- The Plein Sud version of Renault 4 E-Tech electric with its opening canvas roof is now available to order, with prices starting at €37,290 for the Techno trim and €39,290 for the Iconic trim (depending on the country, before government incentives).
- The electric-powered canvas roof extends to 92 cm in length and 80 cm in width, flooding the cabin with light and allowing all passengers in both front and rear to enjoy the open-air experience.
- Renault 4 E-Tech electric was designed from the outset for the Plein Sud version, so the canvas roof has no visible impact on key characteristics, and more particularly passenger headroom.
- At the same time, all versions of Renault 4 E-Tech electric are gaining new features, including advanced driver monitoring system, bringing the total number of driving aids to 28.
04 May 2026-PHOTOS CREDIT-Renault Group.
The name Plein Sud (due south) immediately brings to mind blue skies and sunshine. Here, it refers first and foremost to the Plein Air version of the original Renault 4, an open-top model in which the doors, roof and tailgate were replaced by a simple soft top. Without going quite that far, Renault 4 E-Tech electric Plein Sud also delivers an open-air experience with its electric-powered canvas roof. This version is available to order starting today in two-tone and solid Starry Black colours. Other solid colours will be available in a few weeks, from €37,290 for the Techno trim and €39,290 for the Iconic trim (depending on the country, before government incentives).
The black opening canvas roof is a striking design feature that gives Renault 4 E-Tech electric a new look. The roof bars are removed to maximise the opening, while the antenna is now integrated with the rear window. The vehicle was designed from the outset for this canvas roof, so it has no significant impact on any of the key features. Headroom, for example, remains virtually unchanged: 906 mm at the front and 813 mm at the rear, compared with 886 mm and 853 mm respectively with a conventional roof.
Optimised acoustics and weight
Renault drew on the expertise of its partners Webasto and Haartz to give Renault 4 E-Tech electric Plein Sud a roof that is lined to deliver superior acoustics and sealing with no trade-off in weight. The structural components of the roof are made of plastic rather than metal, and the canvas folds into three rather than four when opening. These considered choices reduce overall weight while increasing efficiency. Acoustics are optimised by the thickness of the canvas when the roof is closed and by a deflector reducing external road noise, when the roof is open.
A wide opening
The engineers who developed the canvas sunroof faced another challenge alongside the soundproofing. They had to make the opening as large as possible, providing a clear view not only for passengers in the front but also for those at the rear, without the roof in their line of vision. With the support of its partners, Renault maximised the dimensions to obtain a length of 92 cm and a width of 80 cm. As a result, even passengers in the rear can enjoy the view.
The canvas roof of Renault 4 E-Tech electric Plein Sud can be opened in a number of intermediate positions as required, using a button (on the key or near the inside rearview mirror) or voice control with the Reno avatar.
More driving aids, shorter charging times
At the same time, the entire Renault 4 E-Tech electric range is gaining new features, starting with the advanced driver monitoring system. Using an interior camera installed in the left-hand windscreen pillar, this function detects driver fatigue or distraction. As a result, driver alertness is included in the Safety Score displayed after each journey.
Another new safety-focused driving aid is the emergency stop assist function. Working in conjunction with active driver assist, it slows the vehicle to a standstill on the road (where possible) if the driver is inactive (no hands on the steering wheel). Further, the eco-driving assistant is now predictive: using onboard maps to analyse the road ahead, it is able to warn drivers of upcoming bends, roundabouts, etc. so they can ease off the accelerator, for energy savings and greater safety.
Further, customers can now take advantage of a new service, with 2 GB/month of data for three years or until the end of their contract with Mobilize Financial Services (all contracts excluding conventional loans). This is sufficient for daily use of the most popular in-car apps. It corresponds, for example, to up to 40 hours of music with audio streaming (normal quality) or up to three hours of video streaming per month.
Finally, concerning the technical layout, a new water-to-water heat exchanger is provided for the battery heating circuit. This improves charging times when conditions are cold (around 0°C) or extremely cold (-20°C), through the electric route planner. As a result, charging the battery from 15% to 80% takes 50 minutes instead of one hour in the first case and 1 hr 10 minutes instead of 1 hr 45 minutes in the second case, when the car has been driven for less than 10 minutes. Charging times are further reduced to 40 and 55 minutes respectively when the car has been driven for over an hour.
