Renault unveils open-air 4 JP4x4 electric concept

Renault has revealed the 4 JP4x4 Concept, an open-air electric show car inspired by classic beach cruiser versions of the original Renault 4.

The concept will make its public debut at the 2026 Roland-Garros French Open and is based on the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric platform.

Renault says the concept draws inspiration from the original Renault 4 Plein Air and JP4 variants, combining retro styling with electric all-wheel-drive capability.

The 4 JP4x4 follows earlier Renault 4-based concepts including the Savane 4×4 Concept and Vision 4Rescue, which the company says demonstrate the flexibility of its small EV platform.

The concept features open-frame doors, an exposed roof structure and a fold-down rear tailgate designed to resemble a ute tray.

Renault says the vehicle embraces a “carefree summer vibe” and has intentionally been designed without a traditional roof.

The body is finished in Emerald Green inspired by Renault 4 colours from the 1970s and 1980s, while the interior uses bright orange trim and retro-inspired bucket seats.

Additional lifestyle-themed details include a surfboard mounted to the roof and skateboards stored in the rear cargo area.

Renault advanced design director Jean-Philippe Salar says the concept was designed to blur the distinction between inside and outside.

“A cross between a pick-up and a beach buggy, Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept was designed as a car with no real boundary between the exterior and the interior,” Salar says.

“With its striking design, door frames with orange surrounds and characteristic rear quarter panel area tapering towards the rear, Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept is a car unlike any other.”

The concept rides 15mm higher than the standard Renault 4 E-Tech Electric and features wider tracks, 18-inch wheels and Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ tyres.

Renault has also fitted a second electric motor to the rear axle, giving the concept permanent all-wheel drive designed to improve traction on sand, gravel and rough terrain.

The company says the setup also demonstrates the potential for future four-wheel-drive applications using the Renault 4 EV platform.

The 4 JP4x4 Concept will be displayed alongside other Renault electric vehicles at Roland-Garros, including the Renault 4 Roland-Garros E-Tech Electric, Renault 5 Roland-Garros E-Tech Electric and the upcoming Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric.