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Renault R4 E-Tech Electric: A Classic Reborn

With the R4, Renault brings its charming heritage into the electric era alongside the R5.

With the R4, Renault brings its charming heritage into the electric era alongside the R5. This new electric crossover, the R4 E-Tech Electric, leverages the same platform as the city-oriented R5 E-Tech Electric but offers significantly more space and versatility.

Electric Revival with Heritage Appeal

Having a rich automotive history is a blessing, and Renault has masterfully brought its legacy models into the age of electromobility. Following the well-received retro-styled R5 E-Tech Electric, Renault now revives the larger R4, drawing on its heritage with smart updates for modern drivers.

The R4 was a global success in its original run, outpacing even the iconic R5, with over 8 million units sold across five continents. Renault’s designers have skillfully updated the beloved R4’s looks without compromising its original character. Familiar design cues, such as its rounded headlights and boxy shape, make it instantly recognizable and nostalgic for fans. An insider design detail: the front end of the new R4 is crafted from a single, 1.45-meter-long panel.

Built for Families and Room to Spare

Compared to the compact R5, the R4 E-Tech Electric is considerably larger, measuring 4.14 meters in length – 22 centimeters longer than the R5 but just under the Renault Clio in size. This positions the R4 firmly in the upper end of the B-segment, catering to families who want an affordable, practical EV.

The R4 boasts a spacious 420-liter trunk, making it not only larger but also more user-friendly than the R5. A nostalgic touch: despite its 18.1 centimeters of ground clearance, the R4’s load floor sits at a convenient height of just 61 centimeters – just like the original Renault 4.

Power and Range Options for Everyday Flexibility

Like its smaller sibling, the R4 E-Tech Electric rides on the new AmpR-Small platform and offers two battery sizes: a 40 kWh pack providing around 300 kilometers of range and a larger 52 kWh pack extending that to 400 kilometers. Power options include a 110 kW (150 PS) motor and a 90 kW (120 PS) motor, skipping the entry-level 70 kW (95 PS) motor offered on the R5.

Renault opted for more charging flexibility with the R4, offering DC fast-charging speeds up to 100 kW for the 110 kW model and 80 kW for the 90 kW version. AC charging supports up to 11 kW, which is solid for this segment. The R4 also features bidirectional charging, allowing Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, so it can power household devices. A specialized Mobilize wallbox will enable 22 kW AC charging, and Vehicle-to-Grid capability is expected by 2025.

Familiar Yet Modern Interior

Inside, the R4 shares much of its layout and features with the R5, benefiting from shared technology and production efficiencies. Drivers will find a modern setup with a 10.1-inch digital instrument display (with a 7-inch option on entry models) and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. Renault plans to keep prices competitive, although official figures aren’t yet available.

Market speculation suggests that the R4 E-Tech Electric could cost around €40,000 for the top-end model when it arrives next spring. For comparison, the compact Skoda Elroq, with 125 kW (170 PS) and a 52 kWh battery, starts at €33,900, setting a price benchmark in the compact EV segment.

Renault’s trio of electric classics – the R5, R4, and eventually the Twingo – aims to make electric cars fun, familiar, and accessible to a broad audience.

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