The compact EV from the Renault Group’s Alpine brand will feature all-wheel drive, potentially delivering over 400 horsepower in its flagship trim
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Alpine is on the verge of a massive expansion of its current single-model range, introducing a variety of EVs across different segments. One of the most intriguing additions will be the A390 compact crossover GT, anticipated for release in 2025. Positioned as the premium and sporty counterpart to the Renault Megane E-Tech and Nissan Ariya, it promises to be an exciting addition to the lineup.
The upcoming performance EV appeared in official teasers in 2021 and 2023, showcasing a sleek fastback-style silhouette and intricate LED lighting signature. While Alpine initially referred to it as the GT X-Over (grand tourer crossover), the production version is anticipated to adopt the A390 moniker, aligning it more closely with the rest of the lineup.
More: 2024 Alpine A290 Electric Hot Hatch To Debut In June
With a rumored length of approximately 4,600 mm (181.1 inches), the Alpine A390 will surpass the 4,199 mm (165.3 inches) length of the Renault Megane E-Tech and slightly exceed the 4,595 mm (180.9 inches) of the Nissan Ariya. However, it will remain shorter than the Tesla Model Y, which measures 4,751 mm (187.4 inches), positioning it more in line with competitors in its segment.
While the official teasers offer limited insight, our speculative rendering based on the same photos depicts a sleek fastback design featuring large-diameter wheels, pronounced shoulders, a wraparound greenhouse, and a sloping roofline. At the front, full-width headlights are complemented by concept-style DRLs. The Alpine lettering on the front and the “A” emblem on the profile will serve as distinctive branding cues, signaling that this is a product of the Renault Group’s sportiest brand.
Illustration Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien
Inside, the Alpine A390 is expected to boast higher-quality materials and a sportier ambiance than the Renault model, paying homage to the brand’s rally heritage. Featuring a five-seater layout, a high-riding stance, and a spacious boot, the cabin of the compact crossover will offer ample practicality compared to the snug interior of the Alpine A110 sports car.
Shared Underpinnings With Alpine-Specific Bits
The crossover will be based on the AmpR Medium architecture, the renamed version of the CMF-EV under Renault Group’s newly established Ampere unit. This means it will share its underpinnings with Renault’s Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech, as well as Nissan’s Ariya and the next-generation Leaf. However, as a product of the premium-positioned Alpine brand, the A390 will incorporate unique components to set it apart from the more mainstream models.
Robert Bonetto, Vice President of Vehicle Projects at Alpine, confirmed to L’Argus that the crossover will have an Alpine-specific powertrain setup focused on performance, with torque vectoring capabilities. In a similar context, Gilles le Borgne, Chief Technical Officer at the Renault Group, told Autocar that the crossover will boast an all-wheel-drive setup with a “surprise” at the rear.
Reading between the lines, the Alpine could potentially combine the 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) front electric motor from the Renault Megane E-Tech with one or two e-motors at the rear, offering advanced torque vectoring capabilities and a significantly increased output.
Currently, the most powerful production model based on the CMF-EV architecture is the Nissan Ariya Nismo B9 E-Force, which boasts 429 hp (320 kW / 435 PS) from dual electric motors. Whether the Alpine A390 will exceed this figure remains to be seen. Additionally, rumors suggest a less powerful 2WD version may join the lineup later, complementing the AWD variant.
The more potent powertrain is expected to be paired with a refined suspension setup and wider tracks, as evidenced by early development mules. The Alpine A390 is believed to be equipped with a locally-produced 90 kWh battery pack, which when combined with its aerodynamic design, should provide a decent driving range.
Upon its arrival in 2025, the Alpine A390 will become the second fully electric model from the French automaker, following the debut of the A290 hot hatch in 2024. Anticipate premium pricing that exceeds the high-spec versions of related models from the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi alliance.
Production of the compact crossover is reportedly set to take place at the Dieppe plant in France, where Alpine currently manufactures the A110 sports car. According to earlier announcements regarding Alpine’s future product strategy, the A390 will be available in Europe. In contrast, the larger A490 and A590 GT crossovers are slated to arrive later in global markets, possibly including North America.
Note: This story includes renderings that are not affiliated with nor endorsed by Alpine.
