The Alpine A390 SUV is a ‘racing car in a suit’

The second model in Alpine’s Dream Garage follows the A290

Alpine has unveiled the A390, its latest electric creation that the French brand calls a “racing car in a suit.”

Now, what does that mean exactly? Alpine says it has combined the driving experience of its A110 with ‘added versatility’, making it practical and intended for ‘professional customers’. It also calls it a sport fastback…but in reality, this is another SUV to add to the ever-growing number on our roads.

The unveiling took place at Alpine’s facility in Dieppe, France, where it was explained that driving experience had been prioritised over pure performance. This is evident in the A390’s powertrain, a first for Alpine, and consisting of three electric motors - one at the front, two in the rear. The bespoke system differentiates the A390 from fellow Ampr Medium platform-using SUVs like the Renault Scenic and Nissan Ariya.

Exterior Design

Alpine has taken the swooping, sporty design of one of its two-seaters and blown it up to SUV-size to incorporate five passengers. It doesn’t stray too far from the A390 Beta concept revealed at the Paris Motor Show late last year, measuring 4.6m long by 1.5m tall.

With aerodynamic performance in mind, the A390 mixes smooth outer curves with indented sections in the bonnet and sides. Small touches like an Alpine A logo on the side and the option of a tricolour flag on the C-pillar give it a little extra Alpine-ness.

The lighting signature is directly inspired by the Alpine Alpenglow concept and A424 Hypercar, and features small fragmented triangles in a random pattern. A thin light bar at the front is matched by one at the rear, interrupted by a backlit Alpine logo in complete lettering.

The A390 is available in six colours: Noir Profond, Bleu Abysse, Bleu Alpine Vision, Argent Mercure, Blanc Topaze and Gris tonnerre mat (Atelier 2025), while the roof can be made the same colour as the body or in contrasting black.

Interior

Inside, the driver-focused cockpit features a 12.3-inch and 12-inch screen, while the heated steering wheel contains the controls for driving modes, driver assistance, telephone, voice assistant and instrument panel display modes.

In terms of space, it may appear to be slightly snug in the photos, although the 532 litres of boot space should provide a little consolation for family journeys.

Following its use in the A290, Alpine has teamed up again with French acoustic engineering company Devialet to develop a bespoke sound system for the A390. The system also combines with Alpine Driving Sound Sport and Daily engine sounds ( inspired by the A110’s four-cylinder engine), to help create a more ‘realistic’ driving experience.

Trim Levels

There are two trims available from launch - GT and GTS.

The A390 GT produces 405 bhp and 650 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-62mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 124mph. The standard kit includes 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, Michelin Sport EV tyres, anodised brake callipers, and chrome logos. Inside, there are electric and heated sports seats, a heated Nappa leather steering wheel, a 360° peripheral view on the central screen, and the 13-speaker sound system by Devialet.

The A390 GTS comes with extra power, boasting 464 bhp and 808 Nm of torque, which allows a 0-62mph sprint in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 136mph. Alpine ups the ante with the GTS’ standard gear, giving it 21-inch forged wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance tyres, while inside, front passengers can sit in Sabelt-designed Nappa leather bucket seats with electric adjustment, heating and massage functions and can listen to audio through the premium version of the Devialet 13-speaker audio system. Also included is the Alpine Telemetrics Expert system and Driving and Parking Pack, allowing semi-autonomous driving and automatic parking.

Thanks to the A390’s 89 kWh battery, a range of 342 miles is possible. Using a 190kW fast charger can top up the electricity from 15-80% in less than 25 minutes.

Although no prices have been officially confirmed yet, it is widely expected that the A390 will cost between £60,000 and £70,000.

“A390 is the quintessential Alpine”

Philippe Krief, Alpine CEO: "The Alpine A390 shows how to reinvent the spirit of the A110 in a 5-seat sport fastback. The A390 is the quintessential Alpine, combining sportiness and performance with technology and refinement, all for a unique driving experience that is equally suited to everyday use and more spirited driving.”

The A390 will be followed into Alpine’s Dream Garage by the upcoming all-electric A110 as part of the French brand’s future strategy. It replaces the current 2017 version, which will be withdrawn from sale next year, with Alpine hoping to stick to its plan of launching seven new cars in seven years.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Alpine