Alpine now has a car in its range: the A110. The coupe adored by sports enthusiasts for its lightness and handling. To expand its range and incidentally its order book, the Dieppe manufacturer has no other choice but to offer the body that everyone is eager for, an SUV.
The Alpine A390 is a conquering SUV
Here is the A390_β, the very first SUV from Alpine which prefers to describe it as a “sport fastback”. The newcomer presented here in the form of a showcar is 85% faithful to that of the future production model. This SUV measures approximately 4.60 m, it is positioned between segments C and D. It is and will remain 100% electric and will compete with heavyweights like the Porsche Macan and the Tesla Model Y from 2025.
This show car is an SUV that does not take responsibility. At Alpine we describe it more as a crossover or fastback sport. The more stretched silhouette is intended to be close to a drop of water, according to the designers. We notice the plunging rear window, the imposing 22 and 23” rims and above all this brand new design direction.
Indeed, the four headlights, Alpine’s trademark, disappear and give way to a pointed grille under which runs an LED strip. Under the very fine lights we see a cloud of triangles appear which overflows onto the bumper, like at Peugeot. “The A110 was a reinterpretation of an existing model. The A390 is a new model. We therefore gave it a new design,” explained Antony Villain, the brand’s Style Director.
The rear part, quite spectacular, houses a light strip. The latter extends or retracts by 80 mm, allowing the A390_β to switch from a so-called “short-tail” design to that of a “long-tail” to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve the autonomy of the aircraft. vehicle.
While the exterior of the A390_β show car tends to be closer to the future production model, the interior is deliberately designedl, allowing us to glimpse a futuristic vision of the brand’s interiors. The antagonistic opening of the side doors and the absence of a middle pillar will of course not be present on the final version.
Alpine designers have addressed two themes dear to the brand: sport and the mountain. Thus the A390_β contains a cockpit close to the world of F1 where the driver becomes one with his car. The steering wheel and seats offer two driving positions: the everyday one and the other more sporty one. Once “sport” mode is engaged, the seat switches to F1 position, the pedals rise and the steering wheel tightens.
This cockpit is made up of a luminous triangle materializing the driving axis. Three glass blades, located behind the steering wheel, create a holographic effect for reading driving information. Derived from F1, the OV or “overtake” button – already present on the steering wheel of the A290 – allows you to obtain, with one press, all engine power instantly.
At the rear, like a good showcar, the mountain theme is in the spotlight. The two enveloping seats equipped with memory foam are snow white, we notice a mineral floor, crystals even several small skiers. One thing is certain, the production version will offer 5 seats, but don’t talk about a family car here. The topic is also taboo. We’re talking about crossover in sportswear.
This fastback sport will be equipped with three electric motors, developed by Alpine: one at the front and two at the rear for a power estimated at around 500 hp. The A390 will have a non-permanent four-wheel drive system. The power will be distributed by an intelligent torque management system: Active Torque Vectoring.
This technology allows distribution between the front and rear axles, and independently to the left rear wheel and the right rear wheel with the aim of improving grip, performance and driving pleasure. Alpine’s goal is “to offer driving sensations close to the A110”. For this another determining element will come into play and in particular the weight, very reduced on the A110. We asked the question, Alpine remains silent on an estimate of the latter.
For batteries, the manufacturer also gives little information. In its logic of versatility, the crossover must offer a range worthy of the name. Alpine should therefore draw from the Renault group’s organ bank where we find a large 87 kWh battery.
The production version of the A390 will be delivered exclusively in 4-wheel drive and will be made in France. It will be assembled in the Alpine factory in Dieppe, its electric motors will come from Cléon and the batteries will then be assembled in Douai. The first models are expected on the road in mid-2025. You will be able to discover the A390 β showcar on the Alpine stand at the next Paris Motor Show, of which Caradisiac is a partner.
Find all the practical information about the show
