A390: Alpine’s Electric Power Play

French flair meets electric muscle in Alpine’s A390, writes James Stinson

Alpine isn’t usually the name you hear when people start talking about premium electric crossovers – but that might be about to change. The French performance brand, better known for featherweight sports cars, is stepping into the EV fastback arena with the new A390, and it’s doing it with real confidence.

Let’s start with the numbers, because Alpine clearly wants attention. In the UK, the A390 GT kicks off at £61,390, rising to £65,390 for the Premiere Edition and £69,390 for the topspec GTS. That means it undercuts Porsche’s Macan Electric while edging into BMW iX3 territory – a very intentional bit of pricing psychology.

And what do you get for that? Quite a lot. All models share an 89kWh battery and a clever trimotor allwheeldrive system – one motor up front, two at the back – giving the A390 a rearbiased, torquevectoring feel that Alpine hopes will carry some of its sportscar DNA into a very different segment. Power is punchy: 400hp in the GT and Premiere Edition (0–62mph in 4.8s), and a muscular 470hp in the GTS, trimming the 0–62mph dash to 3.9s.

Range? You’re looking at up to 345 miles (official) for the GT and Premiere Edition, or 312 miles if you opt for the more aggressive GTS. Charging is just as competitive: the A390 can gulp down electrons at 190kW DC, taking the battery from 15 to 80 percent in around 25 minutes. An 11kW AC charger comes as standard, with 22kW included on the Premiere Edition.

Inside, Alpine has gone for a blend of techforward and tactile. You get a pair of large digital displays, Googlebuiltin services, overtheair updates and a choice of sporty interior treatments depending on the trim. The GT starts things off with 20inch wheels and Alcantaratrimmed sports seats. The Premiere Edition adds visual flourishes like a black roof, blue calipers and handsfree parking. The GTS finishes the job with 21inch alloys, an Alcantara headliner and upgraded audio – a clear attempt to give the car a ‘rangetopper’ swagger.

Overall, the A390 feels like Alpine testing the water but doing it with purpose rather than tentativeness. It’s not just another electric crossover – it’s a statement of intent. Orders are being taken now, with first UK deliveries landing in spring, and if Alpine’s goal was to make buyers think twice before defaulting to a Porsche or BMW, it may just have pulled it off.