The Alpine A390 Steps out of Its Specialized Category
Revamping the Sports Car Game: Alpine's Family-Friendly A390
Toss aside your preconceptions about lightweight Alpine sports cars and mid-range Gran Turismos. This renowned automaker is stepping into uncharted territory with the debut of the Alpine A390 - a powerful family sports car that's redefining the playground for sports car enthusiasts.
Let's be real, though - this modern Alpine offering might not have been what Jean Rédelé dreamt of for his brand. After all, he was young and vivacious when sports cars and SUVs were but a myth.
Fast-forward to today - the SUV market is flooded with options, and electric powertrains have become the norm, even combining with conventional internal combustion engines. With a mission to break free from the niche, Alpine's approach with the A390 seems logical. After all, the concept was dropped subtly with the Concept A390β, leaving no question that Alpine was gearing up for something remarkable.
Rolling out the curtain on the production model, Alpine now boasts a unique standalone model on four wheels. Sure, it may not be as glamorous as the concept, but it still stands out with its distinctive canopy roof, LED light shows in the rear area with illuminated logo, and the iconic Tricolore on the C-pillar.
Packing a Punch and Ensuring Comfort
So, what does it take for the A390 to significantly boost Alpine sales? Maybe its fully electric powertrain is the key, or maybe its thrilling performance is the secret sauce. Let's take a closer look.
Powered by three motors, one on the front and two on the rear, the A390's setup is nothing short of spectacular. It's certainly the most exciting offering on the "Ampr Medium Platform," which underpins well-known models like the Nissan Ariya and Renault Scenic E-Tech. With output options of 395 horsepower (GT) and 464 horsepower (GTS), the family-friendly athlete delivers a punch, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 or 3.9 seconds, respectively.
And it's not just about raw speed. The technicians have gifted the A390 with permanent front and rear electric motors for targeted torque vectoring, enabling swift and agile handling as it weaves through the curves.
But perhaps the most enticing aspect of the A390 is its plush interior. Those generously sized bucket seats offer not only an air of luxury but also comfort, features double decorative stitching and Tricolore detailing, and proudly bear the A390 logo on the contact surface. Although the 2x12-inch display arrangement, which resembles the Renault Scenic E-Tech, may remind us that the A390 is more of an everyday car, the unique styling and high-quality materials keep things interesting.
70,000 Euros and Counting
Everyday Commute: Take a journey into the realm of electric specifications. With a net capacity of 89 kWh, the A390 offers ranges between 520 and 555 kilometers (WLTP). While there are no homologated consumption values yet, the manufacturer claims that it takes approximately 25 minutes to charge from 15% to 80% using DC charging with a maximum speed of 190 kW (don't expect 800-volt technology here).
Glimpse at the second row, and you'll find it accommodating for passengers. Its 2.71-meter wheelbase puts it in the lower range compared to other electric vehicles, but it still offers a comfortable ride for four. And when it comes to dynamics, the nearly balanced 49:51 weight distribution promises a thrilling drive on winding country roads.
Upon arrival, the Vehicle-to-Load function allows easy charging of devices like a portable espresso maker, and the A390 offers 532 liters of luggage space for belongings. This latest Alpine is proudly produced in Dieppe, France, where the brand's history began. The A390 will be available starting from the fourth quarter of this year, with an estimated price range of around 70,000 euros, offering an individualistic and refined alternative to the Audi A6 company car faction.
- The Alpine A390's unique positioning in the market extends beyond sports cars, as it also targets the data-and-cloud-computing-driven lifestyle of commuters, with its cutting-edge electric powertrain and sleek interior.
- As the automotive industry evolves, other vehicles like electric-vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and the A390's powerful three-motor setup puts it in competition with them, offering an exciting thrill on the road while also offering practical features like the Vehicle-to-Load function.
- The Alpine A390's innovative design and technology are not confined to the sports car niche, but rather, they reflect a broader trend in the market towards blending luxury, comfort, and performance in everyday vehicles, redefining the concept of sports cars for a new era.
