New Renault Duster spy shots show rear electric motor

The Renault Duster 4x4 has been spied testing again in international markets, showing the electric rear axle for the first time. While the model spied, courtesy of Motor.es, wears Dacia badges, the SUV from Renault is near-identical, with only minor design changes.

1. Duster 4x4 combines mild-hybrid 1.2-litre turbo-petrol with e-motor
2. The rear axle e-motor setup is similar to the Jeep Avenger 4xe
3. Renault Duster India launch in 2026

2025 Renault Duster 4x4 with electric rear axle

Rear axle e-motor developed by Valeo

Duster e-4x4 to get automatic gearbox only

The third-generation Duster was revealed for international markets last year, though the version with the electric AWD system is yet to arrive. The latest images of the SUV on test clearly show the electric motor on the rear axle. Similar to the recently spied Duster 4x4 LPG, the standard model utilises a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and a 48V mild-hybrid system, along with the aforementioned motor on the rear axle.

Combined outputs have yet to be revealed, but in essence, the rear axle motor will only come into play in low-grip situations or when the driver selects an off-road mode on the terrain selection system available on the international-spec Duster. The system, developed by French brand Valeo, works in a similar manner to the Jeep Avenger 4xe’s system. Sources tell us that an automatic gearbox will be standard on the Duster 4x4 with the electric rear axle.

Renault Duster India launch details

Renault Duster 4x4 unlikely for India

To be followed by Renault Bigster

As we reported earlier, Renault will bring the new Duster to India in 2026, with production slated to begin in September this year. The French company is yet to confirm which powertrain options it will offer in India for its Hyundai Creta rival. However, the 4x4 version, especially the Duster e-AWD, is an unlikely choice due to aggressive cost targets. We do know that it will be a petrol-only offering.

Nissan’s version of the Duster is likely to follow the Renault SUV, and the seven-seat versions from the two brands – based on the recently revealed Bigster – will launch in India after.