The subcompact electric Renault 4 E-Tech hit the market last spring, built on the RGEV Small platform formerly known as AmpR Small. Currently, it is only available with a single electric motor and front-wheel drive.
However, Renault previewed a more adventurous direction a year ago with the Savane 4x4 concept, suggesting a dual-motor version with all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance. The new Renault 4 JP4x4 concept takes this idea further, hinting that all-wheel drive could eventually come not only to the crossover but also to a pickup-inspired variant.
A Beach Version With Classic Renault Spirit
The original gasoline-powered Renault 4 once had playful beach-focused versions called Plein Air and JP4. Today's electric Renault 4 currently offers only a fabric folding roof. The Renault 4 JP4x4 concept captures a beach vacation atmosphere much better than a standard crossover with fabric above passengers. Here, JP stands for “journée à la plage,” meaning “a day at the beach” in French.
For the concept, the body of the standard crossover has been heavily modified into a pickup with beach buggy elements. The rear doors are gone, and the front doors are replaced by narrow, gate-like panels that appear to float. There are no side windows, and the opening in the shortened roof is covered by crossed roof bars carrying a surfboard. The rear seats have been replaced by an open cargo bed with a system for securing sports equipment.
A Familiar Cabin With Playful Details
The dashboard and main interior controls remain mostly standard, but the center tunnel has been redesigned. It is now taller and appears to float, with a semitransparent storage box underneath. Door handles have been replaced by textile straps. Most interior surfaces are covered in soft bright orange fabric, giving the concept a relaxed and playful character compared to the regular Renault 4 E-Tech.
This atmosphere is intentional. Renault presents the JP4x4 not as a utility vehicle but as a lifestyle concept centered on outdoor activity, warm weather, and recreational use.
Dual-Motor Power Confirmed, But Details Are Missing
The only confirmed powertrain detail is that the concept uses two electric motors. Renault has not released technical specifications. Ground clearance has increased by 0.6 inch compared to the production crossover, now at 7.7 inches. The track has widened by 0.4 inch to accommodate special 8.9-inch-wide Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ tires.
For reference, the single electric motor in the production Renault 4 produces up to 150 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The largest available battery has a capacity of 52 kWh, providing up to 251 miles of WLTP range.
A Production Pickup Still Seems Unlikely
A production Renault 4 E-Tech crossover with all-wheel drive is believed to be imminent. Its debut could coincide with a technical upgrade of the RGEV Small platform, rumored to receive a larger-capacity battery. This would make sense, as the current 52 kWh battery may be too limited for an all-wheel-drive version.
However, a production Renault 4 JP4x4 pickup seems far less likely. It is a highly specialized and probably expensive model, with a body that would not be practical in bad weather. Still, the idea is appealing enough that a specialized coachbuilder could eventually create something similar. As a concept, the JP4x4 shows that Renault's revived electric 4 has room for far more personality than a simple urban crossover.