It's now official: Fiat has just unveiled a Grande Panda 4×4 Concept, just a few days after Renault lifted the veil on its R4 Savane 4×4 Concept. Two icons of the 80s, two names steeped in history, and two modern visions of the urban 4×4. The timing is no coincidence: both manufacturers are banking on the return of legendary models to appeal to a new generation of adventurers... or awaken the nostalgia of their loyal customers.
A Grande Panda 4×4 to revive nostalgia
On May 20, 2025, Fiat unveiled a long-awaited concept: the Grande Panda 4×4. Presented as "a bold reinterpretation of the icon of the 80s", this concept claims a direct filiation with the legendary 1983 Panda 4×4, famous for its off-road efficiency and urban practicality.
The model is dressed in a deep burgundy with retro beige details, incorporates several aesthetic elements that evoke the world of adventure: additional headlamps, reinforced underframes, roof-mounted luggage rack... Unsurprisingly, the technical base is based on front-wheel drive with an electrified rear axle, just like its Renault competitor. This architecture enables all-wheel drive without any mechanical linkage.
Renault R4 Savane 4×4: the other iconic comeback
A few days earlier, on May 16, Renault hit back with the unveiling of its 4L Savane 4×4 Concept, exhibited at Roland-Garros. Developed on the basis of the new Renault 4 E-Tech, it too adopts a dual-motor system: one at the front, one at the rear, for 100 % electric all-wheel drive. All on the AmpR Small platform, inherited from the R5 E-Tech.
The design leaves no one indifferent: Jade Green color, integrated tent on the roof, brown houndstooth upholstery, backlit logos... The concept targets "gentleman explorers", blending self-assumed nostalgia with ecological ambitions. Renault is even announcing a possible market launch by 2027.
A duel of concepts... but nothing concrete (yet)
For Fiat, this concept marks a decisive step forward. Back in February, we revealed that the Italian brand was only at the feasibility study for the Fiat Grande Panda 4×4. Olivier François, Fiat's Managing Director, and Guillaume Clerc, Product Manager, had set strict conditions: commercial success for the thermal Grande Panda, an off-road design and realistic technical choices, between hybrid and electric all-wheel drive.
Today, the prototype is here. But no timetable, pricing or production confirmation has yet been announced. The situation is similar at Renault, despite more precise rumours of a target date (2027). These are still just concept cars, intended to gauge the reaction of the public, the media and international markets.
Towards a new segment of mini SUV 4×4 city cars?
The simultaneous return of the Grande Panda 4×4 and the R4 Savane 4×4 may mark the birth of a new segment: all-wheel-drive city cars, compact, electric or hybrid, capable of going off the beaten track without falling into the traditional SUV category. It's a positioning that could appeal not only to nature-lovers and mountain enthusiasts, but also to those nostalgic for the 80s, in search of models that are both accessible and versatile.
The rivalry between the Fiat Panda 4×4 and the Renault 4 Savane 4×4 marked a whole generation. In 2025, history could well repeat itself, but with modern lines and electrified technologies. Until we know more about their possible industrialization, one thing is certain: both concepts are very real, very ambitious, and directly inspired by their glorious past.
So, Fiat or Renault? Burgundy red or jade green? Concept or future bestseller? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: the war for vintage urban 4×4s is on.
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I was just looking at the beautiful Fiat Panda 4×4 yesterday on the Garage Italia website. The Grande Panda is much more visually appealing than the Renault, but technically the R4 is far more advanced. Since the Jimny has been discontinued in Europe, there's certainly a market for it. All that remains now is to be able to produce it...