In the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles, a new contender is emerging from the storied French marque, Alpine. Known for its rich motorsport heritage and the critically acclaimed, feather-light A110 sports car, Alpine is now setting its sights on the electric future with the A390. This is no mere compliance car; Alpine boldly claims it’s a "race car in a suit," aiming to inject the passion and precision of motorsport into an everyday electric package. As Alpine prepares for a significant global expansion, including a much-anticipated entry into the US market by 2027 with a three-car electric lineup, the A390 stands as a pivotal model, tasked with capturing broader market attention and showcasing the brand’s unique identity.
A Design That Dares to Be Different
Alpine’s design philosophy has always been about individuality, a stark contrast to the increasingly homogenized aesthetic of many new EVs. The A390 continues this tradition, building upon the DNA that made the A110 so captivating. While it shares a visual kinship with its lightweight sibling, particularly in its profile and shoulder lines, the A390 sports distinct aerodynamic elements. Air curtains and sharp bonnet blades are not just for show; they serve a functional purpose, channeling air for optimal performance. Alpine’s naming conventions might raise an eyebrow – the triangular details on the nose are rather inexplicably dubbed "cosmic dust" – and the snowflake-inspired alloy wheels are certainly a talking point. However, these eccentricities contribute to an overall design that is undeniably individual and engaging, a breath of fresh air in a sea of automotive sameness.
The Heart of the Electric Beast: Alpine’s Technical Prowess
The A390 is a testament to Alpine’s commitment to electric innovation, leveraging the collective technical strength of the Renault Group. Its electric motors are meticulously crafted at a dedicated facility in Cléon, a town with a deep industrial heritage. The battery cells, a crucial component of any EV, are sourced from Verkor, a company focused on sustainable battery technology, with modules produced in Dunkirk and expertly assembled at Renault’s facility in Douai. The chassis, the very foundation of the car’s dynamic capabilities, is engineered and built at Alpine’s historic Le Mans plant – a location steeped in motorsport legend.
This intricate network of production highlights a pragmatic approach to EV development. The A390, like the smaller A290 and various upcoming Renault models such as the 4, 5, and Twingo, is part of a broader strategy to share platforms and technology. It utilizes an evolution of the AmpR Medium architecture, a platform already proving its worth in vehicles like the Megane E-Tech and Nissan’s Ariya and Leaf. This synergy is not just about cost-effectiveness; it’s a strategic move to accelerate the development of advanced EV platforms while still allowing for significant differentiation.
Chasing the A110’s Agility: Engineering for Perceived Lightness
Alpine’s ambition for the A390 is clear: to replicate the razor-sharp agility and driving pleasure of the legendary A110, despite the inherent weight of an electric powertrain. "The driving force behind the A390’s dynamics was to make it as fast and agile as the A110," explains Robert Bonetto, VP of Vehicle Projects. "To achieve this, we had to eliminate the impact of the battery’s weight with a technical solution to enhance the perceived lightness."
This concept of "perceived lightness" is crucial. The A110, weighing a mere 1,140 kg, is celebrated for its analogue purity. The A390, by necessity of its electric drivetrain, is significantly heavier, tipping the scales at roughly double that of its gasoline-powered predecessor. However, Alpine has gone to extraordinary lengths to mitigate this. The 89 kWh battery pack employs new cell chemistry and an advanced cooling system designed to ensure sustained power delivery and efficient charging and discharging, minimizing performance degradation over time.
A Tri-Motor Setup for Unparalleled Control
Perhaps the most striking engineering innovation within the A390 is its unique tri-motor configuration. This setup features a single coil motor on the front axle and two permanent synchronous motors powering each of the rear wheels. This arrangement provides a substantial total power output, ranging from 396 bhp in the GT guise to an exhilarating 463 bhp in the top-tier GTS model. This multi-motor architecture is not just about brute force; it unlocks a new level of dynamic control.
By distributing power independently to each rear wheel, Alpine has achieved sophisticated active torque vectoring. This system actively manages the slip at each wheel and precisely adjusts the torque distribution from left to right, optimizing grip and enhancing steering response. This is further augmented by an intelligent torque split between the front and rear axles, creating a highly responsive and agile driving experience. This sophisticated interplay of power delivery is a key element in Alpine’s quest to deliver that elusive "perceived lightness."
The Purity of Passive Damping and Confident Engineering
In a world of increasingly complex adaptive suspension systems, Alpine has made a deliberate and confident choice: passive damping. This approach, while seemingly simpler, adds less weight, cost, and complexity compared to multi-mode adaptive systems. It aligns with the brand’s motorsport ethos, prioritizing a direct connection between the driver and the road.
