Renault R4 JP4x4 Concept: A Retro Beach Buggy with Pickup Utility and Dual Motors

The Renault R4 JP4x4 Concept draws inspiration from iconic beach buggies of the 1970s, blending retro aesthetics with modern electric mobility. The concept vehicle features a custom body, a lifted stance, and a dual-motor electric powertrain, though Renault has confirmed there are no plans for production.

Renault has introduced a new concept based on the R4 E-Tech, designed for summer adventures. The R4 JP4x4 showcases an open-air two-door body, a reworked two-seat cabin with an exposed cargo area, and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain, ideal for sandy beach terrains.

The concept borrows elements from two historic R4 variants: the 1969 Plein Air and the 1981 JP4. Its name, JP4x4, stands for Journée à la Plage, which translates to “a day at the beach” in French.

Design and Features

The standout visual feature of the JP4x4 is the pair of half-doors replacing the production car’s five-door layout. These doors work in tandem with a redesigned roof structure, which includes an X-shaped element designed to carry a surfboard. The cabin lacks side windows and a canvas top, ensuring an open-air experience.

The concept is finished in a custom Emerald Green exterior paired with a vibrant orange interior. Beyond its beach buggy identity, it also functions as a pickup, featuring a drop-down tailgate for easy loading. The roof-mounted surfboard is complemented by a pair of skateboards stored in the cargo area.

Interior and Powertrain

Inside, the JP4x4 highlights include “Egyptian mummy” seats with integrated headrests and mixed-fabric upholstery. The dashboard and digital cockpit are carried over from the production electric vehicle (EV), with added features such as a passenger-side grab handle and a floating center console.

Like last year’s R4 Savane 4×4 concept, the JP4x4 is equipped with a dual-motor powertrain for AWD capability—a setup Renault has not yet offered on the production R4.

Mechanical Specifications

The concept rides 15 mm (0.6 inches) higher than the standard R4, with front and rear tracks widened by 10 mm (0.4 inches) per side. It rolls on 18-inch wheels with a futuristic design, fitted with chunkier Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ tires. Renault did not disclose any changes to the EV’s 2,624 mm (103.3 inches) wheelbase.

No Production Plans

Renault has stated that the JP4x4 will remain a one-off concept, with no plans for production. The show car will be displayed at the Roland-Garros French Open alongside the R4, R5, and Twingo E-Tech production EVs.

For customers seeking an open-air R4 E-Tech experience, Renault already offers the Plein Sud variant, which features an electric-powered canvas roof. The Plein Sud went on sale earlier this month, starting at €37,290 ($43,800).