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Alpine A390 starts rolling out across Europe
Alpine has begun shipping its new A390 electric SUV to customers in select European markets, with prices starting at €67,500 including VAT. The announcement follows last week's UK pricing reveal and arrives as the French marque positions the A390 as a sporting alternative to compact luxury EVs such as the Porsche Macan.
Pricing and trims
The initial European price list, confirmed during the Brussels Motor Show period, shows two core trims: the A390 GT and the range‑topping A390 GTS. Expect slight price variations between countries because of differing VAT rates, but Belgium’s figures are representative of main EU markets.
- Alpine A390 GT (base): €67,500 (including VAT)
- Alpine A390 GTS (top): €78,000 (including VAT)
Both versions come equipped with Alpine's unique tri‑motor powertrain and an 89‑kWh battery pack, but they are tuned differently for performance and responsiveness.
Performance and range
While both GT and GTS share the tri‑motor architecture, outputs differ:
- A390 GT: around 400 hp; 0–100 km/h in approximately 4.8 seconds
- A390 GTS: around 470 hp; 0–100 km/h in roughly 3.9 seconds
Alpine quotes up to 555 km (345 miles) WLTP range for the A390. That WLTP figure is optimistic by design; real‑world results will vary. Under normal driving conditions the A390 could realistically deliver just over 300 miles on a charge, depending on driving style and conditions — figures more comparable to EPA testing in the US.
Charging performance is competitive: Alpine claims both trims can charge from 15% to 80% in around 25 minutes using a 190‑kW DC fast charger.
How Alpine fits Renault’s electric strategy
Alpine is now the third model in the brand’s EV lineup and serves as the performance halo under Renault’s electrification push. Although Renault remains relatively low‑profile in the US, the company aims to out‑iterate competitors — including Chinese manufacturers — by bringing frequent, focused EVs to market.
Alpine is presented internally as the French answer to Porsche: a premium, sport‑oriented sub‑brand with plans to expand across segments. The A390 was unveiled last spring and, while it shares architecture and components with certain Renault and Nissan EVs, Alpine has clearly differentiated the model with exclusive hardware and tuning.
What makes the A390 unique?
The A390 stands out in the burgeoning electric SUV market for a few reasons:
- Tri‑motor configuration — a rare layout in this class, delivering strong performance and torque vectoring potential.
- Upgraded suspension and brakes compared with platform cousins, tuned for sportier handling.
- Distinct Alpine styling and interior details that underscore a premium, driver‑centric character.
"Alpine wanted a model that would feel like a true driver’s SUV — not just another luxo‑crossover," an Alpine spokesperson commented at the launch.
Market positioning and comparison
At its price point, the A390 targets buyers who want sporty driving dynamics in an electric SUV without stepping all the way into Porsche pricing. Compared with the Macan EV (and other premium compact electric SUVs), the Alpine delivers a sharper chassis setup and the allure of a specialist brand while retaining competitive range and charging capabilities.
Bullet points — quick highlights:
- Tri‑motor powertrain with up to 470 hp
- 89‑kWh battery, WLTP up to 555 km
- 15–80% DC charging in ~25 minutes (190 kW)
- GT and GTS trims with distinct power and tuning
Final thoughts
The Alpine A390 arrives as a compelling choice for buyers seeking performance, style, and the latest EV tech in a compact premium SUV. With deliveries underway in Europe and pricing confirmed, the A390 will test whether a focused, French performance brand can lure customers away from established German rivals in the electric era.
Source: autoevolution
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