Alpine Unveils A390: A Sporty Electric Challenger to Porsche Macan and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
French car manufacturer Alpine has launched the A390, a five-door hatchback electric vehicle (EV) that directly competes with premium rivals such as the Porsche Macan and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The A390 represents Alpine’s entry into a new market segment, expanding beyond its previous offerings of the petrol-powered A110 sports car and the electric A290 hatchback, which is closely related to the Renault 5.
Design and Dimensions
The A390 boasts an aggressive front design and a sloping, coupe-style roofline, giving it a sporty appearance. Despite being Alpine’s largest car to date, the A390 stands at 1.5 meters tall, making it shorter than many of its SUV-style competitors, such as the Tesla Model Y (1.62m), and only slightly taller than the current Volkswagen Golf. This dimension positions the A390 as a more practical, everyday vehicle for the brand.
Performance and Specifications
The A390 features a unique triple-motor setup, with one motor on the front axle and two on the rear, each powering its own wheel. The base model produces 400 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. A more powerful variant is also available, boasting 470 hp and achieving the same acceleration in 3.9 seconds. The latter comes equipped with larger 21-inch wheels and a premium sound system developed by French audio specialists Devialet.
Both versions of the A390 are equipped with an 89 kWh battery, offering a WLTP range of 347 miles for the base model and 325 miles for the more powerful version. The vehicle supports rapid charging, capable of filling its battery from 15 to 80 percent in approximately 25 minutes at a charging rate of up to 190 kW.
Interior Features
Inside, the A390 shares some design elements with its predecessor, the A290. The steering wheel features red and blue switchgear inspired by Alpine’s Formula One cars, including a blue switch for adjusting the regenerative braking system and a red button that, when pressed under partial throttle, instantly deploys maximum power. The dashboard is characterized by an all-digital instrument cluster and a centrally located infotainment screen angled towards the driver. Physical buttons and switches are strategically placed below the screen for controlling essential functions, such as cabin temperature.
The A390 does not feature a simulated engine soundtrack or gearbox noise, unlike some competitors such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Instead, it offers an optional augmented sound system inspired by the petrol engine of Alpine’s A290 sports car.
Market Expectations
Priced from around £60,000, the Alpine A390 is set to go on sale in the UK in November. Given the current demand for larger, SUV-style electric vehicles, the A390 has the potential to become Alpine’s best-selling model to date. Its blend of performance, practicality, and sporty design positions it as a compelling alternative in the competitive electric vehicle market.
