems to have mastered it. The market for retro electric cars is rapidly expanding, and the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech is poised to become a significant player in this burgeoning segment.
Revisiting an Icon: Design Philosophy and EV Integration
The original Renault 4, a staple of French roads from the early 1960s through the mid-1990s, was celebrated for its unpretentious practicality, affordability, and sheer Gallic charm. It was a car that facilitated everyday life for millions, a dependable companion for work and leisure. The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech inherits this spirit, albeit through a distinctly modern lens
Built upon the same advanced platform that underpins the lauded Renault 5 E-Tech, this new iteration ditches the internal combustion engine for a sophisticated all-electric powertrain. This strategic choice not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also unlocks new levels of refinement and performance. The design team has masterfully paid homage to the original, retaining its distinctive silhouette while subtly enhancing its proportions to accommodate modern safety features, battery technology, and passenger comfort. While perhaps not as overtly flamboyant as its hatchback sibling, the 4 E-Tech possesses an understated elegance and an undeniable cuteness that sets it apart. For those seeking an electric city car that offers a distinct personality, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech presents a compelling proposition. The visual cues, the thoughtful design flourishes, and that quintessential “Frenchness” combine to create a vehicle that is genuinely desirable. In an era often dominated by homogeneous designs, the appeal of a vehicle that evokes a sense of familiarity and warmth is powerful, tapping into a potent vein of automotive nostalgia.
Powertrain and Performance: Practicality Meets Efficiency
Renault’s commitment to a focused and accessible EV lineup is evident in the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech’s powertrain. For the UK market, a single, well-balanced configuration is offered: a 52-kilowatt-hour battery pack feeding a 150-horsepower electric motor driving the front wheels. This setup delivers a respectable 181 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-62 mph sprint in a leisurely yet perfectly adequate 8.2 seconds. With a top speed of 93 mph, the 4 E-Tech is not engineered for outright speed but rather for effortless urban and suburban cruising.
What truly matters for the modern commuter is range, and the Renault 4 E-Tech promises up to 247 miles on a single charge, based on WLTP testing. This figure, while competitive, is subject to real-world variables. In a move I applaud and wish to see more broadly adopted across the industry, Renault has introduced an innovative online tool. This “how far will I really go” calculator allows prospective buyers to input their typical driving routes, anticipated weather conditions, and even their preferred drive mode (Eco, Comfort, etc.). The result is a more personalized and realistic range estimate, fostering transparency and managing expectations—a crucial element in building trust for new electric car models.
Fast charging capabilities are also a vital consideration for any EV owner. The 4 E-Tech supports DC fast charging at up to 100 kW. This is more than sufficient for a vehicle primarily intended for city driving and shorter excursions. Renault estimates a 15% to 80% charge can be completed in approximately 30 minutes, a timeframe that conveniently aligns with a typical supermarket shopping trip, allowing owners to recharge efficiently while attending to daily errands. This focus on practical EV charging solutions is a hallmark of sensible electric vehicle design.
Interior and Practicality: Designed for Daily Life
Beyond its charming exterior and efficient powertrain, the Renault 4 E-Tech excels in its interior functionality and thoughtful design. The trunk offers a respectable 14.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats in use, expanding to a generous 49.6 cubic feet when they are folded down. This versatility makes it a capable companion for grocery runs, weekend market visits, or even transporting modest purchases. Furthermore, the cabin is replete with cleverly integrated storage solutions, including ample cubby holes for stashing everyday essentials, and, crucially for many, a pair of welcome cup holders in the center console.
The Driving Experience: Joyful Simplicity and Urban Agility
My time behind the wheel of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech confirmed its core mission: to deliver a genuinely enjoyable and stress-free driving experience. From the moment you engage the “D” drive mode via the intuitive steering-wheel-mounted stalk, you’re met with a sense of immediate ease. In Comfort mode, the accelerator pedal is responsive without being overly sensitive, allowing for smooth, gliding acceleration that is perfectly suited to urban environments. The Eco mode, while slightly dulling throttle response, is an effective tool for maximizing range when needed. For those who appreciate personalization, a “Perso” mode allows drivers to fine-tune various settings to their individual preferences.
The vehicle’s tall, somewhat slab-sided profile, combined with its modest dimensions, makes threading it through congested city streets and tight parking spots remarkably simple. While the glasshouse is relatively compact, and the rear visibility through the window is somewhat compromised (a common trait in modern vehicle design, though the low-resolution reversing camera was a minor niggle), the overall maneuverability is exceptional.
On the open road, the Renault 4 E-Tech performs with competence. It comfortably cruises at highway speeds, and the available power is more than adequate for safe overtaking maneuvers. While there is a degree of wind noise at higher speeds, the cabin remains quiet enough for comfortable conversations or enjoying a podcast. The primary objective here is to smooth out the drudgery of daily travel, and in this, it absolutely succeeds.
