Alpine Unleashes A390

Alpine Revamps for the EV Era

Alpine, a classic French brand known for performance, is redefining itself in the electric vehicle (EV) world. Recently, they made waves with the launch of the A290, an electric hatchback that’s essentially a punchier version of one of Renault’s smaller models. But, the market trends suggest that EV buyers often look for space, which has pushed Alpine to dip into the faster-growing crossover segment. Think along the lines of Tesla’s Model Y or BYD’s offerings. Alpine’s latest addition aims to tap into this space, delivering a unique edge with its fresh take on crossover aesthetics.

A390: The Sport Fastback

Alpine’s latest, the A390, is a five-door electric crossover, or as they like to brand it, a “sport fastback.” It’s a daring evolution from their A390_β concept, blending influences from their A110 sports car with sleek, futuristic touches. It comes with hidden door handles and a roofline that hints at coupe origins—a refreshing change of pace from the common ‘egg-shaped’ design of many competitors.

Measuring in at 181.7 inches in length, 74.2 inches wide, and 60.3 inches high, with a wheelbase of 106.6 inches, the A390 is roomy yet aggressively styled. It rests on Renault’s AmpR Medium platform, sharing tech with the Renault Megane E-Tech and Nissan Ariya, among others. Its all-wheel-drive system equipped with Active Torque Vectoring ensures this isn’t just another average crossover.

Power and Performance

The A390 is available in two trims: GT and GTS. The GT boasts 396 horsepower with 480 pound-feet of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. It hits a top speed of 124 mph. The GTS variant ups the game with 463 hp and 596 lb-ft of torque, sprinting to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and pushing to a top speed of 137 mph. Both trims house an 89 kWh battery promising a range between 323 and 345 miles per charge based on WLTP standards and support up to 190 kW for DC fast charging.

Adding to the thrill, there’s a steering wheel-mounted “overtake” function giving a power boost for those quick highway maneuvers. It’s all capped off by “Drive Sound” profiles that change the vehicle’s acoustic ambiance between daily driving and sportier pursuits.

Inside, familiar design elements from Alpine and Renault give a cozy feel, but splashes of luxury remind that this is a premium EV. High-end versions feature Nappa leather seats with built-in massage settings and a state-of-the-art 13-speaker Devialet audio system. Tech comes in the form of a 12.3-inch digital gauge and a 12-inch infotainment screen aligned to the driver’s focus.

While pricing specifics haven’t landed yet, word is it’ll come out competitive against the likes of the Porsche Macan Electric at approximately $75,300 or the Maserati Grecale Folgore tagged at about $109,000.

Concluding Thoughts

The A390 exclusively targets European markets for now, as Alpine is holding off launching stateside due to the current tariff landscape. However, if Alpine does manage to roll out in the U.S., this might just attract the intriguing crowd that enjoys standing out from the automotive norm. Mixing advanced performance with bold aesthetics could just be the recipe that has U.S. car enthusiasts reevaluating their choices in an increasingly electric future.