Let’s be honest: in a world stuffed with lumbering SUVs that look more like fridges than sports cars, the Alpine A390 is a refreshing uppercut. This French fastback storms onto the market like an electric rocket that’s not just blisteringly quick, but clever enough to leave your bank balance intact. No V8 roar here, just a silent, venomous torque that pins you to the seat without waking the neighbours. And yes, as a die-hard fan of anything that runs on electrons, I can’t help grinning at the thought of this beast hitting the roads and leaving petrol guzzlers choking in its wake.
A car that looks like it stepped straight out of a 1970s rally, but with the finesse of modern art. The A390 is a five-seat fastback – not some limp hatchback, but a sleek rogue with razor-sharp lines, a low roofline and wheels that scream for corners. Alpine, the brand with a Formula 1 fire in its heritage, hasn’t compromised on the sporting soul. The result? A machine that promises nimble handling thanks to torque vectoring, as if the wheels have a private appointment with physics. And with a tri-motor setup – three electric motors working like a precision orchestra – every acceleration feels like a quiet triumph over the laws of inertia.
Under the bonnet (or rather: in the floor) sits a battery that takes you well beyond 300 miles on a full charge, depending on how hard you push it. That’s WLTP-rated, of course, and in the real world it means you can blast from Brussels to the Ardennes without a recharge stop that ruins your mood. The GT version, with its 400 hp, hits 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds – fast enough to plaster a smile on your face, but civilised enough for the school run. Want more spice? The GTS pumps it up to 470 hp, with a top speed capped at 200 km/h, because honestly, who needs more? Charging is smooth with an 11 kW bidirectional unit, and a heat pump keeps everything efficient, even when it’s freezing outside.
Now, the bit where the wallet starts to tremble: the price. The GT kicks off at €67,500, and the GTS climbs to €78,000. It’s not pocket change, but let’s put it in perspective. For that money you get perforated Alcantara trim, massaging seats (on the GTS), a 12-inch digital dash and a Devialet sound system that turns your playlist into a rolling concert hall. Throw in driving aids like a 360° camera and adaptive cruise control, and you’ve got a package that makes the competition – think BMW iX3 or Mercedes GLC – sweat. The Germans are reliable, but the A390? It’s got French flair, with a dash of rebellion that makes every drive unforgettable. And don’t forget: as an EV you save a fortune on fuel and maintenance while doing the planet a favour. Win-win, if you ask me.
What makes the A390 genuinely fun is how it bridges the gap between practical and pure joy. It’s roomy enough for the family, with space for luggage and child seats, yet drives like a go-kart on steroids. Orders for the GT open on 4 November, and the GTS follows early next year – perfect timing to slide into winter with an electric grin. Alpine promises this isn’t a one-off stunt; it’s the start of a lineage that breathes new life into the brand’s tradition, without a single drop of oil.
In short, the A390 proves electric driving doesn’t have to be dull. It’s fast, stylish and surprisingly affordable for what you get. If you’re ready to switch to silent power, this is your new obsession.
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