Renault 4 Plein Sud Review: Open-Roof EV With 392 KM Range

Renault has taken the Renault 4 E-Tech electric and given it the one feature small electric SUVs almost never get: a massive powered canvas roof. The result, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric Plein Sud, targets drivers who want open-air driving without giving up daily usability, boot space, towing ability, or sane EV range.

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The engineering story matters. Renault did not cut the roof and hope for the best. It built the car around the Plein Sud concept from the start, then used a three-fold canvas mechanism, polymer roof structure, body reinforcements, and careful acoustic work to keep weight, wind noise, and range loss under control.

Renault 4 E-Tech Electric Plein Sud Specs

The Plein Sud sits on Renault's AmpR Small platform and keeps the regular Renault 4's five-seat crossover layout. In addition, it uses the stronger 150 hp Comfort Range setup with the 52 kWh battery, which gives the roofed version enough punch for motorway use and enough range for weekly commuting.

Looking at the data, Renault chose practicality over theatre. The 420-litre boot, low loading sill, folding rear bench, and flat-folding front passenger seat all remain in play. Consequently, this open-roof EV still works for airport runs, garden-centre trips, folding furniture, skis, or a small trailer.

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Big Canvas Roof, Small Engineering Penalty

The roof opening measures 92 cm long and 80 cm wide, so passengers in the front and rear get open-air access. Specifically, the system opens or closes in about 10 seconds through an overhead button, the key, or Renault's Reno voice assistant when the motor runs.

Renault allows roof operation at speeds up to 90 km/h, or 56 mph. That matters in daily use because a driver can close it during a sudden shower without stopping. A wind deflector also controls airflow when the roof sits open, so the cabin should avoid the worst buffetting that often ruins cheaper sunroof systems.

From an expert perspective, the small range loss deserves attention. The CdA rise from 0.762 to 0.778 signals a modest aero penalty, but the 7 km WLTP drop looks controlled because Renault kept the mechanism light and avoided heavy metal roof parts. That choice also protects handling, since less mass high in the body helps the car retain a lower centre of gravity.

Powertrain, Charging, And Cold-Weather Logic

The Renault 4 E-Tech electric Plein Sud uses the 110 kW motor, equal to 150 hp, paired with the 52 kWh Comfort Range battery. Torque reaches 245 Nm, or 181 lb-ft, and that front-mounted electric motor gives the car instant low-speed response without a multi-speed gearbox.

By comparison, the regular Renault 4 range also offers a 40 kWh Urban Range model with 120 hp. Plein Sud buyers get the stronger setup, which suits the higher price and lifestyle positioning. Renault also fits 11 kW AC charging and up to 100 kW DC charging on the 52 kWh versions.

The cold-weather charging update adds real value. Renault now uses a water-to-water heat exchanger in the battery heating circuit, so preconditioning works faster in low temperatures. At around 0 degrees Celsius, the 15 to 80 percent charge time drops from one hour to 50 minutes after a short drive, and it can fall to 40 minutes after a longer drive.