In the rapidly evolving world of automotive innovation, few moments capture the imagination quite like the birth of a truly revolutionary vehicle. The Alpine A390 represents precisely such a moment—a bold step into the future of electric mobility, set to make its world debut on May 27, 2025. This is more than just another electric SUV; it’s a statement of intent from a brand with a rich motorsport legacy, promising to revolutionize how we perceive electric performance vehicles. As the automotive industry undergoes its most significant transformation in over a century, the A390 stands as a beacon of innovation, combining sustainable technology with the thrill of high-performance driving.
1. Alpine’s Storied Heritage: From Racing Legends to Electric Innovation
1.1 The Alpine Legacy
Alpine has always been synonymous with performance and innovation. From its iconic A110 sports car to its recent electric ventures, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive design. The A390 represents the next chapter in this illustrious history—a fusion of Alpine’s racing DNA with cutting-edge electric technology. For over six decades, Alpine has been at the forefront of automotive excellence, collecting numerous victories in prestigious racing events and earning a reputation for exceptional engineering prowess. This rich heritage serves as the foundation for their bold venture into the electric future.
1.2 The Transition to Electric Performance
The A390 is the second addition to Alpine’s ‘dream garage’, a fully electric lineup of models that signals the brand’s commitment to sustainable performance. This isn’t just an electric vehicle; it’s a reimagining of what a performance SUV can be. The transition to electric power represents Alpine’s most ambitious evolution yet, demonstrating that the pursuit of performance excellence can coexist with environmental responsibility. This strategic move positions Alpine at the forefront of the electric revolution while maintaining its core values of performance, precision, and driving pleasure.
2. Design: A Concept Brought to Life
2.1 Exterior Design Language
The A390 stays remarkably true to its concept, with Alpine confirming that the production model will be “85 per cent true to the future production model”. Key design highlights include:
- A revolutionary “Cosmic Dust” lighting signature that creates a distinctive visual identity day and night
- Full-width light bars at front and rear, incorporating advanced LED technology for enhanced visibility and aesthetic appeal
- Unique aerodynamic elements, including a distinctive shark fin at the rear—a nod to Alpine’s Le Mans racing heritage, optimizing high-speed stability
- Innovative wheel design inspired by snowflakes, combining form and function
- 22-inch wheels at the front, engineered for precise steering response
- 23-inch wheels at the rear, maximizing traction and visual impact
2.2 Aerodynamic Innovations
One of the most intriguing design features is the adaptive rear section. The tail lights and rear diffuser can extend by 80mm, allowing the vehicle to alter its aerodynamic profile dynamically. This is engineering meets art—a testament to Alpine’s commitment to performance and efficiency. The active aerodynamics system continuously adjusts to optimize the vehicle’s drag coefficient, enhancing both range and high-speed stability. Every curve and contour has been meticulously crafted in wind tunnels to ensure perfect harmony between form and function, resulting in a design that’s both visually striking and aerodynamically efficient.
3. Interior: A Cockpit of the Future
3.1 Conceptual Interior Design
The interior of the A390 represents a masterclass in modern automotive design, where technology and luxury converge to create an immersive driving environment. The cockpit has been engineered with a driver-centric approach, featuring advanced digital displays and intuitive controls that put all essential functions within easy reach. Premium materials and meticulous attention to detail create an atmosphere of sophisticated sportiness, while innovative lighting solutions enhance the cabin’s ambiance.