Furthermore, the A390 eschews sophisticated aids like four-wheel steering or active anti-roll bars – technologies often employed to mask dynamic deficiencies. Instead, Alpine relies on its fundamental engineering prowess and the sophisticated torque-vectoring system to achieve its dynamic goals. This confident approach is no doubt influenced by the leadership of Philippe Krief, Alpine’s VP of Engineering, a former Ferrari R&D boss whose career boasts contributions to some of the Italian marque’s most celebrated modern vehicles. The result is an EV that, despite its weight, delivers a driving experience that is both refined and dynamically engaging, feeling grown-up and expensively engineered.
A Drive That Exhilarates: Performance and Handling
During our test drive of the A390 GT, it was immediately apparent that this is an EV built for driving enthusiasts. While the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.8 seconds is brisk, it’s the punchy mid-range acceleration that truly shines, offering effortless overtaking and a sense of urgency in everyday driving. The five available drive modes, including Sport and Track settings, allow drivers to tailor the steering effort, throttle response, and torque-vectoring aggressiveness to their preferences. The Live Data display on the central screen provides a fascinating real-time insight into each wheel’s performance, even hinting at the potential for a controlled amount of oversteer – a delightful touch for those who enjoy exploring the limits.
Alpine’s torque-vectoring strategy prioritizes sharpening the front end and neutralizing the rear, leading to a driving experience that is polished and controlled, rather than overtly wild. This contrasts with some more extroverted performance EVs, offering a more sophisticated overall dynamic package. The braking system is equally impressive, with a blue rotary dial on the steering wheel offering adjustable regenerative braking levels, including a one-pedal driving mode. A vibrant red "boost" button provides an extra surge of power, perfect for exhilarating acceleration or for use with the launch control system – though often, your right foot will suffice.
An Interior with a French Accent
Stepping inside the A390, the kinship with the Renault Megane E-Tech is evident, yet Alpine has worked diligently to infuse the cabin with its own distinct character. The use of premium materials like Alcantara and Nappa leather elevates the interior ambiance. The configurable instrument display is densely packed with information, while the central touchscreen, though featuring extensive menus, remains intuitive and easy to navigate. A dedicated section for telematics and driver coaching software underscores the car’s sporting pedigree, and the impressive audio system, developed in partnership with French audio specialists Devialet, provides a truly immersive sound experience.
While some of the switchgear might feel a touch dated, it’s refreshing to find physical controls still present, rather than relying solely on touchscreen inputs. This tactile approach extends to the drive modes and ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) settings, which can be personalized and saved for individual drivers – a neat and practical feature. However, the rear seating accommodation does present a challenge. The combination of a high seating position and a sloping roofline can make it a bit cramped for taller passengers, a common compromise in pursuit of a sporty silhouette.
Beyond the Drive: Innovative EV Features
The A390 boasts bi-directional charging, a feature that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the EV world and adds a layer of versatility. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging comes as standard, enabling owners to power external devices, such as an e-bike – a fitting accessory given Alpine’s aspirational lifestyle positioning. For those with compatible home chargers, the A390 also offers vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities. This allows users to charge their car during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper and then sell that stored energy back to the grid, a concept that Renault’s Mobilize division has been actively developing. While V2G is already available in some markets, it’s expected to become more widespread in the UK by 2026.
Charging and Range: Ready for the Road
In terms of charging performance, the A390 GTS can achieve a peak rapid charging rate of 190 kW, while the GT model manages 150 kW due to differences in battery chemistry. While not the absolute fastest on the market, Alpine emphasizes the importance of maintaining high charging power for extended periods. The A390 can charge from 10 to 80 percent in under 25 minutes, and drivers can manually pre-heat the battery to optimize charging speeds in colder conditions.
Navigation is handled by Google Maps, which integrates a sophisticated EV route planner. This feature intelligently considers a range of variables – including the route, current charge level, battery temperature, and real-time energy consumption – to minimize range anxiety on longer journeys. Alpine claims a WLTP range of 325 miles for the GTS and 340 miles for the GT. During enthusiastic driving, our real-world test saw around 2.9 miles per kWh, suggesting an achievable real-world range of approximately 290 miles for the GT model.
Pricing and Market Positioning: A Unique Proposition
While official pricing is yet to be finalized, the Alpine A390 GT is anticipated to start around £60,000 in the UK, with the GTS version likely to be priced around £70,000. This places the A390 squarely in competitive territory, directly challenging established players like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Polestar 4, and Porsche Macan. However, the A390 offers more than just impressive technology and sharp handling. It brings something truly rare to the rapidly advancing EV market: genuine character and a compelling sense of individuality. It’s a car that dares to be different, a "race car in a suit" that promises not just performance, but also personality, a potent combination for those seeking something beyond the ordinary in their electric vehicle.