Renault may greenlight AWD Savane 4x4 for the electric Renault 4
renault.com.mt
Renault is weighing an AWD Savane 4x4 for the electric Renault 4, with a production decision due in weeks. Built for Northern Europe, dual-motor EV adds grip.
Renault will decide in the coming weeks whether to put an all-wheel-drive version of the electric Renault 4 into series production. CEO Fabrice Cambolive said at the Car of the Year 2026 finale in Barcelona that he is personally pushing for the Savane 4x4 variant, which could broaden the model’s appeal.
The Renault 4 Savane 4x4 differs from the standard car by adding a second electric motor on the rear axle, delivering all-wheel drive without a traditional mechanical drivetrain. Cambolive noted that this configuration is particularly relevant for Northern Europe, where demand for AWD is traditionally higher. For regions with long winters and mixed road conditions, that approach aligns with what buyers already expect from a practical family crossover.
According to Cambolive, the delay in making the call wasn’t about engineering hurdles but about strategic priorities. The Renault 4 sits within the brand’s compact EV family alongside the Renault 5 and the upcoming Twingo, drawing inspiration from Renault’s historic nameplates. Placing the 4 next to the 5 and Twingo gives the lineup a clear structure and helps buyers navigate the choice.
At the same time, Cambolive emphasized that retro design won’t dictate every future Renault. Higher-segment models will lean into a modern look and advanced tech. Yet compact electric cars, including the potential Renault 4 Savane 4x4, remain central to the 2026 product strategy, aimed at winning over customers still on the fence about going electric. An AWD option could be the practical nudge that turns interest into commitment.
