Renault 5 vs Renault 4 E-Tech: not just a matter of taste
While the Renault 5 E-Tech is just beginning its first deliveries, its manufacturer is already reviving another of its popular icons, the 4L. It is also 100% electric and is based on the same platform as the new R5, but the choice between these two models is not just about style. So let's review the different distinctive points that will allow you to choose between these new iterations of the Renault 5 and Renault 4.
A Renault 4 with crossover style
Who would have thought that the Twingo and Clio, which succeeded the R4 and R5/Superfive, would be alongside them again in the Renault catalog? However, this is now the case since the four city cars currently coexist in the range (the Twingo is available from stock only), Renault having chosen to revive its R5 and its 4L. However, each of the models adopts a very precise positioning. The Renault 5 and Renault 4 E-Tech are exclusively available in an electric version, Renault having preferred to split its range rather than offer a battery version of its thermal models.
But then how do the modern R5 and R4 differ? Well first of all by their style, each paying homage to very different models, but not only that. The Renault 4 E-Tech is thus larger than the R5, with a length of 4.14 m compared to 3.92 m. In addition, the modern 4L takes on the appearance of a crossover with a higher body line than the R5. She is 1.57 m tall, 7 cm taller than her little sister.
The interior of the two models, however, is very similar, with a common dashboard. Only aesthetic elements will be able to separate the two cars. We will have to wait to have more details on the Renault 4 E-Tech range to get an idea.
A much larger and more practical trunk for the 4L
With a wheelbase increased by 8 cm, the Renault 4 E-Tech is more habitable for its rear passengers than the Renault 5. It must be said that the latter lacks space to properly accommodate adults. The R4 does better, without however being as welcoming as a Captur, which is even more spacious and offers a sliding bench seat.
In terms of the trunk, the Renault 5 also shows its limits with only 277 l of loading volume (VDA standard). The Renault 4 does much better with 375 l and its trunk is more practical, thanks to a very low and flush loading sill.
Equipment specific to both models
If we do not yet know the exact list of equipment offered by the Renault 4 E-Tech electric, we already know that it will receive some of which the Renault 5 was not favored. This is the case of the electric tailgate, an option which will be offered in the R4 catalog, but logically absent from that of the R5. Likewise, Renault presented its modern 4L with an optional canvas sunroof, currently unavailable in the Renault 5 catalog. It remains to be seen whether this exclusivity will last over time. The body colors available in the catalog of the two models will be different and the Renault 4 will notably offer two-tone paints.
The R4 will currently be the only one able to receive a sunroof. © Les Numériques
The Renault 5, on the other hand, has equipment specific to it, a display on its hood which allows you to view the battery charge level when it is plugged in. This is a nod to the air inlet that the first Renault 5s had in the same location, hence its absence on the hood of the Renault 4 E-Tech.
The R5 has a charge indicator on its hood which the R4 does not have. © Les Numériques
For the rest, the equipment offered should be very similar. The screens are identical between the Renault 5 and the Renault 4, with a 10.1-inch panel behind the steering wheel in the high-end versions and a 10-inch central touch screen. The latter operates under Android Automotive OS and integrates ChatGPT via the Reno avatar.
Autonomy slightly to the advantage of the Renault 5
The Renault 4 E-tech uses the AmpR Small platform from the Renault 5, as well as its two NMC lithium-ion batteries of 40 and 52 kWh. However, a little larger and heavier, the R4 should consume more and its announced autonomy is therefore slightly lower. While the Renault 5 E-Tech announces up to 312 km of WLTP autonomy in the urban autonomy version (40 kWh) and 410 km in the comfort autonomy version (52 kWh), the Renault 4 will have to be content with 300 and 400 km respectively. , although these values need to be refined since the definitive approval of the model has not yet taken place. A fairly small difference, certainly, but not entirely negligible.
As for the charging powers, they are also identical between the two models, with up to 80 kW direct current with the small battery and 100 kW with the 52 kWh pack. In alternating current, at least the high-end versions will receive an 11 kW on-board charger, identical between the R5 and the R4.
On the engine side, the R4 range will be topped by the same 150 hp unit as that which equips the high-end versions of the R5, but with performances which should be revised slightly downwards, mainly due to the greater mass . In addition, we will have to wait for the first tests of the R4 to judge its road behavior, which could be oriented more towards comfort than the lower R5.
The R5 cheaper than the R4
While the first R4 and R5 coexisted for a while in the Renault range with more affordable prices for the first, it is now the R5 E-Tech which is the less expensive of the two. For good reason, both models are as modern as the other, when the original R4 had an older design than that of the R5, released around ten years later. A higher price for the R4 is therefore consistent, since it is now positioned as the big brother of the R5.
The Renault 5 E-Tech is already on sale with prices between €27,990 and €35,490, excluding bonuses and options. It will nevertheless be launched in an entry-level version sold for less than €25,000 in spring 2025.
The R4 will be more expensive with an entry ticket promised under €30,000. However, it will skip the small 75 hp engine offered by the R5 at entry level and will automatically be compatible with fast DC charging. For an equivalent version, the price difference between the R5 and R4 should therefore be around €2,000.
For those waiting for a more affordable electric city car from Renault, you will have to wait until 2026 and the arrival of a new Twingo. It was inspired by the first generation of the model and will be launched for less than €20,000 excluding bonuses. It will be placed below the R5 in the range as Renault's new mini-city car.
