New Renault 4 E-Tech Review: Price, Range, and Salary Sacrifice Costs (2026)
All images in this article have been sourced from Renault Media
The new Renault 4 E-Tech electric is a fully electric hatchback-SUV that revives one of France's most iconic nameplates, and yes, you can get one on salary sacrifice. Priced from £27,195 MRRP (or £23,445 with the £3,750 Electric Car Grant), the R4 sits just above its sibling, the new Renault 5, in Renault's electric lineup. It delivers more space and practicality while keeping pricing competitive within the segment.
At 4% benefit-in-kind for the 2026/27 tax year, a 40% taxpayer on a standard salary sacrifice term typically pays around £278 net per month, making this an attractive option in the affordable EV space right now.
The original Renault 4 ran from 1961 to 1992 and sold over eight million units worldwide. This reincarnation arrived in UK showrooms in late 2025, with dealership availability becoming widespread in early 2026. It shares its platform and 52kWh powertrain with the Renault 5, but stretches the wheelbase to deliver a more practical body measuring 4,144mm in length, around 12cm longer than its sibling.
Design Review: Retro Done Right
Unlike many other retro remakes, Renault hasn’t borrowed the R4’s name. Its squared-off silhouette, upright stance, and squared wheel arches echo the proportions of the original 4L. The interior lifts design cues, including a reimagined dashboard and textured trim that consciously references the 1970s. The front end carries a distinctive light signature that makes the car instantly recognisable, and it works as well in cities and towns as it does on country lanes.
Renault's electric car range leans into nostalgia, but substance and quality is why people buy. As we briefly mentioned in the introduction, the R4 adds practical advantages that the R5 doesn't offer:
Real cupholders (notably absent in the R5 to our dismay)
420 litres of boot space, expanding to 1,405 litres with the seats folded
Improved rear headroom for adult passengers
It's a more grown-up proposition, aimed at buyers who want the same emotional appeal but want a car that they can use daily.
What You Get on Each Trim
All three UK trim levels come generously equipped as standard:
evolution+
18-inch alloys, climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, keyless entry, wireless smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), heat pump, and a 10.1-inch OpenR Link touchscreen.
techno+
Adds Google built-in infotainment, a larger digital driver display, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control with steer assist, drive modes, and paddle-adjustable regenerative braking. Also includes roof rails, chrome detailing, and a black roof.
iconic+
Adds blind spot monitoring, safe exit assist, ambient lighting, and a premium interior finish.
Key takeaways:
R4 measures 4,144mm in length, around 12cm longer than the Renault 5
Boot space: 420 litres standard, 1,405 litres seats folded
Heat pump included as standard across all UK trims
Three trims: evolution+, techno+, iconic+ (from £23,445 with grant on evolution+)
Battery, Range, And Charging
The Renault 4 E-Tech comes to the UK in a single battery configuration: a 52kWh usable battery paired with a 150hp (110kW) motor producing 245Nm of torque. The car reaches 62mph in 8.2 seconds, which is fast enough for daily use without being performance-focused. WLTP range sits between 243 and 249 miles (depending on trim) with the entry-level evolution+ returning the highest figure due to its slightly lower ride height of 1,552mm versus the 1,572mm on techno+ and iconic+.
Charging
DC rapid charging: Up to 100kW, taking the battery from 15% to 80% in around 30 minutes.
AC home/workplace charging: Up to 11kW onboard, giving a full charge in approximately seven hours from a home wallbox.
V2L (vehicle-to-load): Powers external devices directly from the battery, useful for camping or on-site work.
V2G (vehicle-to-grid): Full bidirectional capability via Mobilize's charging service, enabling smart charging at off-peak rates.
The R4 achieves a solid 4.8 miles/kWh efficiency figure, placing it among the more efficient options in its class.
Salary sacrifice pricing stretches the running cost advantage further once tax savings are factored in, since the effective cost per mile drops significantly compared to a petrol equivalent, particularly on an overnight home tariff.
