Renault has once again demonstrated its electric mastery, with the Renault 4 E-Tech electric securing both the coveted ‘World Champion’ and ‘Best Electric Car’ titles at the 2025/26 New Car World Championships. This marks the second consecutive year that Renault has claimed the overall win, following last year’s triumph of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric.
The accolades highlight Renault’s commitment to creating electric vehicles that blend style, technology, and practicality. Mike Rutherford, Founder and Chair of the New Car World Championships, praised the R4 E-Tech electric’s achievements:
“The Renault 4 E-Tech electric is, all things considered, superior to and more desirable than many of its more expensive EV rivals from across the globe. For this and other reasons, the Renault 4 richly deserves to be crowned The New Car World Champion 2025/2026.”
Adam Wood, Managing Director of Renault UK, added:
“The Renault 4 E-Tech electric is proof that practicality and personality can go hand in hand. Following Renault 5’s prior success at these awards, this accolade for R4 further proves that our electric range provides the captivating style, intuitive technology and efficiency of a class-leading modern EV.”
Judged by an International Panel of Experts
The New Car World Championships are run by the independent, not-for-profit Best Cars of the Year organisation. Each year, a diverse international panel of designers, engineers, journalists, TV presenters, racing drivers, and industry leaders evaluates contenders across multiple categories. This year’s panel included esteemed figures such as Dr Andy Palmer, automotive journalist Ray Massey, design legend Shiro Nakamura, and founder Mike Rutherford himself.
A Modern Classic Reimagined
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric is a contemporary reinterpretation of the iconic original. Its 2.62m wheelbase ensures impressive interior space, with ample room for rear passengers. Practicality extends to the 420-litre boot, easily accessed via a wide-opening tailgate with a low load sill. Folding the rear seats transforms the cargo area into a generous 1,405 litres, ideal for family life or weekend adventures.
Technology and convenience are equally well-represented. Every Renault 4 E-Tech electric comes standard with the award-winning OpenR Link system, delivered via a 10.1-inch central touchscreen. For fast, stress-free journeys, the 100 kW DC charger enables charging from 15% to 80% in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy urban lifestyles or longer road trips.
Accessible Innovation
Affordability has been a cornerstone of Renault’s electric strategy. Every Renault EV qualifies for the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant, which this year brings the starting on-the-road price for the Renault 4 E-Tech electric down to £25,495. This combination of accessible pricing, cutting-edge technology, and practical versatility underlines why the R4 E-Tech electric has captured the hearts of both the panel and drivers alike.
With its distinctive design, generous space, and advanced technology, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric doesn’t just compete in the EV market—it sets a benchmark for what modern electric mobility can deliver. Two years running, Renault proves that leading the electric revolution is as much about innovation as it is about passion.
