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Alpine’s Electric Shift: The A390 and the Future of Performance Crossovers

The electric vehicle landscape is rapidly evolving, and Alpine is making a bold statement. Once a brand synonymous with lightweight, driver-focused sports cars, Alpine is now charting a course towards a fully electric future, starting with the A390 – a vehicle that defies easy categorization. But the A390 isn’t just about adding another EV to the market; it represents a pivotal shift in how performance and practicality can coexist, and a glimpse into how established automotive brands will navigate the complexities of electrification.

Beyond the Berlinette: Alpine’s Expanding “Dream Garage”

For years, Alpine existed as a niche player, largely defined by the iconic A110. The launch of the A290, based on the Renault 5 E-Tech platform, signaled the beginning of a broader strategy. Now, the A390 steps out as Alpine’s first electric model not directly derived from an existing Renault. This independence is crucial. It demonstrates Alpine’s ambition to forge its own identity within the electric space, rather than simply rebadging existing models. This is a strategic move, allowing Alpine to cultivate a distinct brand image centered around performance and driving pleasure, even in an electric format.

The A390’s design, described as a “sport fastback,” lands squarely in the increasingly popular crossover segment. At 4.62 meters long, it’s slightly shorter than the Renault Rafale, but its 1.53-meter height positions it closer to SUVs than traditional sedans. The styling, evolved from the A390_β concept, strikes a balance between aggressive lines and everyday usability. The illuminated front and rear branding, along with the French flag accents on the C-pillars, are subtle nods to Alpine’s heritage.

A Familiar Yet Distinctive Interior

Stepping inside, the A390’s interior reveals a pragmatic approach. While the concept car boasted a futuristic, extravagant cabin, the production model shares many elements with current Renault offerings. This isn’t necessarily a drawback; the fit and finish are generally excellent, and the overall design is successful. However, it does raise the question of whether Alpine could have leveraged the opportunity to create a truly unique interior experience.

Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the importance of a well-designed interior in the EV era. With less engine noise, the cabin becomes a more prominent part of the driving experience.

Fortunately, Alpine has retained key brand-specific touches. The steering wheel, borrowed from the A290, features the RCH command for adjusting regenerative braking and the OV (Overboost) function for a temporary power boost. The central console and seating – particularly the available Sabelt bucket seats in the GTS trim – further reinforce Alpine’s performance credentials. The Android Automotive OS infotainment system is intuitive and provides access to telemetry data and even circuit challenges, appealing to the enthusiast driver.

Performance Under the Skin: Tri-Motor Power and Weight Considerations

The A390’s most significant technical feature is its tri-motor powertrain – one motor at the front and two at the rear – enabling all-wheel drive and advanced torque vectoring. The GT version delivers 400 hp and 650 Nm of torque, while the GTS model ramps up to 470 hp and 808 Nm. This translates to a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.9 seconds for the GTS, matching the A110 R.

However, this performance comes at a cost: weight. At 2121 kg, the A390 is nearly double the weight of the A110 R. This is a common challenge for electric vehicles, and Alpine’s engineers will need to effectively manage this mass to maintain the brand’s signature agility. The weight distribution (49% front, 51% rear) is promising, but the lack of rear steering or advanced suspension systems – opting instead for a more cost-effective hydraulic stop suspension – raises questions about its handling prowess.

“The A390’s tri-motor setup is a bold move, promising impressive performance, but the weight remains a significant hurdle,” notes automotive analyst, Sarah Miller, in a recent industry report. J.D. Power data consistently shows that consumer perception of EV performance is heavily influenced by handling and responsiveness, not just raw power.

Range, Charging, and Production

The A390 is equipped with an 89 kWh battery, utilizing lithium-ion NMC chemistry sourced from Verkor and LG. This provides a WLTP-estimated range of up to 555 km. Charging speeds peak at 190 kW, allowing for a 15-80% charge in under 25 minutes. While respectable, these figures aren’t class-leading, and competition in the EV space is fierce.

Production of the A390 takes place at Alpine’s Dieppe factory, alongside the A110, requiring significant adaptation of the facility. The electric motors are manufactured in Cléon, and the battery pack is assembled in Douai, showcasing a commitment to local sourcing and manufacturing. Pricing is expected to range from €65,000 to €76,000, positioning it competitively against rivals like the Cupra Tavascan.

The Rise of the Performance Crossover

The Alpine A390 isn’t operating in a vacuum. It’s entering a rapidly expanding segment of performance crossovers. Brands like Porsche (Macan EV), BMW (iX), and Tesla (Model Y Performance) are already vying for dominance. The A390’s success will depend on its ability to differentiate itself through a compelling combination of performance, design, and brand identity.

Key Takeaway: The A390 represents Alpine’s calculated gamble on the future of performance cars. It’s a move that acknowledges the growing demand for electric vehicles while attempting to preserve the brand’s core values of driving pleasure and agility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Alpine A390’s range?

A: The A390 is estimated to have a WLTP range of up to 555 km.

Q: How powerful is the Alpine A390?

A: The A390 GT produces 400 hp and 650 Nm of torque, while the GTS version delivers 470 hp and 808 Nm.

Q: Where is the Alpine A390 manufactured?

A: The A390 is assembled at Alpine’s factory in Dieppe, France.

Q: What are the A390’s main competitors?

A: Key competitors include the Cupra Tavascan, Porsche Macan EV, and Tesla Model Y Performance.

The A390’s arrival signals a broader trend: the electrification of performance. As battery technology improves and charging infrastructure expands, we can expect to see more and more high-performance EVs challenging the status quo. The question isn’t whether electric vehicles can be sporty, but rather how brands like Alpine will redefine performance for a new generation. What will the future hold for Alpine and the performance crossover segment? Only time will tell, but the A390 is undoubtedly a significant step in that direction.

Explore more about the evolving EV landscape in our guide to EV charging infrastructure.