Renault is opening orders for the Plein Sud version of the R4 E-Tech. The new open roof variant is offered in the Autonomie Confort version with 150 hp.
Buyers can combine it with the Techno or Iconic equipment packages. Pricing starts at about $40,000.
The Plein Sud expands the growing R4 E-Tech lineup with a more lifestyle-focused body style. It also brings back part of the spirit of the original open-air Renault 4 models.
Orders open on May 5, 2026, giving Renault another version of its neo-retro electric crossover shortly after the standard model reaches the market.
A Growing R4 E-Tech Lineup
Renault first previewed the idea in October 2022 with the 4Ever Trophy concept at the Paris Motor Show. The production R4 E-Tech followed in June 2025 as a modern electric reinterpretation of the legendary Renault 4.
The small electric SUV was initially available with a fixed roof, and Renault has since added a commercial version. By the end of 2026, a Roland Garros special series is expected, while a 2027 all-wheel-drive version inspired by last year’s Savane 4×4 concept is also planned.
The new Plein Sud version now joins the configurator as part of a gradually expanding range, similar to the strategy used for the smaller R5 E-Tech, with which the R4 shares its technical foundation.
An Open Roof With A Classic Inspiration
The R4 was developed from the start with the possibility of adding a sliding roof. The Plein Sud version pays tribute to the Renault 4L Plein Air, a doorless and roofless version that even lacked a conventional tailgate.
Despite the open roof layout, the new R4 Plein Sud keeps solid interior space compared with the standard version. Cabin height measures 35.7 inches in front, compared with 34.9 inches, while rear headroom measures 32.0 inches, compared with 33.6 inches in the fixed roof model.
The roof opening measures about 36.2 by 31.5 inches, allowing all passengers to enjoy the open air feeling. This version loses the roof rails, while the antenna is integrated into the rear glass.
Electric Roof And Updated Driver Assistance
The black fabric roof includes additional insulation for better sound protection and a wind deflector to reduce noise. It is electrically operated through the key, a control near the interior mirror, or by voice command through Renault’s Reno assistant.
The R4 Plein Sud also receives the latest equipment available in the rest of the range. This includes an advanced driver attention monitoring system, an emergency stop assistant that can slow the vehicle to a complete stop if the driver becomes inactive, and a predictive eco-driving assistant that takes the route profile into account.
Renault has also added a new water-to-water heat exchange system for battery heating. It improves charging times in cold weather, including around 32°F and at very low temperatures around minus 4°F, when used with the charging planner.
Faster Cold Weather Charging
With the new system, charging from 15 to 80% takes 50 minutes at around 32°F instead of 1 hour. At around minus 4°F, the same charging window drops from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes, provided the vehicle has been driven for less than 10 minutes.
If the car has been driven for more than an hour, the charging time improves further. In that case, Renault says the same 15 to 80% charge can take about 40 minutes at around 32°F, or 55 minutes at around -4°F.
These changes should make the R4 E-Tech more practical in colder climates, where battery temperature can have a major effect on charging speed.
Only The Stronger Battery Version Is Available
The R4 E-Tech Plein Sud is not offered with the weaker 120 hp motor and 40 kWh battery used in the Autonomie Urbaine version.
Instead, it comes only with the 150 hp motor and 52 kWh battery from the Autonomie Confort version. Maximum range falls from about 254 miles in the fixed roof model to about 244 miles in the Plein Sud.
The open roof version adds about $1,900 to the price. The Techno version starts at about $40,000, while the Iconic version starts at about $42,000.
This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.