Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud Debuts with Giant Electric Folding Canvas Roof

Renault has introduced a new variant of its 4 E-Tech electric crossover, the 4 E-Tech Plein Sud, which features a giant electrically operated folding canvas roof—a modern take on a 1960s design.

The Plein Sud, translating to "due south," starts at £27,445 in the UK, including the government’s £3,750 Electric Car Grant. In France, prices begin at €31,110 after incentives.

Key Specifications and Features

• Motor: 147 hp (148 hp / 150 PS / 110 kW) front-mounted electric motor
• Battery: 52 kWh
• Range: Up to 242 miles (389 km) WLTP
• Roof Dimensions: 800 x 920 mm (31.5 x 36.2 inches), fully electric folding canvas
• Safety Tech: Driver fatigue monitoring and emergency stop function

Retro Revival with a Modern Twist

The Plein Sud borrows its roof design from the original Renault 4 of the 1960s, which featured a manually retractable fabric roof. Renault’s new version, however, is fully electric and can be operated via voice command using the Reno voice assistant.

Renault claims the 4 E-Tech Plein Sud is the only fully electric B-segment SUV currently offering this type of fully electric folding canvas roof.

Performance and Efficiency

Despite the large folding roof, the Plein Sud maintains nearly the same efficiency as the fixed-roof version. The standard 4 E-Tech with a fixed roof offers up to 249 miles (400 km) of WLTP range, while the Plein Sud delivers up to 242 miles (389 km).

Pricing and Availability

The 4 E-Tech Plein Sud is available in two trims: Techno+ (mid-spec) and Iconic+ (top-spec). It costs £1,500 ($2,000) more than equivalent fixed-roof models.

Early access ordering is now open for Renault’s R Pass holders, who previously paid for priority reservation access. For the general public, orders open on May 14.

In the UK, the starting price after the grant is £27,445 ($37,412). In France, the starting price after incentives is €31,110 ($36,684).

Enhanced Safety Features

Renault has also updated the safety technology across the entire 4 E-Tech range to comply with Europe’s latest regulations. New features include:

• Driver fatigue monitoring
• Emergency stop function that safely slows the vehicle if the driver becomes unresponsive