The Alpine A390 enters the compact electric fastback segment with a focus on performance, engineering precision, and brand identity. As Alpine’s first fully electric fastback, the A390 targets buyers considering the Porsche Macan EV, Tesla Model Y Performance, and Maserati Grecale Folgore. The tri-motor setup, 0–62 mph acceleration in under 4 seconds, and a targeted range of 345 miles put Alpine in direct competition with legacy and EV-native brands.
🔧 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Alpine A390 GT | Alpine A390 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3 electric motors | 3 electric motors |
| Horsepower | 395 hp | 470 hp |
| Torque | 502 lb-ft | 596 lb-ft |
| 0–62 mph | 4.8 seconds | 3.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 124 mph | 130+ mph (est.) |
| Battery Capacity | 89 kWh | 89 kWh |
| Estimated Range | 345 miles (WLTP) | 310–320 miles (WLTP) |
| Charging Speed | 190 kW DC Fast Charging | 190 kW DC Fast Charging |
| Weight | 4,676 lbs | 4,740 lbs (est.) |
| Starting Price (USD) | ~$70,000 | ~$82,000 |
⚙️ Platform and Chassis Design
The A390 rides on the AmpR Medium platform, previously known as CMF-EV. It shares components with the Renault Mégane E-Tech and Nissan Ariya, but Alpine recalibrated it to handle tri-motor power and maintain rear-biased driving dynamics.
Engineering highlights:
- Hydraulic bump stops improve shock absorption without sacrificing sharpness.
- Weight distribution is 49:51 front-to-rear, optimizing cornering balance.
- Suspension tuning features adaptive damping.
- Michelin tire choices: Pilot Sport EV (summer), Pilot Sport 4S (performance), and CrossClimate 3 Sport (all-season).
Alpine made changes to body-in-white stiffness and suspension geometry to improve steering response and minimize understeer, especially in the GTS variant. The steering ratio is 14.6:1, quicker than most compact fastbacks.
⚡ Powertrain Breakdown
Dual Rear Motors, One Front Motor
Alpine equips both GT and GTS versions with three electric motors:
- One motor on the front axle for front-wheel torque and regen.
- Two rear motors for torque vectoring and enhanced handling.
Torque Vectoring and Drift Control
The A390’s rear motors allow active torque distribution across the rear axle. The GTS model features an Alpine Torque Profiler—an electronic controller that adjusts power delivery based on driving mode, tire load, and throttle input. In Track mode, the system enables controlled oversteer for experienced drivers.
🔋 Battery and Charging
Battery Tech
- Total usable capacity: 89 kWh
- Pack supplier: Envision AESC (same as Nissan Ariya)
- Cell chemistry: NMC 811 for higher energy density
Range and Efficiency
| Mode | Range Estimate (WLTP) |
|---|---|
| Eco | ~345 miles |
| Normal | ~330 miles |
| Sport/Track | ~280–300 miles |
Alpine aims for 20.6 kWh/100 miles efficiency, translating to strong real-world numbers in its segment.
Charging Capability
- DC fast charging up to 190 kW (10–80% in ~25 minutes)
- AC home charging at 22 kW (three-phase), or 11 kW in most markets
- Thermal preconditioning available via route planning in the infotainment
🧠 Technology and Driver Experience
Infotainment
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 13.2-inch center touchscreen, Android Automotive OS
- Google apps built-in, real-time EV routing with Google Maps
- Devialet 13-speaker audio system (850 watts) standard on GTS
Driver Assistance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane centering
- 360-degree camera system
- Remote park assist
- OTA update support for all software systems
🪑 Interior and Practicality
Cabin Features
- Seating for five; sport seats with Alcantara and leather on GT
- Sabelt bucket seats on GTS (manual adjustment, reduced weight)
- Ambient lighting, real aluminum trim, minimalistic control layout
Cargo and Usability
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Cargo Capacity | 18.8 cu ft (behind 2nd row) |
| Frunk Storage | None |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 inches |
| Headroom Front | 39.3 inches |
| Headroom Rear | 37.1 inches |
The sloping fastback roof limits rear headroom slightly compared to boxier fastbacks like the BMW iX1, but Alpine prioritizes styling and aerodynamics.
📉 Competitive Analysis
The A390 slots between two electric performance tiers:
| Model | Horsepower | 0–60 mph | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche Macan EV (Base) | 402 hp | 4.9 sec | ~$80,450 |
| Tesla Model Y Performance | 456 hp | 3.5 sec | ~$53,490 |
| Maserati Grecale Folgore | 550 hp | 4.0 sec | ~$92,000 |
| Alpine A390 GT | 395 hp | 4.8 sec | ~$70,000 |
| Alpine A390 GTS | 470 hp | 3.9 sec | ~$82,000 |
Key advantages:
- Tri-motor layout at a lower price than Porsche and Maserati
- Hydraulic suspension tech uncommon in the segment
- High-end audio system and real-time EV routing at no extra cost
Trade-offs:
- No frunk
- Limited U.S. brand recognition
- No air suspension
📅 Production, Availability, and Future Outlook
- Manufacturing Location: Alpine Dieppe Plant, France
- Order Books Open: November 2025
- Deliveries Start: Q2 2026 (Europe), potential North America entry in 2027
- Annual Production Target: 60,000 units
Alpine confirmed the A390 is the first of three electric vehicles launching by 2027. An electric hot hatch (A290) and a GT coupe are in development. All models aim for 50% component commonality, reducing supply chain complexity.
✅ Conclusion
The Alpine A390 is a data-driven response to the performance electric fastback market. Backed by Renault Group’s industrial scale, Alpine injects real engineering differentiation into a segment crowded by lookalikes. Its tri-motor configuration, torque vectoring tech, and sharp chassis tuning make it a serious contender for buyers who value precision over branding.
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