Alpine A390

Why It Matters

The A390 expands Alpine’s portfolio beyond pure‑sports cars, targeting mainstream EV buyers and testing a complex tri‑motor architecture that could shape future performance models.

Key Takeaways

• Tri‑motor layout delivers 396 bhp and 488 lb‑ft torque
• Weight of 2,156 kg makes handling less agile
• Price of $84,400 positions it above most C‑segment EVs
• Boot capacity 532 L (1,643 L with seats folded)
• Charging limited to 150 kW DC, slower than rivals

Pulse Analysis

Alpine’s A390 represents a strategic pivot for the French automaker, moving from its traditional lightweight sports cars into the crowded C‑segment electric market. By leveraging the Renault Group’s Ampr Medium platform and adding a unique front‑wound‑rotor motor plus two rear permanent‑magnet units, Alpine creates the first tri‑motor EV in its class. This architecture promises superior traction and torque vectoring, but also adds significant mass, pushing the curb weight over 2.1 tonnes. The result is a vehicle that feels more like a premium family EV than a track‑focused Alpine, a trade‑off that could broaden its appeal to buyers seeking practicality without sacrificing performance.

Performance figures place the A390 squarely against the Polestar 2 Performance and Kia EV6 GT, yet its real‑world efficiency of roughly 3.3 mpkWh (about 220 miles per charge) lags behind the more aerodynamic rivals. The 89 kWh battery supports 150 kW DC fast‑charging, which is modest compared with competitors offering 250 kW or higher. Consequently, long‑distance owners may experience longer pit stops, a factor that could deter fleet buyers. However, the vehicle’s 0‑62 mph time of 4.9 seconds and top speed of 124 mph demonstrate that Alpine has not abandoned its performance heritage, even if the driving dynamics feel heavier and less razor‑sharp than the brand’s A110.

Pricing is a critical hurdle: at £67,490 (≈$84,400) the A390 sits above many established EVs in the segment, narrowing its value proposition. Alpine hopes the premium interior materials, spacious 532‑liter boot, and the novelty of a tri‑motor drivetrain will justify the premium. If the company can refine the charging speed and reduce weight in future iterations, the A390 could serve as a blueprint for a new generation of performance‑oriented, yet practical, electric vehicles that bridge the gap between niche sports cars and mainstream EV crossovers.