The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech: A Nostalgic Electrified Return for the Urban Explorer
For a decade, I’ve witnessed automotive trends ebb and flow, seen countless manufacturers chase the latest buzzwords, and observed the relentless march towards an electric future. Yet, amidst this constant evolution, there’s a profound satisfaction in seeing heritage brands thoughtfully revive iconic models, infusing them with cutting-edge electric powertrains. Renault’s recent resurgence, spearheaded by a wave of retro-inspired yet technologically advanced EVs, has been particularly captivating. Following the vibrant success of the Renault 5 E-Tech and the sporty Alpine A290, the arrival of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech marks another significant moment, offering a delightful blend of cherished nostalgia and modern electric mobility. This isn’t just a car; it’s a charming statement piece designed for the discerning urban driver seeking personality and practicality.
Rediscovering an Icon: From Gallic Simplicity to Electric Sophistication
The original Renault 4, a beloved fixture from the early 1960s to the mid-1990s, was the epitome of accessible Gallic ingenuity. It was a simple, affordable, and remarkably practical “car for the people,” empowering individuals across France to navigate their daily lives with ease. Its utilitarian charm and unassuming design made it a ubiquitous presence, a true workhorse that embodied a spirit of unfettered freedom. Today, the automotive landscape is drastically different, yet the spirit of the Renault 4 endures, reimagined for the 21st century.
The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, built upon the same versatile platform as its acclaimed sibling, the Renault 5, sheds its internal combustion engine for a sophisticated all-electric powertrain. This transformation brings with it a projected WLTP range of up to 247 miles on a single charge, a figure that positions it competently within the best electric city cars segment for 2025. The design team has masterfully paid homage to the original, carefully updating its dimensions and proportions to accommodate the necessities of modern electric vehicle engineering—batteries, safety systems, and comfortable passenger space. While it may not possess the same immediate visual punch as the sportier Renault 5, the 4 E-Tech radiates an undeniable charm. Its silhouette is friendly, its lines are clean, and it possesses a unique ability to stand out elegantly amidst the homogeneous sea of contemporary vehicles. For those yearning for an electric hatchback with personality, the 4 E-Tech delivers, fostering a genuine connection that begins the moment you approach it. The clever graphics, thoughtful design accents, and that quintessential “Frenchness” create a desirable aura, tapping into the powerful allure of nostalgia. In a world often characterized by the bland and the generic, a touch of retro-inspired optimism, delivered through a well-executed electric vehicle, feels precisely like the antidote we need.
Powertrain and Performance: Thoughtful Engineering for Everyday Journeys
Renault has opted for a refreshingly straightforward approach to the 4 E-Tech’s powertrain, particularly for the European market. A single, well-balanced option is presented: a 52-kilowatt-hour battery pack feeding a 150-horsepower electric motor that drives the front wheels. This configuration provides ample performance for its intended purpose, achieving 0-62 mph in a respectable 8.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 93 mph. These figures underscore that the 4 E-Tech is not about outright speed, but rather about providing an efficient and enjoyable driving experience for urban commutes and suburban excursions.
One of the most forward-thinking features is Renault’s integrated “Range Estimator” tool, accessible via the brand’s website. This intelligent system allows prospective buyers to input their typical driving routes, ambient temperatures, and chosen drive modes (such as Eco) to receive a more realistic projection of their expected range. This level of transparency is crucial for building consumer confidence and managing expectations, a stark contrast to the often-optimistic figures presented by some competitors. It’s a commendable initiative that the wider automotive industry would do well to emulate, ensuring drivers are well-informed and less susceptible to range anxiety.
For those occasions requiring a rapid energy top-up, the 4 E-Tech supports DC fast charging up to 100 kW. While not the absolute fastest on the market, this rate is more than sufficient for a vehicle of its class and intended use. Renault estimates a charge from 15% to 80% can be completed in approximately 30 minutes. This translates to a practical scenario: pull into a supermarket parking lot, plug in while you complete your weekly grocery run, and return to a significantly replenished battery. This seamless integration into daily routines is a hallmark of intelligent electric vehicle design.
