Alpine isn’t messing about with its first proper foray into the electric performance market. The new A390 – revealed in prototype form ahead of its 2025 launch – packs a serious 464bhp punch from its innovative tri-motor setup, putting it squarely in Porsche Macan EV and Lotus Eletre territory. This isn’t just another compliance special; it’s a proper driver’s EV that promises to keep Alpine’s reputation for handling excellence intact.
Powertrain: Three’s Not a Crowd
The A390’s party piece is its unconventional motor arrangement:
- One 215bhp motor up front
- Two 124bhp motors at the rear (248bhp combined)
- Total system output of 464bhp
- Torque vectoring magic for razor-sharp cornering
Alpine claims this setup gives the perfect balance between efficiency and performance, with the ability to disconnect the front motor entirely for maximum range on motorway cruises. The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in about 4.5 seconds – not earth-shattering by EV standards, but Alpine insists the focus is on driver engagement rather than straight-line heroics.
Battery and Charging: The Practical Bits
Underpinned by Renault–Nissan‘s CMF-EV platform, the A390 packs:
- An 87kWh usable battery (from a 100kWh total capacity)
- Up to 310 miles of WLTP range
- 800V architecture enabling 250kW charging speeds
- 10-80% charge in about 30 minutes
The battery positioning is said to be ultra-low in the chassis, helping maintain Alpine’s trademark handling characteristics despite the inevitable weight penalty of an electric powertrain.
Design: Function Meets French Flair
While still camouflaged, the prototype reveals:
- Distinctive Alpine light signatures front and rear
- Muscular haunches hinting at serious track potential
- Active aerodynamics including a deployable rear spoiler
- 21-inch lightweight alloys with aero-optimised design
Inside, expect Alpine’s typical driver-focused layout with:
- Slimline sports seats with integrated headrests
- Oversized paddle shifters for regen braking adjustment
- Minimalist digital cockpit with essential info only
- Plenty of Alcantara and carbon fibre
The Competition Should Be Worried
Priced from around £70,000 when it arrives in early 2025, the A390 will square up against:
- Porsche Macan EV (similar performance, more premium)
- Lotus Eletre (more powerful but heavier)
- BMW iX3 (less focused but more practical)
Alpine’s ace card could be its driving dynamics – early reports suggest the prototype already handles with the precision and adjustability we expect from the brand, just with instant electric torque added to the mix.
One thing’s certain – the performance EV market just got a whole lot more interesting. Vive la révolution électrique!
P.S. – Alpine, if you’re reading this, we’ll take ours in that gorgeous Bleu Alpine please.