Key Takeaways:
52kWh battery, 110kW motor, 150hp, 245Nm torque, 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds
WLTP range 243-249 miles depending on trim
100kW DC rapid charge: 15-80% in 30 minutes; AC up to 11kW
V2L and V2G capability standard across the range
The Plein Sud Update: A Canvas Roof for 2026
When the R4 launched in late 2025, it arrived as a conventional five-door hatchback-SUV. In June 2026, Renault unveiled the first major expansion of the lineup: the Plein Sud variant, which adds a full-length, electrically operated folding canvas roof to the car. The name references the south of France, and the concept draws a direct line back to the 1960s 4L's reputation as a versatile, open-air vehicle.
What The Plein Sud Adds
An electrically operated full-length canvas roof, controllable by voice command
No reduction in boot space or cabin practicality
Available as an option on techno+ and iconic+ trims, rather than as a standalone special edition
UK pricing hadn't been confirmed at the time of writing, though European pricing starts from around €36,800 on techno+ and €39,000 on iconic+. The new Renault 5 carries no comparable open-top option, giving the R4 a meaningful lifestyle differentiator within the Renault EV family.
Renault's UK site also confirms a Roland Garros edition in its model navigation, with a further Roland Garros variant with an expected uprated battery anticipated later in 2026. Both the Plein Sud and Roland Garros variants target markets with strong EV adoption, with the UK named explicitly alongside Germany and the Netherlands.
Key Takeaways:
Plein Sud adds an electrically operated full-length canvas roof
Available on techno+ and iconic+ trims, not a standalone edition
Boot space and cabin practicality retained in Plein Sud configuration
Roland Garros edition confirmed for UK; further variant expected later in 2026
Renault 4 vs Renault 5: Which Should You Choose?
Both models share the same platform, 52kWh battery, and 150hp motor, which means the choice comes down to what you need from the car day to day rather than any meaningful powertrain difference.
| Feature | Renault 4 E-Tech | Renault 5 E-Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Body length | 4,144mm | Approx. 4,020mm |
| Boot space | 420 / 1,405 litres (folded) | 326 / 1,100 litres (folded) |
| Battery (UK) | 52kWh only | 40kWh or 52kWh |
| WLTP range (52kWh) | 243-249 miles | Up to 258 miles (est.) |
| From-price (post-grant) | £23,445 | £21,495 |
| Open-top option | Yes (Plein Sud, 2026) | No |
| Cupholders | Yes | No |
| BiK rate 2026/27 | 4% | 4% |
| Salary sacrifice eligibility | Yes | Yes |
The Renault 5 makes more sense for drivers who prioritise the lowest entry price and drive primarily solo in cities or towns. The R4 is the stronger choice for anyone who:
Regularly carries rear-seat passengers
Needs the extra 94 litres of boot space
Wants the Plein Sud canvas roof option
Both benefit equally from the 4% BiK rate for 2026/27, so the salary sacrifice case is equally strong across either model.
Key Takeaways:
R4 offers 94 litres more boot space than the R5
R5 is £1,950 less at entry level post-grant
Both share the 52kWh battery and 4% BiK rate for 2026/27
R4 suits families; R5 suits urban commuters driving solo
Renault 4 on Salary Sacrifice: What Does It Actually Cost?
Electric car salary sacrifice works by replacing part of an employee's gross salary with a company electric car. Employees can save on income tax and National Insurance contributions because the sacrifice comes from pre-tax income.
Example Costs: evolution+ 52kWh, 40% Taxpayer, £60k Salary
| Cost component | Monthly figure |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice payment (inc. VAT) | £389 |
| Income tax saving | -£156 |
| National insurance saving | -£8 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term (2026/27: 4%) | £52 |
| Net monthly cost | £278 |
That £278 net figure is an estimate; actual costs vary by salary, mileage profile, and term length. Employees typically save 20-50% compared to a personal lease, depending on their income tax rate and whether their employer passes on national insurance savings.
