A Joyful Return to Form for the Iconic City Car
For a decade now, I’ve been navigating the ever-evolving landscape of automotive engineering, witnessing firsthand the seismic shifts from internal combustion to electrification. Through it all, one constant has been the enduring appeal of well-crafted vehicles that prioritize not just performance, but also personality. This is precisely where the resurrected 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech electric city car truly shines, offering a refreshing blend of retro charm and cutting-edge technology that genuinely surprised me.
Renault’s recent strategy of tapping into its rich heritage while embracing the future of electric mobility has proven remarkably effective. Following the successful launch of the spirited Renault 5 E-Tech, and the performance-oriented Alpine A290, the French automaker has now brought back another beloved icon: the Renault 4. This isn’t merely a nostalgic revival; it’s a thoughtful reimagining of a car that once defined practical, accessible urban transportation, now fully embracing the electric era. For those seeking a retro electric car that doesn’t compromise on modern functionality, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech is an automotive revelation.
A Nod to the Past, Built for the Present: Design and Heritage
The original Renault 4, produced from the early 1960s through the mid-1990s, was a masterclass in utilitarian design. It was a simple, robust, and incredibly practical vehicle that became a staple for millions, particularly in France. Its boxy silhouette, generous interior space for its size, and affordability made it the go-to choice for families and individuals needing dependable transport. The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech pays homage to this legacy with remarkable sensitivity.
While the new model has grown slightly to accommodate the demands of modern safety standards and electric vehicle architecture, its design language remains unmistakably R4. The upright stance, the characteristic window line, and the subtly rounded edges all evoke the spirit of its predecessor. However, Renault’s designers have infused it with contemporary flair. The front fascia features distinctive LED lighting, cleverly integrated into a design that echoes the original’s friendly face. The overall aesthetic is less overtly retro-futuristic than some rivals, opting instead for a more organic, approachable charm. It’s a car that elicits smiles, not just for its nostalgic references, but for its genuine visual appeal in a sea of increasingly homogeneous designs. This new electric city car stands out, not through aggressive styling, but through its understated elegance and a sense of playful character.
Under the Hood (or Rather, Under the Floor): Powertrain and Range
The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech shares its platform with the already impressive Renault 5 E-Tech, a testament to Renault’s commitment to scalable EV architecture. This shared foundation means the 4 E-Tech benefits from proven electric powertrain technology. In the UK market, the focus is on a single, well-balanced configuration: a 52-kilowatt-hour battery paired with a 150-horsepower (110 kW) electric motor driving the front wheels.
This setup delivers a respectable 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, enabling a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in a leisurely 8.2 seconds. While these figures aren’t going to set any speed records, they are more than adequate for the 4 E-Tech’s intended purpose: urban commuting and comfortable cruising. The top speed is capped at a sensible 93 mph (150 km/h). Crucially, Renault estimates a WLTP-certified range of up to 247 miles (397 km) on a full charge.
Recognizing that real-world range can vary significantly, Renault has taken an innovative step with its “how far will I really go” tool on its website. This interactive feature allows potential buyers to input their typical driving conditions, weather, and usage patterns to receive a more personalized and realistic range estimate. This transparency is a breath of fresh air in the industry, managing expectations and fostering trust. For those concerned about EV range anxiety, this proactive approach is a welcome development, making it easier for drivers to understand what to expect from their electric car battery life.
When it’s time to recharge, the 4 E-Tech supports DC fast charging up to 100 kW. Renault claims a 15% to 80% charge can be achieved in approximately 30 minutes. This charging speed is perfectly suited for its urban profile; imagine pulling into a supermarket, plugging in your car, doing your weekly shop, and returning to a battery with a substantial charge. This level of convenience is paramount for a practical EV for city driving.
Inside the Cabin: Functionality Meets French Chic
The interior of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech continues the theme of thoughtful design and practicality. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by a cabin that feels surprisingly spacious for a compact car. The materials are a blend of durable, hard-wearing surfaces and softer-touch elements, creating a pleasant environment without unnecessary extravagance.
Renault has cleverly integrated numerous storage solutions, from generous door bins to a well-designed center console, ensuring that everyday items can be stowed away with ease. The practicality extends to the cargo area: with the rear seats in place, there’s a respectable 14.8 cubic feet (420 liters) of space, expanding to a cavernous 49.6 cubic feet (1,405 liters) when the seats are folded down. This versatility makes the 4 E-Tech suitable for everything from grocery runs to weekend getaways.
The infotainment system is centered around a 10.3-inch touchscreen display that, in my experience, is responsive and intuitive. Renault’s proprietary software is easy to navigate, and the integration of Apple CarPlay ensures seamless connectivity for those who prefer their familiar smartphone interface. Physical controls for essential functions, like climate control, are retained, which is a welcome touch for many drivers. Heated seats, a feature often relegated to higher trims, are included and accessible through the touchscreen.
Visibility is generally good, though the somewhat slender glasshouse, a design choice perhaps to emphasize the retro aesthetic, can make judging distances in certain situations a little trickier. Thankfully, the standard-issue reversing camera, while not the highest resolution on the market, provides an adequate view for parking.
