Renault is reviving one of the most beloved cars in French automotive history. The Renault 4 E-Tech brings the iconic five-door hatchback back as a fully electric compact crossover, designed to sit alongside the Renault 5 and carry the spirit of the original 4L into a new generation of zero-emission motoring.
Why Is the Renault 4 Coming Back?
The original Renault 4 ran from 1961 to 1994 and sold more than eight million units worldwide. It was a front-wheel-drive, five-door hatchback with generous ground clearance, a practical interior, and a character that made it equally at home on country roads and city streets. That combination of accessibility and personality is exactly what Renault is trying to recreate with the electric revival.
What to Expect from the Renault 4 E-Tech
The new Renault 4 is built on Renault's CMF-BEV platform, shared with the Renault Zoe and developed further for the B-segment. It is positioned as a compact crossover with more ground clearance and body volume than a traditional hatchback. Two battery options are available: a 40 kWh pack with around 186 miles of WLTP range and a 52 kWh unit offering up to 250 miles. Power comes from either a 121 hp or 148 hp front-mounted electric motor, the latter reaching 62 mph in 8.5 seconds. Pricing is expected to start under 35,000 euros, placing it between the Renault 5 and the broader crossover segment.
Part of Renault's Electric Offensive
The Renault 4 is one of ten planned electric vehicles from Renault by 2025, seven under the Renault badge and three under the more performance-oriented Alpine name. It made its debut at the Paris Motor Show and was named 2025 EV of the Year by Top Gear, a recognition that confirms the revival is more than nostalgia: it is a genuinely accomplished electric car. The connection to heritage is deliberate, from the boxy proportions and signature tail to the practical, generous cabin that defined the original.
For more on the new Renault 4 E-Tech, see Carscoops' full coverage and the Renault 4 E-Tech Wikipedia entry. Explore the Renault AIR4 eVTOL by TheArsenale, the flying concept that celebrated the original 4's 60th anniversary, or browse TheArsenale's full car collection for more boundary-pushing vehicles. The Renault F1 R31 show car is another piece of Renault racing and design heritage available exclusively through TheArsenale.
