We sometimes come across strange machines on the highway. Take the example of these three strangely silhouetted white Renault Clios, spotted during one of our reports at an Ionity fast-charging station on the A6 motorway. They have a body of Fifth generation Clio but their rough adjustments to the wheels betray their true identity: they are development mules from the French manufacturer, surprised while recharging their electric batteries.
These prototypes seem identical to those already observed a few weeks ago on other roads, described as those of the future 100% electric R5 city car. But a small detail bothers us: the ride height, which seems very high to us for a simple city car. Is it an optical effect, or are we rather in the presence of mules of the future 4L electric ? the latter must indeed take the form of a small 100% electric urban crossover, with more generous ground clearance. When questioned, the operators of the prototypes assured us that they were prototypes of the R5. They even told us that the car had 40 kWh batteries on board. A capacity which would therefore be identical to that of the Renault Mégane E-Tech in its EV40 version.
Megane E-Tech parts
Note that these mules have parts of Renault Mégane E-Tech inside, in particular at the level of the transmission selector to the right of the steering wheel and the steering wheel itself. But these are probably temporary parts, used only in the development of the car. Note also the location of the charging socket, placed to the left of the Renault diamond on the grille. Remember in passing that the electric R5 will be presented in 2023 and launched in 2024. The 4L, it will be launched in 2025. So, do you see more of an R5 or a 4L in these images?