Renault presents R4 concept inspired by beach buggies and pick-ups
The concept car draws its inspiration from the R4 models Plein Air (1969) and JP4 (1981). While the distinctive folding roof from the Plein Air recently made its way into the current production version of the R4 under the name Plein Sud, the name Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept is a direct homage to the original JP4. At the same time, ‘JP’ also stands for ‘journée à la plage’ (a day at the beach), reflecting the vehicle’s design as a beach car.Following the Fl4wer Power, the Savane 4×4, and the Vision 4Rescue for emergency services, the Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept is already the fourth concept vehicle based on the fully electric Renault 4 E-Tech. According to Renault, the JP4x4 is designed to embody ‘an adventurer with an open-air feel.’ It features two minimalist doors that open conventionally, an open roof, and a tailgate (without a soft top) that can be folded down like the side panel of a pick-up. A surfboard is strapped to the roof, while skateboards are stored in the boot.“A cross between a pick-up and a beach buggy, Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept was designed as a car with no real boundary between the exterior and the interior,” said Jean-Philippe Salar, Advanced Design Director at Renault. “This aspect is highlighted by the striking contrast between the Emerald Green of the bodywork and the vibrant orange of the interior textiles. With its striking design, door frames with orange surrounds and characteristic rear quarter panel area tapering towards the rear, Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept is a car unlike any other. The ultra-contemporary look is completed by a 3D-printed pattern on the sides, bringing to mind the world of sportswear and trainers. Designed first and foremost as a leisure vehicle, it invites us to reconnect with the freewheeling spirit of the 1960s and 1970s.”Technically, the R4 JP4x4 Concept is based on the same platform as the R4 Savane 4×4 Concept introduced in 2025. Its ground clearance is 15 mm higher than that of the standard Renault 4 E-Tech. Additionally, it features special Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ tyres in size 225/55 on 18-inch JP4 alloy wheels, along with a track width that is 10 mm wider at both the front and rear.Importantly, the R4 JP4x4 Concept is equipped with a second electric motor on the rear axle, providing permanent all-wheel drive. This enhances the vehicle’s agility and improves its off-road capabilities on sandy, rocky, and unpaved terrain. According to Renault, the showcar demonstrates the potential of the RGEV Small platform for a fully electric B-segment model with all-wheel drive.Renault’s choice to unveil the vehicle at the French Open stems from its premium partnership with the Grand Slam tournament, which has been in place since 2022. Last year, the aforementioned R4 Savane 4×4 Concept was also presented there. Furthermore, since 2024, Renault has been testing autonomous shuttle buses in collaboration with WeRide at the tournament. Last but not least, Renault offers special Roland Garros editions of the R4 and R5 to match the tennis event. In doing so, Renault has replaced its competitor Peugeot as the tournament’s vehicle partner, which had offered Roland Garros special editions for decades.renault.com
