Renault is once again toying with the image of its iconic '4'. The new Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept resembles a blend of beach buggy, compact pickup, and retro leisure car. Underneath the playful design, however, lies a significant technical clue.

Built on the Renault 4 E-Tech electric platform, the concept follows the FL4WER POWER, Savane 4x4, and Vision 4Rescue show cars. With it, Renault demonstrates that the new electric R4 isn’t just a city car—it can serve as a foundation for everything from personal adventures to commercial applications.

The exterior features a pearlescent emerald green paint job, a contemporary nod to the 4L’s 1970s and 1980s color palette. Inside, it’s a bright orange affair with an open-air vibe and few boundaries between the cabin and the outside world. The doors are short and simple, the roof is open, and cross-bracing has been added for structural stiffness. The rear tailgate drops down like a pickup’s. A surfboard is strapped to the roof, and skateboards rest in the trunk.

The seats recall Renault’s 1970s chairs, complete with integrated headrests. Upholstery mixes fabric, mesh, and soft-touch panels on the doors, cargo area, and dashboard. A grab handle sits in front of the passenger for rough terrain, while the floating center console keeps the cabin from feeling too utilitarian.

The key technical story is all-wheel drive. The Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept gains a second electric motor on the rear axle, providing permanent electric 4x4. Ground clearance is 15 mm higher than the standard Renault 4 E-Tech, and the track is 10 mm wider at both ends. It rides on 225/55 R18 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ tires mounted on unique JP4 wheels. This setup isn’t meant for hardcore off-roading—it’s designed for sand, rocks, gravel, and light adventure.

Renault is making a direct point about the RGEV Small platform’s potential: even a compact B-segment EV can get all-wheel drive without driveshafts or complicated mechanicals.

The JP4x4 probably won’t go into production as-is. But the concept is too compelling to stay a mere display piece: a tiny electric Renault with all-wheel drive and a beach-buggy attitude is far more intriguing than yet another city crossover.