The Driving Experience: Effortless and Joyful
From the moment you engage drive, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech sets a relaxed and enjoyable tone. The steering is light and direct, making it incredibly easy to maneuver through tight city streets and busy parking lots. There are no sporting pretensions here, and that’s entirely by design. The focus is on effortless gliding, a sensation amplified by the smooth and responsive throttle.
In Comfort mode, the accelerator pedal is well-calibrated, offering gentle acceleration that feels perfectly adequate for urban traffic. For those aiming to maximize range, Eco mode is available, which slightly numbs the throttle response but delivers the most efficient performance. A “Perso” mode allows for further customization, letting drivers fine-tune the car’s responses to their personal preferences.
The ride quality is a particular highlight. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections with impressive composure. This makes it an ideal companion for longer commutes or navigating poorly maintained city roads. Even with its tall, somewhat slab-sided profile, the 4 E-Tech feels surprisingly stable and composed, leaning gently into corners without feeling unsettled. It’s a car that encourages a relaxed driving style, making even mundane journeys feel more pleasant.
While the power figures might seem modest on paper, the instant torque delivery characteristic of electric motors ensures that the 4 E-Tech feels zippy and responsive in city driving. Overtaking slower vehicles on open roads is also a straightforward affair. Wind and road noise are well-managed, allowing for comfortable conversations or the enjoyment of a podcast at highway speeds.
The regenerative braking system is adjustable via steering wheel-mounted paddles, offering a range from minimal energy recuperation to full one-pedal driving. For most urban driving scenarios, the one-pedal mode is highly effective and, once accustomed to, quite intuitive and enjoyable. This system not only aids efficiency but also contributes to the car’s smooth driving character.
What Works and What Could Be Better
What’s Good:
Sheer Happiness: The most striking aspect of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech is its infectious sense of joy. Renault has managed to imbue this car with a palpable sense of fun, a trait that is sadly lacking in many modern vehicles. It doesn’t encourage aggressive driving; instead, it fosters a relaxed and contented experience.
Uncompromised Comfort: The “not sporty” nature translates directly into exceptional ride comfort. The pliant suspension and supportive seats mean that even extended periods in city traffic are far from fatiguing. This is a critical advantage for any affordable electric car aimed at urban dwellers.
Efficient Performance: During my mixed-driving evaluation, the 4 E-Tech consistently delivered around 3.6 miles per kWh. This translates to a real-world range of approximately 187 miles, a respectable figure that demonstrates good thermal management and efficient energy usage, even in cooler conditions where some EVs struggle. This reinforces its capability as a long-range city electric car.
Charming Retro Design: The styling is a masterful blend of nostalgia and modern sensibility, making it a head-turner for all the right reasons. This iconic electric car revival is a welcome addition to the automotive landscape.
What Could Be Better:
Gear Selector Quirks: The steering column-mounted gear selector, while familiar to those who have driven older automatic transmissions, can be a source of minor frustration. It requires a deliberate application of brake pressure to switch between drive and reverse. If the brake isn’t fully applied, the selection might not register, potentially leading to an unintended lurch if the accelerator is touched too soon. A slight recalibration or clearer feedback would be beneficial.
Mandatory Safety Niggles: As with most modern vehicles, the 4 E-Tech is equipped with a suite of audible driver-assistance systems. While their intention is commendable – enhancing safety – their constant chiming and beeping can become irritating. Fortunately, a programmable hotkey on the steering wheel allows for quick deactivation of many of these alerts, but users will need to remember to set this up for their own sanity. For those looking for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), it’s worth noting that their implementation here can be a double-edged sword.
Reversing Camera Quality: While functional, the low resolution of the standard reversing camera is a noticeable drawback. It performs its duty of showing obstacles, but the image clarity leaves something to be desired. For a car that excels in so many other areas, this feels like a missed opportunity for a more premium visual experience.
Price and Verdict: A Compelling Choice for the Discerning Urban Driver
When considering pricing, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech starts at approximately $35,668 for the base model, rising to around $40,914 for higher trim levels equipped with more features. While not the absolute cheapest entry into the EV market, its pricing is competitive when you factor in its unique character, comfort, and the inherent value of an electric powertrain. For those who appreciate its specific blend of attributes, the investment is entirely justifiable, making it a strong contender in the new electric vehicle market.
The Renault 4 E-Tech is not designed to be a jack-of-all-trades. Its smaller battery and moderate charging speeds mean it might not be the ideal choice for those who regularly undertake long-distance journeys or require rapid recharging. However, for its intended audience – the urban dweller seeking a practical, stylish, and genuinely enjoyable electric city car – it is an outstanding option.
It’s a vehicle that stands apart from the often-bland conformity of many contemporary small cars. The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech offers a potent cocktail of nostalgia, modern practicality, and pure driving pleasure. It’s a car that makes you feel good, not just about the journey, but about the very act of driving. If you’re in the market for a European electric car that prioritizes personality and everyday usability, look no further. The Renault 4 E-Tech is a testament to the fact that looking back can indeed be the best way to move forward.
Ready to experience this delightful blend of the past and future firsthand? Explore the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech and discover if this charming retro-futuristic city car is the perfect fit for your daily drive.