Practicality Meets Playfulness: Interior Design and Cargo Space
Beyond its charming exterior and efficient powertrain, the Renault 4 E-Tech excels in its practical application. The cargo area 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 an adept companion for everything from weekend shopping trips to carrying larger items. Furthermore, the cabin is thoughtfully designed with numerous storage cubbies and compartments, perfect for stashing away everyday essentials, from smartphones and wallets to water bottles and snacks. The inclusion of a pair of cup holders in the center console, a seemingly small detail, speaks volumes about the car’s focus on user convenience.
The Driving Experience: Effortless Charm and Urban Agility
Behind the wheel of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech, an infectious sense of joy quickly takes hold. This is a car that encourages a relaxed and unhurried approach to driving, embodying a “float around town” mentality. It harbors no sporting pretensions, instead prioritizing an effortless and intuitive driving experience. The controls are light and responsive, making every maneuver feel fluid and natural.
Engaging Drive mode is as simple as selecting “D” on the column-mounted shifter. A gentle press of the accelerator pedal sends the 4 E-Tech gliding forward smoothly. In Comfort mode, the throttle response is calibrated for a perky yet composed acceleration, ideal for navigating city streets. The Eco mode, designed to maximize range, slightly dampens the throttle response but remains perfectly adequate for most urban driving scenarios. For those who prioritize efficiency, living in Eco mode is a viable option, while Comfort mode offers a more engaging feel for shorter city jaunts. Adding to the personalization, a “Perso” mode allows drivers to fine-tune various settings to their specific preferences.
The 4 E-Tech readily achieves and maintains local speed limits with ease. The car provides gentle audible cues to remind drivers if they stray over the limit, a common feature in modern vehicles that, while legally mandated, can sometimes be intrusive. Fortunately, Renault has made these active safety alerts relatively easy to disable, a welcome consideration for driver sanity.
Its tall, somewhat upright stance contributes to excellent visibility when threading through tight urban spaces, although the relatively modest size of the glasshouse, particularly the rear window, can present a challenge for outward visibility. Thankfully, a reversing camera comes standard, albeit with a resolution that, while functional, could be improved. It fulfills its primary purpose of displaying obstacles but lacks the crispness one might expect in 2025, a minor but noticeable niggle in an otherwise thoughtfully designed package.
On the open road, the 4 E-Tech performs admirably. It cruises effortlessly at highway speeds, and its acceleration is sufficient for confident overtaking of slower vehicles. While wind noise can be detected at higher speeds, it remains at a level that allows for enjoyable conversations or podcast listening. Essentially, this car is engineered to smooth out the mundane aspects of travel, transforming everyday commutes into more pleasant experiences.
Even on more dynamic, winding roads, the 4 E-Tech proves to be surprisingly engaging. Its modest power output, coupled with the immediate torque of the electric motor, allows for maintaining momentum through corners with ease. The suspension is tuned for comfort, exhibiting a slight but predictable body lean through bends. The steering is light and precise, contributing to the car’s overall agile feel. While Sport mode does introduce a touch more verve, it’s clear the car’s heart lies in comfortable cruising. The ability to have fun without excessive speed is a rare and valuable quality in today’s automotive market.
The inclusion of steering-wheel-mounted paddles for adjustable regenerative braking adds another layer of interaction. Drivers can dial in everything from minimal energy capture to full one-pedal driving, offering a playful element that can be enjoyed. However, the convenience of one-pedal driving is likely to be the default for most, simplifying the driving process significantly.
The digital instrument cluster is designed with clarity in mind, featuring large, easily legible text that displays crucial information such as speed, drive mode, and remaining range. The 10.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen is equally intuitive, responding promptly to even the lightest touch—a welcome feature for those with less forceful digits. Renault’s proprietary infotainment software is user-friendly, and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay ensures familiar smartphone functionality is readily available. While some climate control functions retain physical buttons, the highly effective heated seats are controlled via the touchscreen.
