<\/span>Photography<\/b><\/span> Lee Brimble<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_089.jpg” title_text=”ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_089″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”text-with-dropcap” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
We can hear the boos and cat-calls from here. Not only has Alpine \u2013 maker of the delicious lightweight A110 two-seater \u2013 decided to launch an SUV. It\u2019s compounded that sacrilege by making the A390 all-electric. And then Alpine’s gone even further and said that it heralds the completely unforgiveable \u2013 an electric A110<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Has the French sports car maker gone completely mad? \n\nNot entirely, it turns out. For starters, the A390 isn\u2019t really an SUV in the traditional sense \u2013 it’s roughly SUV shaped, but without the bulk that might imply. Also, its twin rear motors promise torque vectoring \u2013 the precise allocation of torque to the rear wheels, to enhance its cornering ability. And it should do over 200 miles in the real world because of an 89kWh battery that\u2019s made in France, keeping the carbon footprint lower.\n\nSo here are four things we love and one thing we hate about Alpine\u2019s latest.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”bold-subhead” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”40px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
1. It\u2019s as comfy as an old Town Car<\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_155.jpg” title_text=”ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_155″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
The Spanish tarmac of our test route is smoother than the UK roads we’re used to, but even so we’re surprised by how comfortable the A390 is. There\u2019s a beautiful control to the suspension where it\u2019s communicative but doesn\u2019t shout, delivering just the right amount of information about the road surface at the right volume.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t get the sense that it will run out of ideas in more extreme situations. It has what Alpine calls hydraulic suspension but please don\u2019t start imagining McLaren\/Land Rover\u2019s oil-linked set-up. It is effectively a hydraulic bump-stop at the top of the damper travel, which leads to the suspension being a bit softer in extremes. It\u2019s not unique to the A390 \u2013 the A290 and A110 also have it \u2013 but it helps with body control and gives the suspension a sense of cohesion. It\u2019s a great basis for the car.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_032.jpg” title_text=”ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_032″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
I was in the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N recently, and the Alpine is more sophisticated than the Korean four-door fastback, offering a better balance between sport and comfort in pure ride-quality terms.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a relief to discover this because I was nervous beforehand. Partly that\u2019s because Alpine’s recent history sets the bar so high, as the A110 offers a sense of fluidity despite the sports ethos. How can a 2.1-tonne SUV ever hope to replicate that?<\/p>\n
But my apprehension was also because of the way the car is specified. It comes with two sizes of alloy wheel \u2013 20s and 21s \u2013 with two different tyres; the smaller a more junior Michelin Pilot Sport EV, the latter a superior Pilot Sport 4S option. I was really worried that to get the better tyre you\u2019d have to go big and that would ruin the ride quality. I needn\u2019t have panicked. Spec away, people, and fear not.<\/p>\n
Is it perfect? Not quite. As with a lot of suspension tied to heavy EVs, it can get flustered when there are a series of short undulations because the damping struggles to keep up. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”bold-subhead” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”40px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
2. The twin rear motors are as clever as Einstein<\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_288.jpg” title_text=”ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_288″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
It gives a level of intrigue we\u2019ve not found on an electric car before. There are other hardware changes compared to the Renault Megane with which it shares a platform (wider track, new steering, bigger brakes), but the torque vectoring is the most important.<\/p>\n
The A390 has three electric motors \u2013 an induction motor at the front with two permanent-magnet rear motors that are all-new to Alpine, each with its own inverter and reduction gear.<\/p>\n
The latter is the clever bit and gives the car the distinguishing character to separate it from its more humdrum siblings. Because the motors are able to operate independently of one another, they give the A390 active torque vectoring, which allows the car to rotate into corners more easily. A short wheelbase of just 2708mm \u2013 a Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is 2965mm \u2013 helps the agility.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_297.jpg” title_text=”ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_297″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
In most normal driving, it helps tighten the A390\u2019s line and increases its agility. It also feels more natural than a four-wheel-steer system.<\/p>\n
It can, in more extreme situations, actually lend the car a sense of humour. On one particularly sodden bit of road, with the car in Track mode, I lean on the power more through a right hander and the rear steps out ever so gently. It\u2019s not a full-on oversteer oh-god-we\u2019re-going-to-crash clincher, more a point where the outer rear tyre seems to be over-rotating as it loses grip. Like you\u2019d get with a slippy diff.<\/p>\n
It’s a wonderful moment, partly because it\u2019s so smooth and easy that it doesn\u2019t feel dangerous but also because it\u2019s telegraphed through to me so well. There\u2019s a slight hint from the seat, I apply a little bit of steering to correct it, and then we\u2019re off again. The steering is better than in the A290 \u2013 a bit more meat, less over-assistance \u2013 so although it\u2019s still not up there with the feel from Porsche\u2019s electrically assisted system, it doesn\u2019t twirl with the 290\u2019s milkfloat vibe.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”bold-subhead” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”40px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
