Can a compact electric SUV handle a long motorway run?
We drove a Renault 4 E‑Tech from Paris to Le Havre to find out.
This article summarizes real‑world range, charging, comfort, and costs.
You will get numbers, impressions, and practical advice.
Quick overview of the Renault 4 E‑Tech
What is the R4 E‑Tech at a glance?
It is a compact electric SUV built on the AmpR Small platform.
It shares many parts with the Renault 5 E‑Tech.
Two main powertrain options exist: 120 hp with a 40 kWh battery, and 150 hp with a 52 kWh battery.
WLTP range sits around 300+ km for the small pack and roughly 408 km for the 52 kWh pack.
Power and battery choices
Which combo did we test?
We tested the more popular 150 hp motor with the 52 kWh battery.
This setup targets family use with a realistic range for daily and weekend trips.
The heavier body of the R4 reduces range slightly versus the smaller R5.
Charging specs and practical times
How fast does it charge in real life?
Peak DC charging is limited to about 100 kW on the 52 kWh model.
On AC, expect roughly 22h on a 2.3 kW domestic plug and about 4h on an 11 kW public charger.
Optimal rapid charging strategy is 10–80% to save time and battery stress.
Comfort, tech and practical interior details
Is the R4 comfortable on long runs?
Yes — the cabin has good insulation and supportive seats.
The R4 uses a heat pump, offers One‑Pedal mode, and integrates Google Automotive for navigation.
The semi‑autonomous aids and adaptive cruise work well on motorways.
Practical benefits include a 339 L boot, 36 L under‑floor storage, and a loading sill 16 cm lower than the R5.
Space and ergonomics
How does it feel inside for passengers?
Longer wheelbase gives about 4.4 cm more knee room than the R5.
Rear seating is higher, which may not suit everyone.
No footwell cave when front seats are fully lowered is a small drawback.
Paris to Normandy test — real numbers
What was our route and conditions?
We drove about 193 km, mostly on the A13 motorway.
Outside temperature was around 13°C and the wind was favorable.
Starting state and onboard estimate
What did the car show at departure?
At 100% charge the trip computer displayed about 384 km of range.
This figure reflects recent use and conservative estimation, not WLTP claims.
Consumption and remaining range
What consumption did we record at 130 km/h?
Measured consumption was 18.8 kWh/100 km on this motorway run.
That figure gave a practical full‑battery reach near 277 km.
Using the 10–80% window translates to roughly 194 km of usable travel.
Charging stops and real charging curve
How did fast charging behave on the road?
We charged twice at TotalEnergies fast chargers starting near 15% SOC.
Peak power reached about 82 kW for a sustained period.
15–80% took roughly 34 minutes in our test.
Power fell progressively after 60%, and dropped significantly above 80%.
Driving feel and motorway manners
Does the R4 cope with 130 km/h cruising?
Yes. Steering is stable and wind noise is low for its height.
Acceleration and overtakes are lively enough for motorway traffic.
One‑Pedal and regenerative braking work well, though the final stop can feel abrupt.
Driver aids and comfort tech
Does it include modern helpers?
Yes — lane keeping, adaptive cruise, and heated steering are available.
The infotainment is linked natively to Google Maps for route planning.
Battery preconditioning and electric‑specific menus make planning easier.
Costs, positioning and real choices
How much does the R4 E‑Tech cost?
Trim and battery change the price. The 52 kWh versions sit in the mid‑to‑high tens of thousands euros.
Higher trims with options can approach €40,000 before incentives.
Competing models sometimes offer more range or space at similar prices.
Practical pros and cons for holiday use
Is it a good holiday car?
Pros: compact footprint, decent motorway comfort, usable boot, modern tech.
Cons: range is modest versus larger rivals, charging peak is average, price can be high for segment.
Think of it like a city‑capable suitcase that also fits a weekend of luggage — handy but not oversized.
Real‑world tips for long trips with an R4 E‑Tech
How to get the best from the car?
Precondition the battery when possible to unlock higher charging power.
Plan stops using 10–80% charging blocks on fast chargers.
Keep steady speeds near limits to optimize consumption.
Use eco mode and heat pump to save energy in colder weather.
See also: How Xiaomi Produced 500000 Electric Vehicles in Record Time
Conclusion — final verdict
Is the Renault 4 E‑Tech fit for holiday motorway trips?
Yes, with caveats. The R4 handles long motorway runs comfortably.
Its real consumption at 130 km/h is reasonable for its size.
Charging speeds are average, but the car is usable on common fast‑charging networks.
If you value compact size, modern tech, and style, the R4 can work for vacations.
If you need long single‑leg range or maximum cargo for larger families, consider larger alternatives.
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