Alpine A390: Electric SUV Forges New Path

French automaker Alpine is boldly charting a new course into the electric era. The brand, an integral part of the Renault Group since 1973, carries a rich motorsport heritage. Alpine has consistently been celebrated for its exclusive, lightweight, and exceptionally sporty cars. Agility and driver engagement were paramount.

Historically, lightweight construction was a defining characteristic, evident in its earliest creations and more recent models like the beloved A110. Now, Alpine enters completely new territory for the marque with the A390. This model is a battery-electric SUV-Coupé. It signals a transformative shift, blending Alpine’s performance DNA with modern electric vehicle technology and SUV practicality.

Redefining Alpine: The Electric SUV Coupe Arrives

The introduction of the A390 presents Alpine with a fascinating engineering challenge. The company is acutely aware of the inherent weight of electric vehicle batteries. A primary goal is to skillfully minimize the sensation of this mass. Alpine is striving to imbue the A390 with a feeling of lightness and responsiveness. The ambitious target is for this larger electric SUV to feel as quick, nimble, and engaging as the much smaller, petrol-powered A110 sports car.

This requires immense dedication. Significant research and development resources have been invested to achieve this. The SUV-Coupé body style itself targets a growing market segment. It combines a sporty silhouette with greater practicality than a traditional coupe.

Power and Agility: Engineering the Dynamic Drive

At the heart of the A390’s chassis lies a substantial 89 kWh battery pack. This heavy component is meticulously positioned low and centrally within the vehicle’s platform. This strategic placement is crucial. It significantly lowers the center of gravity. This, in turn, enhances stability and handling precision.

The A390’s powertrain is particularly advanced. It utilizes a sophisticated three-motor electric setup. A single electric motor drives the front axle. Two additional electric motors independently power the rear wheels. This configuration is key to the A390’s dynamic capabilities. It allows for true active torque vectoring. This system can precisely control the amount of power sent to each individual rear wheel. Alpine leverages this technology to proactively manage the vehicle’s dynamics.

It helps to neutralize understeer (where the front tires lose grip in a corner) and oversteer (where the rear tires lose grip). The ultimate aim is to deliver a driving experience that feels neutral, balanced, and inspires driver confidence. This means the car responds predictably to driver inputs.

Impressive Performance Figures for an Electric SUV

Sheer straight-line propulsion is unlikely to be a concern for this agile electric SUV. The instant torque delivery characteristic of electric motors provides rapid acceleration.

However, distinguishing itself in today’s increasingly crowded market of high-power electric vehicles presents a constant challenge. The entry-level Alpine A390 GT model already offers a robust 294 kW (approximately 394 horsepower). For those seeking even more thrills, the A390 GTS version delivers an impressive 345 kW (approximately 463 horsepower).

These power outputs translate into potent performance. The A390 GT can reach a top speed of 200 km/h. The more powerful A390 GTS raises this to 220 km/h. The flagship model is projected to achieve the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in a mere 3.9 seconds. This is sports car territory.

It is vital to contextualize these figures with the vehicle’s physical presence. The Alpine A390 measures 4.61 meters in length. Its curb weight is reported to be over two metric tonnes. Achieving such rapid acceleration and agile handling in a vehicle of this size and weight underscores the sophistication of its powertrain and chassis engineering. Its performance is quite remarkable, comparable to other performance-focused electric SUVs like the Smart #5 Brabus.

Battery, Range, and Charging Capabilities Detailed

Alpine has made strategic decisions regarding its battery and charging technology for the A390. The vehicle operates on a 400-volt electrical architecture. While some newer EVs are adopting 800-volt systems for potentially faster charging, 400-volt systems are well-established and offer a good balance of performance and cost-effectiveness.

The maximum DC fast charging rate for the A390 is specified at 190 kW. This should allow for significant range to be added in a relatively short charging stop, perhaps around 30 minutes for a substantial charge, depending on conditions.

For more common AC charging, such as at home or at workplace chargers, the A390 comes equipped with an 11 kW onboard charger as standard. An optional upgrade to a more powerful 22 kW AC charger will be available for those who desire faster charging times on compatible AC stations.

In terms of driving range, Alpine promises between 520 and 550 kilometers on a single charge according to the WLTP cycle. The precise achievable range will vary. It is dependent on factors such as the specific wheel and tire combination fitted, driving style, and ambient conditions. Larger wheels, for instance, can sometimes slightly reduce range due to increased aerodynamic drag or rolling resistance.

The battery pack itself is supplied by Verkor, a notable French battery manufacturer. Verkor has specifically adapted its battery technology for the demanding requirements of the A390. This includes an enhanced thermal management system with optimized cooling and water flow.

Efficient cooling is critical for maintaining battery performance and longevity, especially during high-demand situations like fast charging or spirited driving. Furthermore, the battery cells feature a chemistry with a higher nickel content. This typically contributes to greater energy density, allowing for more range from a given battery size.

Inside the A390: A Fusion of Technology and Comfort

Stepping inside the Alpine A390 reveals an interior with clear design influences from current Renault models, reflecting the shared resources within the group. However, Alpine specific touches will likely differentiate it. A prominent feature is the infotainment system, which is powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS. This brings familiar Google services like Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store directly into the car’s interface, offering intuitive operation and a wide range of applications.

The digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel is highly configurable. Interestingly, Alpine has chosen to offer drivers the option to display traditional round instrument designs. This caters to enthusiasts who appreciate a classic sports car feel, a contrast to some competitors who have moved exclusively to more abstract digital layouts.

For an enhanced luxury experience, buyers can specify several desirable options. A premium sound system developed by Devialet, a French audio company renowned for its high-fidelity products, will be offered. Electrically adjustable leather seats, complete with a massage function, will also be available to boost comfort, especially on longer journeys.

Reflecting a current trend, and perhaps a nod to its performance heritage, Alpine offers an artificial engine sound system. This feature generates synthetic driving sounds that are played through the car’s 13 speakers.

The aim is to provide auditory feedback that some drivers miss in near-silent EVs. While the quality and appeal of such systems can be subjective—often the best feature is the ability to turn them off—it remains to be experienced whether Alpine’s engineers have created a more convincing and engaging sound profile.