Renault has revived its legendary R4 model and dressed it up for an electric future. On paper, it sounds promising – a car that will win the hearts of nostalgics while also attracting modern buyers with urban utility and advanced technology. But the deeper you delve into it, the more it becomes clear that the Renault R4 is full of contradictory decisions. The price of the Renault 4 (2025) is known!
The price is known. Renault 4 (2025) – that’s why we’ve revisited this controversial car. It’s charmingly retro on the outside and modern on the inside, while the interior features interesting sustainable materials, combined with plastic that reminds you of cheap vans. The electric drive is powerful enough for city driving, but the battery is too small to be a serious family car. Although the Renault 4 seems like a brilliant idea at first glance, the details quickly make you wonder: Is this really the best possible interpretation of the legendary model?
Exterior: Retro charm that loses its uniqueness in a crowd of similar models
The Renault 4 is undoubtedly one of the most visually appealing electric cars on the market today. Its design clearly draws inspiration from the original 1960s model, but adds modern design elements. The front grille with its illuminated logo and two-tone bodywork create an elegant blend of old and new.
But when you put it next to a Fiat 600E or an Opel Frontera, something interesting happens – the Renault 4 suddenly looks like just another modern city car trying to cash in on customers' nostalgic feelings. It's no longer as special as I would like it to be.
With dimensions of 4.13 meters long, 1.80 meters wide and 1.57 meters high, it is larger than a Fiat Panda and closer to an Opel Frontera. This means that it is compact enough for city streets, but at the same time offers a little more space. However, it does not give the feeling of a large car. Details such as plastic fenders and a slightly inconsistent rear line do not work as convincingly as on some other retro models. Renault clearly wanted to create a strong visual impression, but some design decisions reveal that not everything is as perfect as it seems at first glance.
Interior: First impression impresses, but plastic reality quickly strikes back
When you first step into the Renault 4, the interior is stunning. Renault has gone to great lengths to create an ambience that combines retro aesthetics with modern technology. The seats are made from 100% recycled materials and look great, the dashboard is beautifully designed, and the digital displays are top-notch.
The infotainment system is based on Google Automotive, which means that the Renault 4 has the best possible navigation in this class. Everything is smooth, fast and intuitive, and Renault's voice assistant can even use some artificial intelligence functions, such as predicting your settings based on your habits.
But then look at the plastic underneath, around the center console and in areas you use frequently. This is where Renault fails the quality test. The plastic is hard and resembles that of cheaper commercial vehicles. When you feel the door, you find that the texture is so rough that it ruins the otherwise very nice interior design. This is a shame, as some of the other materials are very well chosen and could take the entire cabin to a much higher level.
Cabin space also has its limitations. There's plenty of room up front, although the seats don't move far enough back for taller drivers. Headroom quickly runs out in the back, especially in open-top versions. The trunk with 420 liters is larger than the Fiat 600E, but it is less practical due to the shape and height of the loading lip.
Electric drive: Too limited for family adventures
The Renault 4 comes in two battery options – 40 kWh and 52 kWh. While that sounds solid for a city car, the problem is that Renault is also marketing this car as a family car.
With a maximum range of 371 km in ideal conditions, it seems to be enough for longer journeys, but the reality is different. On the highway, the Renault 4 will consume between 20 and 25 kWh per 100 km, which means that the real range will be under 250 km. Charging is limited to 100 kW DC, which means it takes 30 minutes to charge from 15 to 80 %.
This means that the Renault 4 is actually a city car, although Renault is trying to to present it as more than thatIf you plan long trips, you will quickly find that you often have to look for charging stations, which is inconvenient for a car that is also suitable for family use.
Driving dynamics: Stable but not exciting
The Renault 4 drives well, but it doesn't impress. It has a multi-link rear axle, which means it's more stable than some competitors like the Fiat 600E or Panda Grande. With 120 hp or 150 hp, acceleration is solid - the 150 hp version needs 8.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h, which is enough for city driving and regional roads.
The top speed of 150 km/h is enough for most needs, but on the highway it still doesn't feel as confident as larger electric cars with more powerful batteries. For city driving, the Renault 4 is comfortable and agile, but not as fun as some smaller and lighter electric cars. The price of the Renault 4 (2025) is known
Price: When nostalgia becomes too expensive – the price of the Renault 4 (2025) is known
And here we come to the biggest question – is the Renault 4 worth its price?
The base Evolution version will probably be under €30,000, but that means a smaller battery, no panoramic roof and basic interior. If you want a fully equipped Renault 4 with 150 hp, a 52 kWh battery, two-tone paint and an open roof, the price quickly rises to €38,000. Which is a huge price for this type of car.
This means that the Renault 4 competes with models like the VW ID.3 or even the Tesla Model Y in terms of affordable leasing offers. With completely different technical features.
Conclusion: Love at first sight, but not in the long run
Renault 4 It's visually appealing, offers some great technology and has a really strong retro character. But when you look at the details, the compromises Renault has made quickly become apparent. Especially now that the price of the Renault 4 (2025) is known. The interior plastic spoils the premium feel, the space is not large enough to really justify the family label, and the battery is too small for long trips.
If you're looking for a retro city car, the Renault 4 will be a great choice. But if you're looking for a proper family electric car that can handle long drives, you'll probably find a better alternative for your money.
