- The Alpine A390 will be the French brand’s first-ever crossover, with a focus on performance.
- It’s expected to ride on Nissan Ariya underpinnings, delivering up to 600 hp in AWD form.
- A concept is set to debut on October 11, with the production model following in 2025.
Update 9/20: Along with fresh illustrations based on recent prototype sightings and the latest official teasers for the concept that will debut at next month’s Paris Auto Show, we’ve packed in all the latest details on the upcoming A390 electric crossover.
After years of relying on the A110 sports car as its only offering, Alpine is gearing up to break into new territory with a lineup of EVs, aiming to cover a much broader spectrum of segments. Fresh off the buzz from the debut of the A290 hot hatch, the French automaker is now preparing its first electric crossover, the A390.
The production version of the Alpine A390 is penciled in for a 2025 release, positioning itself as the sportier, more premium option compared to its corporate cousins, the Renault Megane E-Tech and Nissan Ariya. But before the road-ready model hits the streets, Alpine is giving us a sneak peek with the A390β concept, set to debut on October 11, with a full public unveiling at the 2024 Paris Motor Show shortly after.
More: Alpine A390 Electric Crossover Spied For First Time, Will Take On Porsche’s Macan EV
The upcoming performance EV appeared in official teasers in 2021, 2023, and 2024, showcasing a sleek fastback-style silhouette and intricate LED lighting signature. While Alpine initially referred to it as the GT X-Over (grand tourer crossover), the production version will adopt the A390 moniker, aligning it more closely with the rest of the lineup.
Our spy photographers recently caught a camouflaged prototype of the EV, giving us better insight in the exterior design of the upcoming model. Based on the scoop, our associates created speculative renderings, depicting a sleek crossover with large-diameter wheels, pronounced shoulders, and a sloping roofline.
The new teaser of the concept (above) compared to the original 2021 teaser (below).
The aggressive full-width headlights are complemented by teardrop-style DRLs, with the sharp nose adopting a grille-less look. At the back, the slim LEDs on the sculpted tailgate will be joined by some sort of aerodynamic aids. The multiple Alpine emblems and the French flag accents signal that this is a product of Renault Group’s sportiest brand.
Size and Competition
With a reported length of around 4,600 mm (181.1 inches), the Alpine A390 will surpass the 4,199 mm (165.3 inches) length of the Renault Megane E-Tech and slightly exceed the 4,595 mm (180.9 inches) of the Nissan Ariya. However, it will remain shorter than the Tesla Model Y, which measures 4,751 mm (187.4 inches), positioning it more in line with competitors in its segment.
Inside, the Alpine A390 is expected to boast higher-quality materials and a sportier ambiance compared to the much more affordable Renault, justifying its premium positioning while paying homage to the brand’s rally heritage. Featuring a five-seater layout, a high-riding stance, and a spacious boot, the cabin of the compact crossover will offer ample practicality compared to the snug interior of the Alpine A110 sportscar.
Illustration Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien
Shared underpinnings with Alpine-specific parts
The crossover will be based on the AmpR Medium architecture, the renamed version of the CMF-EV under Renault Group’s newly established Ampere unit. This means it will share its underpinnings with Renault’s Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech, as well as Nissan’s Ariya and the next-generation Leaf. However, as a product of the premium-positioned Alpine brand, the A390 will incorporate unique components to set it apart from the more mainstream models.
Robert Bonetto, Vice President of Vehicle Projects at Alpine, confirmed to L’Argus that the crossover will have an Alpine-specific powertrain setup focused on performance, with torque vectoring capabilities. In a similar context, Gilles le Borgne, Chief Technical Officer at the Renault Group, told Autocar that the crossover will boast an all-wheel-drive setup with a “surprise” at the rear.
Performance details
Reading between the lines, the Alpine could potentially combine the 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) front electric motor from the Renault Megane E-Tech with one or two e-motors at the rear, offering advanced torque vectoring capabilities and a significantly increased output.
Currently, the most powerful production model based on the CMF-EV architecture is the Nissan Ariya Nismo B9 E-Force, which boasts 429 hp (320 kW / 435 PS) from dual electric motors. The Alpine will most likely exceed this figure, with up to 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS) in its highest-spec AWD form. Additionally, rumors suggest a less powerful 2WD version may join the lineup later.
SH Proshots
The more potent powertrain is expected to be paired with a refined suspension setup and wider tracks, as evidenced by early development mules. The Alpine A390 is believed to be equipped with a locally-produced 90 kWh battery pack, which when combined with its aerodynamic design, should provide a decent driving range.
Upon its arrival in 2025, the Alpine A390 will become the second fully electric model from the French automaker, next to the smaller A290 hot hatch. Expect premium pricing that surpasses the high-spec versions of related models from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, edging closer to Porsche Macan EV territory.
Production Plans
Production of the compact crossover is reportedly set to take place at the Dieppe plant in France, where Alpine currently manufactures the A110 sports car. According to earlier announcements regarding Alpine’s future product strategy, the A390 will be available in Europe. In contrast, the larger A490 and A590 crossovers are slated to arrive later in global markets, possibly including North America.
