The Electric Transformation of a French Sports Icon
Alpine A390 First Look: Alpine has stood for decades of light, agile sports cars that embody French car culture. Renowned for its rally-sourced power and minimalist, sparse looks, Alpine’s tradition is one of mechanical honesty. But in 2025, Alpine has taken a giant leap — one that abandons tradition but propels the brand strongly into the new era.
Welcome to the Alpine A390, the first-ever electric SUV for the company, an electric high-performance crossover uniting sport DNA with usability and sustainability on a daily basis. It is not just another car. It’s a revolution of what Alpine represents in the electric age.
1. Exterior Design: Performance Meets Elegance
The A390 makes no apology for making itself seen. It measures 4.6 meters in length and 1.5 meters in height, standing sturdy and aerodynamic on the road — small enough to be maneuverable, but large enough to be SUV-sized.
Design Highlights:
- Lighting Signature: The “Cosmic Dust” LED design is accompanied by triangle-shaped lights at the front and rear, recalling meteor trails and snowflakes — leaving the A390 an almost extraterrestrial glow.
- Aerodynamics: A “flying bridge” at the front guides airflow around the car. A deployable spoiler light strip at the rear adds drama and drag reduction.
- Wheel Choices:
1. 20-inch alloys: Snowflake-styled for aerodynamics and subtlety.
2. 21- and 23-inch wheels (optional on higher trims): Increase stance and performance but decrease efficiency slightly.
This sharp design is not strictly about looks — it’s functionally crafted, marrying Alpine’s mountainous brand personality with futurism-inspired sophistication.
2. Powertrain & Performance: A Real Driver’s EV
The A390 is available in two main variants — the A390 GT and the A390 GTS. Both are electric, powerful, and rear-biased for laser-sharp handling, true to Alpine’s tradition.
A390 GT Specifications:
- Power Output: 395 bhp (295 kW)
- Drivetrain: Tri-motor AWD (1 front, 2 rear)
- 0–62 mph: 4.8 seconds
- Torque Vectoring: Yes (electronically controlled for sharper cornering)
A390 GTS Specifications:
- Power Output: 464 bhp (345 kW)
- Drivetrain: Tri-motor AWD with track-honed performance
- 0–62 mph: 3.9 seconds
- Stability Modes: Track-specific modes allow discreet drifting in safety
The rear torque vectoring on both models, using individual rear motors to shuffle power from side to side — giving detailed handling, especially in corners — is what differentiates the two versions. The GTS launch ability even beats the Alpine A110 R, being an SUV.
3. Battery, Range & Charging: Electric Excellence
Alpine didn’t cut corners on battery technology. Regardless of which version you choose, all A390s are powered by the same 89-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, but wheel diameter affects range.
Battery & Range Breakdown:
| Configuration | Wheel Size | Range (WLTP) |
|---|---|---|
| A390 (GT or GTS) | 20-inch | 345 miles (555 km) |
| A390 (GT or GTS) | 21-inch | 323 miles (520 km) |
Fast Charging Capabilities:
- DC Charging Speed: up to 190 kW
- Charging Time: 15% to 80% in only 25 minutes
- Plug Type: CCS (Combined Charging System)
This quick-charging feature makes the A390 an easy road-trip companion, without long delays at charging points. From daily commuting to climbing into the mountains or flying across country, it’s ready to go.
4. Interior: A Combination of Sport and Comfort
Step inside the A390, and Alpine’s dual personality reveals itself: half Formula 1 cockpit, half relaxing lounge.
Driver-Focused Front Cabin:
- Portrait-Oriented Touchscreen: Positioned for optimal viewing and ergonomics.
- Physical Controls: Alpine eschews all-touch. Critical controls such as drive modes, regen braking, and suspension adjustment are physical and logical.
- “Overtake” Paddle: On the steering wheel, this releases full power on demand for brief bursts of acceleration — like an F1 DRS boost.
Rear Passenger Comfort:
- Styled to look like a “blanket of fresh powder”, rear seats are serene, smooth, and contoured for comfort.
- Generous legroom and headroom for adults
- Ambient lighting and high-quality trim (alcantara, brushed aluminum)
It’s this double focus — thrilling the driver and pampering passengers — that sets the A390 apart in the EV space.
5. Technology & Safety Features
The A390 offers advanced premium safety and driving technology, so you can feel confident cruising on twisty mountain roads or urban streets.
Safety & Assist Features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane-Keep Assist with gentle steering intervention
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- 360-Degree Cameras
Alpine’s Stability Control System:
- A range of drive modes, such as Track and Sport+
- Levels of regenerative braking adjustable (using steering wheel dial)
- Real-time crank torque distribution by digital display
Together with this arrangement, the A390 is both a thrilling performance car and a secure daily driver.
6. Launch Date and Availability
The Alpine A390 will go into production in late 2025, with UK and European orders opening in November 2025. Availability in North America is being discussed but not yet announced.
Production Details:
- Produced at Alpine’s legendary Dieppe factory in France — the same facility that produces the A110.
- Built on Renault-Nissan’s AmpR Medium platform (formerly CMF-EV), shared with new Renault Scenic E-Tech but heavily re-engineered for performance.
7. Price: A Premium Performance EV
Alpine has confirmed that the A390 will cost from approximately £60,000, with more expensive models (like the GTS with 23-inch wheels and upgraded trim) set to cost around £70,000–£75,000 depending on spec.
Estimated Price (UK):
- A390 GT: from £60,000
- A390 GTS: from £70,000
Optional items could include:
- Upgraded sound system
- Sport suspension
- Upgraded wheels
- Carbon fiber interior trims
With targets like Tesla Model Y Performance, Porsche Macan EV, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Alpine is in good position while offering an emotionally appealing alternative.
8. Conclusion: A New Chapter for Alpine
The Alpine A390 is not just an electric SUV — it’s a statement of intent. It declares to the world that high-performance and electrification are natural bedfellows. In abandoning its light sports coupe past cleanly, Alpine has made a product that respects its forebears but courageously dives headfirst into the future.
With its stunning styling, tri-motor ability, trackability, and everyday usability, the A390 may be the most exhilarating electric SUV to emerge in decades.
Die-hards would protest this shift. But for the next generation of driver — individuals who care for the world without sacrificing thrills — the A390 could be the beginning of a new Alpine legend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Alpine A390
Q1. What is the Alpine A390?
The Alpine A390 is Alpine’s first fully electric SUV, blending high-performance engineering with practical electric driving. It features a tri-motor setup, a sleek aerodynamic design, and advanced EV technology.
Q2. When will the Alpine A390 be launched?
The Alpine A390 is expected to go into production in late 2025, with orders opening in November 2025 in select European markets, including the UK.
Q3. How much will the Alpine A390 cost?
Pricing is expected to start at around £60,000 for the base GT version, with the high-performance GTS variant expected to cost up to £70,000–£75,000 depending on options.
Q4. How fast can the Alpine A390 charge?
The A390 supports DC fast charging up to 190 kW, allowing it to charge from 15% to 80% in just 25 minutes — ideal for long-distance travel.
Q5. Is the Alpine A390 all-wheel drive (AWD)?
Yes, the A390 features a tri-motor all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring, giving it exceptional grip and agility on all road conditions.
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