The interior concept showcases Alpine’s innovative approach:
The interior concept of the A390 exemplifies Alpine’s groundbreaking approach to automotive design, seamlessly blending performance-oriented functionality with luxurious comfort. The cabin features meticulously engineered elements that reflect the brand’s racing heritage while embracing future-forward design principles:
- Aggressively shaped two-tone white-and-black sports bucket seats, crafted with premium leather and microfiber materials, featuring integrated heating and ventilation systems, along with dynamic bolstering that automatically adjusts to provide optimal support during spirited driving
- Professional-grade Sabelt seatbelt harnesses, incorporating advanced safety technology with racing-inspired design, featuring quick-release mechanisms and adjustable mounting points for maximum security and comfort
- Race-inspired steering wheel and instrument display, featuring an F1-derived design with integrated touch controls, customizable display modes, and haptic feedback technology for enhanced driver engagement and control
- Driver’s seat with unique adjustability—from standard upright to Formula 1-style reclined position, offering unprecedented versatility through an advanced electronic adjustment system with memory functions and automatic position optimization based on driving modes
- Full-glass roof with electrochromic dimming technology, providing panoramic views while maintaining optimal interior temperature through advanced solar control coating
- Innovative rear-hinged doors with no B-pillar, engineered with advanced materials for structural rigidity while offering unparalleled ease of access and a distinctive aesthetic statement
3.2 Practical Considerations
While the concept’s revolutionary design elements have captured imaginations worldwide, Alpine maintains a pragmatic approach to the production version. The company acknowledges that certain modifications will be necessary to meet global safety standards and regulatory requirements. However, Alpine’s engineering team is working diligently to preserve the essence of the concept’s innovative features while ensuring full compliance with international safety protocols. This includes reinforcing the unique door structure, optimizing the seating position range, and enhancing passive safety systems without compromising the vehicle’s distinctive character.
4. Technological Innovations
4.1 Powertrain and Performance
Alpine’s vision for the A390 represents a paradigm shift in electric vehicle performance. As “a concentration of technology that reinvents the legendary sportiness of the A110 in a five-seater vehicle,” the A390 embodies Alpine’s commitment to maintaining its performance heritage while embracing electric propulsion. The development team has focused on creating an electric SUV that delivers the brand’s signature driving dynamics through advanced torque vectoring, adaptive air suspension, and sophisticated power management systems. This approach ensures that the A390 maintains Alpine’s reputation for exceptional handling and performance while offering the practicality of a modern SUV.
4.2 Naming Convention
The A390’s nomenclature carries significant meaning within Alpine’s broader product strategy:
- The ‘3’ designation strategically positions the vehicle within Alpine’s size hierarchy, indicating its place as a mid-size performance SUV
- The ‘90’ suffix embodies Alpine’s vision for “multi-purpose, everyday vehicles,” representing a perfect balance between practical utility and sporting capability
5. Market Context and Positioning
5.1 Global Availability
Alpine’s current market presence faces certain geographical limitations, notably in Australia, where the brand’s previous offering, the A110 sports coupe, was available from 2018 to 2021 before being withdrawn due to regulatory challenges related to side-impact standards. The A390 presents a significant opportunity for Alpine to expand its global footprint, with its modern design and advanced safety features potentially opening doors to markets previously inaccessible to the brand.
5.2 Competitive Landscape
In the increasingly crowded electric SUV segment, the A390 distinguishes itself through its performance-oriented philosophy and distinctive design language. While other manufacturers focus primarily on range and utility, Alpine’s approach prioritizes driving dynamics and emotional connection, creating a unique position in the market that appeals to enthusiasts and luxury buyers alike.
6. Future Outlook
The A390 represents a crucial milestone in Alpine’s evolution, following the electric A290 hot hatch in the brand’s transition to an all-electric future. This strategic progression demonstrates Alpine’s commitment to sustainable performance while maintaining its core values and unique market position.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Alpine A390 |
| Vehicle Type | Electric Performance SUV |
| Reveal Date | May 27, 2025 |
| Concept Accuracy | 85% true to production model |
| Unique Features | Adaptive aerodynamics with real-time adjustments based on speed and driving conditions, Signature Cosmic Dust lighting system featuring programmable LED matrix technology and distinctive light signatures, Advanced active grille shutters for optimized cooling and aerodynamic efficiency |
| Wheel Configuration | 22″ forged aluminum alloy wheels (front) with carbon fiber aerodynamic inserts, 23″ performance-oriented wheels (rear) featuring specialized compound for enhanced grip and handling |
Note: While these specifications are derived from the concept vehicle and represent Alpine’s vision for the production model, certain elements may undergo refinement or modification during the final development phase to ensure optimal performance, safety compliance, and manufacturing feasibility. The engineering team maintains focus on preserving the core characteristics that define the A390’s unique positioning in the performance SUV segment.