The new Renault 4 electric will also be sold in an off-road variant with all-wheel drive

Renault plans to take advantage of the upcoming French Open tennis tournament, popularly known as Roland Garros, which will be held in Paris from 19 May to 8 June, to present a first prototype of an off-road variant of the electric Renault 4 E-Tech. This concept model, called the Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept, stands apart from the production version we already knew by featuring a second electric motor on the rear axle, which gives it permanent all-wheel drive, as well as offering greater ground clearance.

Although the electric Renault 4 has not yet reached the streets of French or European cities, something that will happen from this coming summer onwards, with the presentation of this prototype the French manufacturer hopes to build anticipation for what is to come.

The Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept stands out for having its body raised 15 millimetres higher above the ground than the conventional model, as well as fitting wheels and tyres designed for difficult terrain. In addition, Renault has widened the track on both axles by 10 millimetres. With all these improvements, Renault aims to give this variant a certain off-road character, in order to meet the needs of a larger number of customers. The French manufacturer says this prototype will also showcase the potential of the AmpR Small platform in an electric segment B model with four-wheel drive.

A nostalgic look back at the past

According to the company itself, the name Savane chosen for this prototype is no coincidence, as it pays tribute to the heritage of the diamond brand, evoking the adventurous spirit of the models of the 1950s and recalling an off-road version of the Renault 4 that went on sale in 1986.

This time, the prototype will wear an eye-catching Jade Green colour, combined with bumpers and wheel arches in gloss black that accentuate its modern styling. In addition, the fabric roof features a pixelated pattern that simulates a camouflage effect, while the bumper caps have been replaced by 3D-printed parts made from a shock-absorbing material.

The Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept will not be alone in its debut at the French Open, as it will be joined by the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, an electric sports car that reinterprets the legendary Renault 5 rally car of the 1980s. This model, limited to 1,980 units, will by no means be affordable, as it will carry a very high price, reaching 160,000 euros. This has not prevented it, however, from attracting the attention of more than 700 customers who have already expressed their intention to buy one, according to the company.