Even on more engaging, winding roads, the 4 E-Tech reveals a playful character. Its modest power, coupled with instant electric torque, allows for spirited driving without demanding excessive concentration. The suspension is tuned for comfort, offering a compliant ride that absorbs road imperfections with aplomb, though it does exhibit a degree of body roll as you transition through corners. The steering is light and precise, contributing to the car’s overall easygoing nature. Engaging the Sport mode can add a touch of liveliness, but for the most part, the Comfort mode provides an ideal balance of engagement and relaxation. It’s a rare pleasure to drive a car that is genuinely fun without being overwhelmingly fast—a delightful paradox in today’s automotive landscape.
The regenerative braking system is another area where the 4 E-Tech offers welcome customization. Using the steering-wheel-mounted paddles, drivers can adjust the level of energy recuperation, from minimal effect to full one-pedal driving. Most drivers will likely settle into the convenience of one-pedal driving, further enhancing the seamless urban driving experience. This level of control over the driving feel is a significant aspect of advanced EV features.
Inside, the driver is presented with a clear and legible instrument binnacle, displaying essential information such as speed, drive mode, and remaining range with large, easy-to-read text. The 10.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen is equally intuitive and responsive, even to the lightest touch. Renault’s proprietary software is user-friendly, and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay provides an additional layer of connectivity. While most climate control functions are accessed via physical buttons—a welcome touch of tactile control—the highly effective heated seats are managed through the touchscreen.
What Excels:
Sheer Happiness Factor: Renault’s latest EVs possess a palpable sense of joy that permeates the driving experience. Unlike other manufacturers who may rely on marketing jargon to convey “driving pleasure,” the 4 E-Tech simply delivers it through its approachable nature and engaging dynamics. Its refusal to take itself too seriously, and its encouragement of a relaxed driving style, are significant virtues.
Comfort-Oriented Ride: The “not sporty” designation translates into a supremely comfortable ride. The pliant suspension smooths out urban imperfections, the seats provide excellent support without feeling constrictive, and the overall sensation is one of effortless gliding. Long stints in city traffic, often a source of fatigue in other vehicles, are remarkably pleasant in the 4 E-Tech.
Impressive Cold-Weather Range Efficiency: My testing revealed that the Renault 4 E-Tech exhibits commendable resilience in colder temperatures, a common Achilles’ heel for many EVs. Unlike the more significant range drops observed in some of its siblings during cold snaps, the 4 E-Tech managed an efficient 3.6 miles per kWh over mixed driving conditions, translating to an estimated real-world range of approximately 187 miles—a far more respectable figure than anticipated. This demonstrates strong EV battery management and thermal control.
Areas for Consideration:
Gear Selector Nuance: The steering-wheel-mounted gear selector, while functionally sound, requires a nuanced touch. It operates similarly to an automatic transmission lever, demanding sufficient brake pedal pressure to switch between drive and reverse. Inadvertently easing off the brake pedal with insufficient pressure can lead to an unintended engagement of the selected gear, potentially resulting in an alarming lurch forward or backward. Vigilance is key, especially for those accustomed to more conventional shifter designs.
Mandated Safety Systems: While undoubtedly contributing to safety, the constant audible alerts and visual warnings from the active safety systems can, at times, become intrusive. Thankfully, Renault offers the ability to disable many of these through a programmable shortcut button on the steering wheel. For the sanity of owners, it is hoped that this feature will be widely utilized.
Reversing Camera Quality: As mentioned previously, the reversing camera, while functional in its primary purpose of identifying obstacles, suffers from a disappointingly low resolution. While it fulfills its legal and safety obligations, the clarity leaves something to be desired.
Pricing and Verdict: A Smart Choice for the Savvy Urbanite
While the Renault 5 E-Tech offers a more accessible entry point with its smaller battery option, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech is positioned slightly higher, starting at approximately $35,668 for the base model and extending to around $40,914 for higher trim levels equipped with additional features. While the upper end of this pricing spectrum might prompt a moment of reflection, the overall value proposition remains strong, particularly when considering the unique blend of retro design, modern EV technology, and practical urban utility.
The Renault 4 E-Tech is not a vehicle for every driver. Its compact dimensions, modest range compared to larger EVs, and 100 kW charging capability might not suit everyone’s needs. However, for the discerning urban dweller seeking an exceptionally capable and utterly delightful city electric vehicle for daily commutes and occasional excursions, it represents a truly outstanding choice. It injects an element of fun and personality into a segment often dominated by utilitarian anonymity. For those who connect with its unique appeal, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech promises to be more than just a car; it will be a daily dose of happiness, brightening every journey.
In a world increasingly focused on efficiency and practicality, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech reminds us that vehicles can, and should, also evoke joy. If you’re ready to inject a dose of retro charm and modern electric innovation into your daily drive, we encourage you to explore the Renault 4 E-Tech and experience this delightful fusion for yourself. Discover the difference a car with personality can make.
