Renault 4 Savane 4x4: Classic Off-Roader Goes Full Electric

Overview: Renault’s Electric Heritage Reimagined

Renault has revealed the Renault 4 Savane 4x4 Concept during the 2025 Roland-Garros French Open, blending its iconic off-road history with a modern electric drivetrain. This fully electric 4x4 draws direct inspiration from the original Renault 4 Savane of the 1980s and the earlier Colorale Savane from the 1950s.

It serves as a design and engineering showcase for Renault’s next-generation EV capabilities, built on the same AmpR Small platform as the Renault 5 E-Tech and upcoming Nissan Micra EV.

Exterior Design: Heritage with Purpose

The Renault 4 Savane 4x4 Concept reflects vintage utility with contemporary detailing.

Body Color: Finished in Jade Green, inspired by natural mineral tones.
Roof: Features a canvas top made from 3D-printed pixelated camouflage fabric.
Bumpers: Built with 3D-printed modules that absorb low-speed impacts, emphasizing functional ruggedness.
Lighting: Retro-inspired horizontal headlamps integrate with the squared body shape.
Wheels and Tires:
- 18-inch Savane wheels.
- Fitted with Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ 225/55 R18 tires.
- Reinforced for all-terrain durability.

Interior: Simple, Functional, Durable

Dashboard: Backlit “4Savane” logo at center.
Materials: Uses Deep Brown textiles for seating, paired with houndstooth inserts.
Door Panels: Designed to match the cabin’s tactile aesthetic with fabric pull loops and utilitarian accents.

The interior sticks to a rugged, minimalist approach, avoiding screens and chrome, in line with its outdoor positioning.

Powertrain and Off-Road Specs

The Renault 4 Savane 4x4 Concept uses a dual-motor electric drivetrain, one per axle, for full-time all-wheel drive.

Key Performance Specs

Component	Specification
Platform	AmpR Small
Drive System	Dual-motor AWD
Suspension	Increased ground clearance by 0.6 in (15 mm)
Track Width	Extended by 0.4 in (10 mm) on each side
Tire Size	225/55 R18 Goodyear all-terrain
Estimated Range	249 miles (400 km) WLTP (not confirmed)
Battery Capacity	Estimated 52 kWh (shared with Renault 5)

The concept’s increased ride height and wider stance aim to support moderate off-road use, including gravel, mud, and light trail terrain.

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Historical Significance of the “Savane” Nameplate

1950s: First used on the Renault Colorale Savane, known for its robust utility in rural Africa and South America.
1986–1992: Revived for the Renault 4 Savane, which combined city car practicality with a durable build.
2025 Concept: Honors both iterations with an electric architecture aimed at low-emission recreational use.

Renault ties the 4x4 concept’s heritage directly to its legacy of producing reliable, adaptable utility vehicles for developing regions and rugged conditions.

Sustainability Focus at Roland-Garros 2025

Renault’s electric presence at Roland-Garros goes beyond the 4x4 concept.

Sustainability Initiatives

187 electrified vehicles support tournament operations:
- Mostly Scenic E-Tech Electric and Rafale E-Tech Full Hybrid.
Two autonomous EV shuttles deployed for short-range passenger transport.
"Give Me 5" Program:
- Renovates tennis courts in underserved areas.
- Supported by athletes including Ugo Humbert and Casper Ruud.

These actions align with Renault’s stated target: carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040, globally by 2050.

Concept vs. Production Reality: What's Likely to Carry Over?

While the Renault 4 Savane 4x4 is a non-production design study, several features may appear in future models:

Platform sharing with Renault 5 and Nissan Micra EV suggests real-world feasibility.
AWD architecture could preview future Dacia or Renault off-road EVs.
Minimalist interiors without touchscreens reflect growing EV trends focused on cost and sustainability.
3D-printed bumper components hint at modular repairability.

Competitive Outlook

Renault is quietly positioning the 4 Savane Concept as an alternative to:

Jeep Avenger 4xe (AWD electric city SUV)
Suzuki Jimny EV (expected by 2026)
Dacia Bigster EV (due in 2025–26 with AWD variant)

This shows Renault is eyeing the compact off-road EV niche, previously underserved in European markets.

Conclusion

The Renault 4 Savane 4x4 Concept combines retro styling with modern EV technology to signal where Renault’s design and drivetrain strategy may be headed. Built for visibility at Roland-Garros but informed by history, the concept serves as both tribute and testing ground.

It doesn’t chase trends—it references Renault’s long-standing reputation for affordable utility vehicles, now pushed forward with zero-emissions hardware and modular off-road practicality.