3. It looks great<\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_224.jpg” title_text=”default” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
It\u2019s much lower and shorter than you\u2019d expect from photos. The wheelbase is 257mm less than the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N’s, and seen in person it looks compact, with a sense of agility, a lack of bulk, that helps cement an encouraging first impression. Yes it weighs a smidge over 2.1 tonnes, but it doesn\u2019t look like it does. And that\u2019s an important illusion.<\/p>\n
There are definite hints of the A110 as well, especially around the C-pillar and the way it meets the rear window. Alpine is obviously desperate to stress the link between the two and it\u2019s not completely wide of the mark.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”bold-subhead” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”40px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
4. It\u2019s not that quick <\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_056.jpg” title_text=”ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_056″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
You’ve not lost count \u2013 we’re still listing the positives. You might think this is an odd point to make about a sports-car brand, but bear with us. By not throwing development time and R&D budget at creating a car with a ridiculous 0-62mph time, Alpine has allowed itself to create something that feels happier in its own skin. It also means you don’t make your passengers feel sick every time you touch the accelerator.<\/p>\n
The 0-62mph sprint time is either 3.9 seconds or 4.8 seconds, depending on whether you opt for the GTS or GT trim levels. There will be about \u00a310k difference between the two. Neither is short on power (464bhp or 395bhp) and there\u2019s an OV button (standing for overtake) on the steering wheel that gives all the power immediately, so the stats are impressive.<\/p>\n
But what’s even more impressive is how controlled it feels. In, for instance, the A290 or the Ioniq 6 N, you\u2019re aware that tyres, tarmac and motors are having a spirited argument as to who should be boss. In the A390 (or certainly the GT version we tested), it all feels much more civilised.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”bold-subhead” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”40px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
5. There are too many Renault parts<\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_273.jpg” title_text=”ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_273″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
‘Hate\u2019 is a strong word, but we really wish there were not so many Renault parts inside. They’re perfectly decent components in their own right, and Alpine has attemtped to disguise them with a dash of design flair, but once you’ve spotted them you can’t unspot the commonality of parts and layout.<\/p>\n
In the A290, it\u2019s more acceptable because the Alpine version of the Renault 5 starts at \u00a332,000. But the A390\u2019s price will probably start from nearly \u00a360,000. When the electric A110 comes along, Alpine will need to work harder to give it some separation from any Renault hand-me-downs.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_309.jpg” title_text=”ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_309″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
Speaking of which, there\u2019s also the nagging feeling that the electric A110 \u2013 expected to be revealed in late 2026 \u2013 will have to work much harder to convince us. The petrol A110 has wowed everyone since it launched eight years ago, and when the electric one arrives it won\u2019t be able to hide behind either the SUV or class-of-one caveats that apply to the A390. Will an EV A110 have to be the greatest electric car ever made in order not to feel a disappointment? I\u2019d say so.<\/p>\n
For now, the A390 is the best electric car Alpine makes. It also offers an encouraging vision of the future \u2013 maybe, just maybe, the electric A110 can live up to its heritage.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_class=”facts-figures” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_077.jpg” title_text=”ALPINE_A390_18.11.25_leebrimble_077″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800||on|||||” text_orientation=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Facts & Figures<\/span> | Alpine A390 GT<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#4484c6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Price<\/b> From \u00a360,000 (est) Four things we love about the Alpine A390, and one we hate<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":3335,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3347","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"kschwarz","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3347","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3347"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3347\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3352,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3347\/revisions\/3352"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3335"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3347"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3347"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3347"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Data<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Powertrain<\/b> 89kWh battery, three e-motors, all-wheel drive
Performance<\/b> 395bhp, 479lb ft, 4.8sec 0-62mph, 124mph
Weight<\/b> 2121kg
Efficiency<\/b> 3.6-3.9 miles per kWh (official target), 2.5 miles per kWh (tested), 323-345-mile range (official target), 222-mile range (tested), 0g\/km CO2
On sale<\/strong> February 2026
<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code module_class=”star-rating-00″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/star.png\")
\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/star-outline.png\")
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