PARIS: The Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept will make its debut on May 18 at the 2026 Roland-Garros French Open.
A fresh take on the Plein Air (1969) and JP4 (1981) versions of the original Renault 4, it reboots the ‘leisure’ styling of these vehicles with its playful, upbeat design.
Although the name is a direct tribute to the original JP4, it could also stand for “journée à la plage” (a day at the beach) with Renault 4.
The Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept has a four-wheel drive system, and is billed as a chic and modern beach car.
It features a second electric motor on the rear axle, allowing it to switch to four-wheel drive mode for driving on sandy terrain.
Following FL4WER Power, Savane 4x4 and Vision 4Rescue, the Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept is the fourth concept-car based on Renault 4 E-Tech electric.
Like the first two vehicles, it features green bodywork.
In this case, a slightly pearlescent Emerald Green with a bright, optimistic vibe.
This shade is a modern retake on the original Emerald Green (code 927) and Lettuce Green (code 913) available on the ‘4L’ in the 1970s and 1980s.
The body colour is a sharp contrast with the orange of the interior. Two vibrant, pop colours for a bright, lively and cheerful design.
In terms of styling, Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept is an adventurer with an open-air feel.
Alongside two minimalist doors that open in the conventional way, it features an openwork roof in the form of a cross for maximum stiffness as well as a tailgate (without a soft top) that drops down like the side panel of a pick-up truck for easy loading.
In a nod to the ‘leisure’ styling of the original Plein Air and JP4 models, a surfboard is strapped to the roof with skateboards stowed in the boot.
Inside the vehicle, the bucket seats are reminiscent of the iconic “Egyptian mummy” seats with built-in headrests, as seen on several Renault models in the 1970s.
They feature mixed-fabric upholstery with a crepe base and diagonal mesh sections, for an elegant, sporty look. The door panels, boot surround and dashboard also feature a textile finish, while the dashboard includes a grab handle on the passenger side should the terrain get bumpy.
The floating centre console is an original feature, giving the fresh and airy interior a sophisticated but robust feel.
Last, the distinctive JP4 logo can be seen on the central outer pillar, while ‘4x4’ appears on the front wing at the side and also on the boot at the rear.
Renault advanced design director Jean-Philippe Salar said, "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. This aspect is highlighted by the striking contrast between the Emerald Green of the bodywork and the vibrant orange of the interior textiles."
The Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept is built on the same platform as Renault 4 Savane 4x4 Concept, unveiled in 2025.
Ground clearance is therefore 15mm higher than on the standard version of Renault 4 E-Tech electric.
It keeps the 18-inch wheel size but with special Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ 225/55 tyres and specific “JP4” wheels, while the front and rear tracks are 10mm wider on either side.
