Renault has unveiled the Renault 4 Savane 4x4 Concept at Roland-Garros 2025, targeting a new niche in the electric vehicle (EV) market—compact electric off-roaders. Built on the AmpR Small platform (formerly CMF-B EV), this prototype sends a clear message: Renault wants in on the growing demand for all-wheel-drive electric vehicles in urban and adventure-ready formats.
Why the Renault 4 Savane 4x4 Concept Matters
Most electric cars focus on range, tech, and efficiency. Renault is adding versatility and terrain capability to that list. This concept isn’t nostalgia-driven—it’s a market-facing, growth-hacking response to real consumer signals.
Key Market Signals Driving This Concept:
- Rising demand for EVs with AWD capabilities in urban + off-road crossover segments
- Increased interest in retro-modern vehicle designs with real performance utility
- Regulatory pressures pushing European brands toward compact, low-emission vehicles with multi-use appeal
Design That Drives Functionality
Renault didn’t just change the paint. Every design tweak contributes to utility and performance.
Core Exterior Upgrades:
- Permanent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Dual electric motors—front and rear—deliver consistent traction across rough and urban terrain. - +15 mm Ground Clearance
Elevation compared to the standard Renault 4 E-Tech Electric enables safer off-pavement travel. - Wider Tracks (Front + Rear)
Extended by 10 mm per side, giving the chassis more lateral stability. - 18-inch Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ Tires
These tires support off-road confidence and grip without sacrificing city handling.
Design Intent: Simple, rugged, useful. No fluff. Just what you need for short-range adventures or bad-weather commutes.
Visual Identity: Modern Rugged
Renault mixed utility with clean design cues to communicate off-road capability without overpromising.
Exterior Style:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Jade green with gloss black bumpers and arches |
| Roof | Printed fabric top with pixel camouflage effect |
| Headlights | Retro-modern round design with square housing |
| Back End | Signature 4L shape preserved for legacy branding |
These features reinforce the retro-futurist positioning. The Savane name references the historic Renault 4 trim, while 4x4 capability delivers on modern utility.
Interior: Concept-Ready, Production-Plausible
This isn’t an overstyled interior built for a showroom reel. Renault focused on recyclable materials, simple layouts, and clear branding.
Interior Highlights:
- Textile Seats in Deep Brown
Patterned with embossed “4” numerals. Quilted but durable. - Backlit "4Savane" Logo
Embedded into the dashboard for consistent brand visibility. - Flat Floor Design
Possible through EV architecture, improving cabin space and accessibility.
No screens were showcased. This suggests Renault is exploring options based on potential production feasibility, regional legislation, or upcoming UX revisions.
Strategic Use of the AmpR Small Platform
The AmpR Small platform is Renault Group’s next-gen electric base for B-segment cars. It underpins the upcoming Renault 5 and other small EVs. The 4x4 Concept proves the platform can scale to support dual-motor setups, rare in this size class.
Implications for Renault’s Future Product Line:
- Enables differentiation in compact SUV/EV crossover markets
- Strengthens Renault’s modular vehicle design strategy
- Provides a framework for volume production at scale across Europe
Competitive Positioning vs Market Alternatives
The Renault 4 Savane 4x4 Concept competes indirectly with:
| Vehicle | Drive | Segment | Price Range (Est. USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dacia Duster EV (Upcoming) | FWD | B-SUV | ~$27,000 |
| Jeep Avenger 4xe | AWD | B-SUV | ~$35,000 |
| Hyundai Kona Electric AWD (Upcoming) | AWD | B-SUV | ~$38,000 |
| Renault 4 Savane 4x4 (Est.) | AWD | B-SUV | ~$33,000 (concept stage) |
This pricing puts Renault in a mid-tier competitive position, but its nostalgic brand appeal and off-road credibility create separation.
