While Renault has just put on a show at the Geneva Motor Show with the grand presentation of the R5 e-Tech, all eyes are now turning to the other reissue of a legendary model from the manufacturer: that of the 4L. And if this revisited Renault 4 will be based on the base of the R5, it could contain a little surprise: all-wheel drive.
The Renault 5 e-Tech was the star of the 2024 Geneva Motor Show. We also had the chance to see the future electric city car in “flesh and blood” in the aisles of the Swiss gathering. But as you may know, the R5 will not be the only one to experience a new “wattage” youth.
As announced in 2021, the manufacturer also plans to resurrect the legendary 4L. The redesign of these legendary models is part of Renault’s strategy to perpetuate its electric range. In parallel with the electrification of its current cars like the Twingo or the Mégane e-Tech to name a few, the French company has opted for retro and nostalgia. “The reinvention of classic designs was irresistible to CEO Luca de Meo,” declared Laurens van Den Acker, head of design of the Renault group, during the summer of 2023.
Concerning the Renault 4 e-Tech, we already know that it will be based on the same platform as the R5. To know, the AmpR Small platform developed by Ampere, the division dedicated to electricity from the diamond brand. In other words, the two cars should share many technical elements, starting with the 52 kWh pack and the 150 hp unit installed at the front.
All-wheel drive on the electric 4L?
At first glance therefore, So we shouldn’t expect a 4-wheel drive version. But to everyone’s surprise, things could change. In an interview with our colleagues at AutoExpress, the head of the AmpR Small Platform division Vittorio d’Arienzo declared that the “platform is ready for four-wheel drive”, while adding that “yes, we will consider it in the future”.
Frédéric Morelle, head of engineering for the R5, provided some details of his own: “The R4 will use the same platform as the R5, but the R4 needs the multi-link rear axle to have specific equipment”. In other words, with this extra space, Renault could add a second engine on the rear axle.
In itself, this statement from the manufacturer is not surprising. Remember in 2022, the brand presented the 4ever Trophy concept car, an adventurous version of the electric 4L designed as a tribute to the 4L Trophy.