What Excels: The Joyful Electrification of Daily Driving
The overwhelming impression of the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech is one of pure, unadulterated joy. Renault has succeeded in infusing its latest electric offerings with a spirit that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and this ethos shines brightly in the driving experience. While other manufacturers often resort to hyperbolic marketing about “driving pleasure,” the 4 E-Tech achieves it through its inherent happiness and accessibility. Its refusal to encourage aggressive driving is a significant plus, fostering a more relaxed and conscientious approach to the road.
The decision to design the 4 E-Tech as a “not sporty” car offers substantial benefits in terms of ride comfort. The pliant suspension absorbs road imperfections with grace, and the seats provide excellent support without feeling constricting. This effortless glide through the urban landscape transforms even the most arduous city commutes into pleasant journeys. For a vehicle destined for significant time spent in stop-and-go traffic, this inherent comfort is an invaluable asset.
In contrast to some earlier EV models, the 4 E-Tech demonstrated remarkable resilience in colder temperatures. During mixed driving conditions, it achieved an impressive 3.6 miles per kilowatt-hour, translating to a real-world range of approximately 187 miles. This performance indicates a significantly smaller range degradation than expected in colder weather, a vital consideration for EV buyers in many climates.
Areas for Refinement: Navigating the Nuances
While the 4 E-Tech is a commendable achievement, a few areas warrant consideration. The column-mounted gear selector, while aesthetically pleasing, can occasionally be a source of minor frustration. Its operation mirrors that of an automatic transmission in an internal combustion engine vehicle: foot on the brake, move the stalk to select drive or reverse, release the brake, and proceed. However, if insufficient pressure is applied to the brake pedal, even when stationary, the transmission may refuse to shift. This, combined with a momentary lapse in attention, could lead to unintended acceleration in the wrong direction—a potentially alarming scenario, especially for less attentive drivers.
The mandated suite of active safety alerts, while intended to enhance road safety, can sometimes feel overzealous. While the ability to assign a programmable hotkey on the steering wheel to toggle these alerts on and off is a thoughtful inclusion, it relies on drivers actively configuring this feature for their own sanity. One can only hope that widespread adoption of this customization option occurs.
The reversing camera, a crucial piece of active safety technology, falls short in terms of image quality. While it effectively identifies obstacles and fulfills its primary safety function, the resolution is disappointingly low. It’s a functional element, but in the context of 2025 automotive technology, its clarity is a notable drawback.
Pricing and Conclusion: A Bright Future for the Charming EV
In the United Kingdom, the Renault 5 E-Tech with its smaller battery option starts at a competitive £22,995. The 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech, however, positions itself slightly higher in the market, beginning at approximately $35,668 (£27,195) in the UK, with higher trim levels extending to around $40,914 (£31,195). While the upper end of this pricing spectrum might not be considered budget-friendly, the overall package and the unique proposition it offers justify the investment for the right buyer.
The Renault 4 E-Tech is not a vehicle that will appeal to every consumer. Its compact dimensions, modest range, and 100 kW charging speed are considerations that might deter some. However, for individuals seeking a stylish electric city car that injects personality and joy into their daily travels, the 4 E-Tech is an exceptional choice. It’s fun, remarkably easy to live with, and offers a visual flair that far surpasses the often-uninspired designs prevalent in the mainstream automotive market.
For those for whom the Renault 4 E-Tech aligns with their needs and desires, it promises to be an utterly perfect companion. It’s a car that will undoubtedly brighten their days, offering a tangible connection to the past while confidently navigating the electric future. If you’re ready to embrace a more charming, characterful, and eco-conscious way to experience your city, the 2025 Renault 4 E-Tech awaits your discovery. Explore the available configurations and discover how this revitalized icon can elevate your daily drive.