The Electric Car Scheme operates a multi-funder engine, sourcing from multiple funding partners to achieve competitive monthly rates, which matters particularly for a car like the R4, where residual values and funding rates can vary between providers.
BiK Rates: Why Now Is a Good Time to Commit
Benefit-in-kind rates for electric vehicles are confirmed at:
4% for 2026/27
5% for 2027/28
7% for 2028/29
A three-year term starting now sits across a particularly favourable window. Employees should verify current Electric Car Grant eligibility at the point of quoting, as scheme rules can change.
Key Takeaways:
Net monthly cost from approx. £278 for a 40% taxpayer (estimate)
BiK rate: 4% in 2026/27, rising to 5% in 2027/28 and 7% in 2028/29
20-50% saving vs personal lease typical across tax brackets
Currently eligible for the £3,750 Electric Car Grant
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Salary Sacrifice a Renault 4 E-Tech?
Yes. The Renault 4 E-Tech is available to salary sacrifice through The Electric Car Scheme. As a pure battery electric vehicle, it qualifies for the 4% benefit-in-kind rate for 2026/27, which makes salary sacrifice EVs cost-effective compared to petrol alternatives. Employees need their employer to be registered with a salary sacrifice scheme provider to access this route.
How Much Is the Renault 4 E-Tech in the UK?
The Renault 4 E-Tech has an MRRP of £27,195 for the entry-level evolution+ trim. With the £3,750 Electric Car Grant applied, that drops to £23,445. On salary sacrifice through The Electric Car Scheme, a 40% taxpayer on £60,000 typically pays around £278 net per month for the evolution+ on a standard 36-month, 10,000 miles/year term. Employees should verify grant eligibility at the point of quoting.
What's the Range of the Renault 4 E-Tech?
The Renault 4 E-Tech delivers a WLTP-certified range of between 243 and 249 miles from its 52kWh usable battery, depending on trim. The entry-level evolution+ achieves the highest figure at 249 miles, mostly due to its lower ride height. Real-world range varies with speed, temperature, and climate control use, but the official figures are competitive within the affordable EV segment.
Renault 4 vs Renault 5: Which Should You Choose?
The Renault 5is the stronger pick if you want the lowest entry price and mainly drive on your own in towns or cities. The Renault 4 makes more sense if you need the extra 94 litres of boot space, regularly carry rear-seat passengers, or want the Plein Sud open-roof option. Both share the same 52kWh battery and 4% BiK rate for 2026/27, so the salary sacrifice saving is similar across either model at the same trim level.
What Is the Renault 4 Plein Sud?
Plein Sud is the first major variant expansion of the Renault 4 E-Tech lineup, unveiled in June 2026. It adds a full-length, electrically operated folding canvas roof, available on techno+ and iconic+ trims, without compromising boot space or cabin practicality. It's designed to reference the open-air character of the original 1960s 4L and is specifically targeted at the UK, German, and Dutch markets. A Roland Garros edition with a further uprated setup is expected later in 2026.
Our Take on the Renault 4 E-Tech
The new Renault 4 E-Tech makes a strong case as one of the most well-rounded affordable EVs available in the UK at the moment. It combines retro appeal with a practical body, a competitive 249-mile WLTP range, 100kW rapid charging, and post-grant pricing from £23,445 before salary sacrifice savings are applied. The Plein Sud update shows that Renault intends to keep the model fresh throughout its production run, which matters for anyone committing to a three-year salary sacrifice term. At 4% benefit-in-kind for 2026/27, with a net monthly cost from around £278 for a 40% taxpayer through The Electric Car Scheme, the R4 is a strong candidate for anyone making their first move away from a petrol hatchback.
Get a quote for the Renault 4 E-Tech on salary sacrifice through The Electric Car Scheme today!
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Last updated: 11/06/2026
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
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