French car manufacturer Renault will reveal an off-road show car based on the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric on the sidelines of the French Open tennis contest. Compared to the production model, the small off-roader features a second engine on the rear axle and more ground clearance.
The electric R4 is not yet on the road; press test drives just occurred, but Renault has already announced a show car offshoot of its EV for the French Open in Paris (19 May to 8 June). The one-off model will feature typical off-road attributes: The concept’s ground clearance is 15 millimeters higher than that of the series model.
In addition, there are special tires (Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ 225/55) and rims, as well as a 10 millimeter wider track at the front and rear on both sides. Above all, however, the ‘Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept’ has a second electric motor on the rear axle and is therefore equipped with permanent all-wheel drive.
However, the French are not going into any more detail at this point. They believe it is most important to demonstrate “the potential of the AmpR Small platform for a fully electric B-segment model with all-wheel drive.”
Retro name Savane, trendy color
In keeping with Renault’s retro approach to the design of the R4, the Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept revives a model name steeped in tradition: the name Savane was already used at Renault in the 1950s as a synonym for voyages of discovery and adorned an off-road version of the Renault 4 in 1986, for example. Now, the model name is returning.
According to Renault, Jade Green is a new color that, together with the shiny black bumpers and wheel arches, is intended to contribute to the model’s stylish appearance. The vehicle’s fabric roof is printed with pixel variations to suggest a camouflage effect. The conventional bump stops on the front and rear bumpers have also been replaced in the study by new 3D-printed parts with shock-absorbing properties.
The interior features a more sophisticated design, with seats in ‘Deep Brown’ refined textile (TEP) fabric. At the top of the backrest, a quilted pattern of number 4s in tonal hues adds a graphic touch. A houndstooth pattern provides a stylish finish for the backrest trim and lateral reinforcements.
The dashboard is also clad in the same TEP fabric. Top-stitching in tonal hues runs horizontally through the driver and passenger door panels. A backlit 4Savane logo on the dashboard strip gives the show car its signature.
Sandeep Bhambra, Chief Designer Advanced, Ampere & Renault, wraps it up: “True to the spirit of exploration of the Renault 4 Savane from the 1980s, the Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept show car pushes the adventurous side of the Renault 4 E-Tech electric to the maximum. Its increased ground clearance and widened tracks are combined with a permanently active all-wheel drive system to allow it to tackle the most rugged terrains. It adds a chic spirit worthy of ‘gentlemen explorers’ eager for limitless journeys.”
Roland Garros
For its first public appearance, the show car will be accompanied at the French Open at Roland Garros, Paris, by the new Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a fully electric sports car reminiscent of the iconic rally car from the 1980s that Renault will offer in a limited edition in 2027.
Anyone who wants to own this strictly limited retro car will have to pay a hefty price: Renault is already asking €160,000 for it, while it was initially € 155,000. Nevertheless, according to the manufacturer, more than 700 customers and 200 dealers have already reserved one of the 1,980 available examples.
The third eye-catcher will be the Roland-Garros special edition of Renault’s R5 Electric. Renault will be the official transport provider at the Grand Slam tournament with an 87% electrified fleet. The carmaker is also taking advantage of the 2025 tournament to continue trialling autonomous shuttles on the open road, in partnership with WeRide. Two autonomous electric minibuses will run between Porte d’Auteuil and the village, serving the many spectators expected.
