2026 Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud Iconic
By Lorenzo Bianchi June 12, 2026
Renault introduces a powered canvas roof with an 80x92 cm opening.
Electric B-SUV retains up to 1,350 litres of cargo space despite the roof system.
52 kWh battery delivers up to 242 miles of WLTP range.
Renault Gives the Renault 4 an Open-Air Twist
The 2026 Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud feels less like a separate model and more like Renault remembering what made the original Renault 4 charming in the first place.
Instead of adding extra power or a sportier suspension setup, Renault has focused on something much simpler here: fresh air. The new Plein Sud version introduces a full-length electric canvas roof inspired by the folding fabric roof used on older Renault 4 models decades ago.
And oddly enough, that small change shifts the entire character of the vehicle.
Renault says the Plein Sud becomes the only electric B-segment SUV currently offering a fully opening roof. That alone gives it a slightly unusual place in the growing compact EV market, where most rivals tend to focus more heavily on screens, software, and efficiency numbers.
The canvas roof opens electrically through either a one-touch switch or Renault’s Reno voice assistant system. When fully opened, the aperture measures 80 cm long and 92 cm wide, creating a much more open cabin experience than a traditional panoramic glass roof.
Canvas Roof Changes the Atmosphere Inside
Visually, the Renault 4 Plein Sud remains very close to the standard Renault 4 E-Tech electric underneath.
The familiar upright proportions, squared-off rear section, and retro-inspired lighting signatures all remain intact. Renault removes the roof bars and shark-fin antenna on Plein Sud models to maximize the opening area and keep the roofline visually cleaner.
The roof itself folds neatly into three sections rather than retracting completely into the bodywork. Renault claims the multi-layer construction maintains strong sealing and acoustic performance when closed, while also minimizing any noticeable loss in headroom.
Inside, the cabin layout stays largely unchanged from the regular Renault 4 E-Tech. A 10-inch OpenR Link touchscreen with Google built-in remains central to the dashboard, paired with a 10.3-inch digital instrument display.
There is still a slightly playful atmosphere to the interior, helped by textile dashboard trims, ambient lighting, and recycled fabric upholstery options depending on trim level.
Practicality Hasn’t Been Sacrificed
The surprising part is how little practicality Renault claims to have lost.
Unlike some older folding-roof systems that compromised luggage space heavily, the Plein Sud retains up to 1,350 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded. The low 607 mm loading sill and wide-opening tailgate also remain unchanged.
Ground clearance sits at 181 mm, which helps maintain the slightly adventurous crossover positioning Renault is aiming for.
Familiar Electric Hardware Carries Over
Mechanically, the Plein Sud continues using Renault’s 52 kWh battery pack and 150 hp electric motor. The setup produces 245 Nm of torque and delivers a claimed WLTP range of up to 242 miles.
Performance remains fairly modest but appropriate for the segment, with Renault quoting 0-62 mph in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 93 mph.
DC fast charging reaches up to 100 kW, allowing a 15 to 80 percent recharge in approximately 30 minutes.
Pricing starts at £27,445 after the UK Electric Car Grant, with first customer deliveries expected during the third quarter of 2026.