Renault 4 E-Tech : a modern 4L built for everyday life

When we took the wheel of the Renault 4 E-Tech, we didn’t feel like we were driving a revival of an old icon. Instead, we discovered a compact electric car designed for real life, borrowing just enough from its past to create a familiar silhouette while embracing the habits and needs of today’s families. More practical than the Renault 5 and more playful than most small crossovers, this new R4 positions itself exactly where many drivers secretly needed something.

Design & dimensions: a crossover with roots

In person, the Renault 4 doesn’t try to mimic anything that existed before. It keeps the upright posture and simple shapes that once made the original 4L so recognisable, but stretches them over a modern platform with sharper surfaces and an almost concept-like front signature.
The proportions are compact – a little over 4.1 metres long – yet the stance is confident thanks to 18-inch wheels and a ground clearance closer to that of a small SUV. We immediately sense that this car isn’t afraid of rough tarmac or muddy car parks.

Front and rear, the lighting elements bring the strongest references: rounded headlamps framed by a wide illuminated line, vertical rear modules that echo the old “capsule” lights without copying them. Seen from the side, the shape remains simple, almost monolithic, with a gently sloped windscreen and a roofline that leaves plenty of space inside.

It feels like Renault aimed for a timeless aesthetic rather than a nostalgic reinterpretation – something easy to spot in the varied colour palette, which ranges from classic whites to deeper greens and earthy tones.

Interior & everyday usability: built around real life

Once inside, we quickly understand the difference between the R4 and the R5. While both share the same digital architecture with a twin-screen setup and Google-enabled infotainment, the R4 clearly places practicality first. Fabrics, textures and colours create a warm atmosphere, far from the cold minimalism that has become common in small EVs. The recycled materials, especially the denim-like upholstery, bring a pleasant tactile touch.

The boot is one of the strongest arguments of the car. Its wide opening and low loading sill make it genuinely useful, and the double floor helps separate cables from luggage. Folding the rear seats doesn’t provide a perfectly flat space, but the front passenger seat can collapse to accommodate long items – something we rarely find in this category.

Rear passengers get generous headroom and decent legroom, even if the bench is clearly shaped with children in mind. Access isn’t perfect due to the rear door cut-out, but once seated, storage, USB-C ports and visibility make it feel surprisingly family-friendly for a car of this size.

Motor & battery: two options, one spirit

Renault keeps the range simple: two power levels (120 or 150 hp) and two battery sizes (40 or 52 kWh usable). Both versions rely on a wound-rotor synchronous motor that avoids rare-earth materials. The 52 kWh version we drove offers enough punch for daily driving and overtakes, with linear and predictable acceleration.

Real-world consumption sits between 16 and 17 kWh/100 km on mixed roads, resulting in an honest 330 to 370 km range depending on temperature and pace. On the motorway, we hover closer to 200 km between fast-charging stops, which is typical for compact electric cars.

Charging performance is equally in line with the market:

• 11 kW AC onboard charger
• Around 30 minutes from 15 to 80% on a suitable 100 kW DC charger
• Bidirectional charging (V2L) available as standard

This makes the R4 not only simple to live with but also useful as a mobile power source for outdoor gear or daily jobsites.

Driving impressions: calm, comfortable, and a little adventurous

On the road, the R4 feels softer and more relaxed than the R5. The slightly higher driving position gives a good view of the road, while the multi-link rear axle ensures composure on worn-out surfaces or long curves. Renault clearly tuned this car for everyday comfort rather than agility, and it suits its personality well.

The steering remains light at low speed and gains just enough weight on faster sections. Wind noise is present on the motorway, but the acoustic windscreen and battery insulation help keep the cabin pleasant. In town, the one-pedal driving mode is tuned with finesse, making stop-and-go situations smoother than most EVs in this segment.

With its 18 cm of ground clearance and Extended Grip system, the R4 doesn’t shy away from a gravel road or snowy climb. It’s still front-wheel drive only, yet its calm and predictable behaviour gives confidence when the terrain becomes less forgiving.

Verdict: a small electric car that makes sense

After a few days behind the wheel, we didn’t see the new Renault 4 as a nostalgic object, but as a compact electric car that finally addresses what many families expect: space without bulk, character without extravagance, simplicity without austerity.

It doesn’t innovate on every front, nor does it try to replace the mythical 4L of the past. Instead, it brings fresh air to the compact EV segment, with a design that stands out and an everyday usability that genuinely improves on the R5.

We liked:

• A design with personality but without excess
• A useful and well-shaped boot
• Calm driving behaviour and natural comfort
• One-pedal mode and clever long-item loading
• Practical details that truly fit family life

We liked less:

• Rear access still a bit tight
• Wind noise at higher speeds
• No high-power AC charger option

You want an electric car that fits family routines without moving into the SUV category, and you prefer character over radical futurism. The Renault 4 E-Tech isn’t the cheapest option, but it’s one of the few compact EVs that feel designed around real everyday needs rather than spec-sheet battles.