Overview

I first got behind the wheel of the Alpine A390 in sunny Malaga – not a bad place to test whether an electric Alpine can still deliver on driving enjoyment.

This is a hugely important car for the brand. It’s Alpine’s first all-electric fastback, designed to carry the spirit of the Alpine A110 into a more practical, everyday format. It sits between the A290 and the forthcoming electric A110 replacement, and at 4.6 metres long, it’s also the biggest Alpine ever made. In terms of size, it’s comparable to a Tesla Model Y, but visually it’s far sleeker. More importantly, it introduces a completely new drivetrain for Alpine. Including three electric motors delivering all-wheel drive and enabling an advanced torque vectoring system.

While the headline figures are strong, Alpine insists this isn’t about outright performance. Instead, the focus is on pure driving enjoyment.

Driving

The three-motor setup (one front, two rear) allows the car to constantly adjust torque not just between axles, but across the rear wheels. You can feel it working almost instantly. Turn in, and the car seems to pivot neatly into the corner, giving it a lightness that completely belies its size.

With up to 470bhp and 596lb-ft in the GTS, it’s quick – properly quick. There’s even an overtake function that delivers a short burst of extra power, which proved particularly addictive on open stretches of road. Launch control adds a bit of drama too, complete with an animation and sound accompaniment.

Although it’s not just about speed. The steering is quick and direct, requiring minimal input, while the chassis feels well balanced. Crucially, performance feels consistent. Even after repeated hard driving in warm conditions, there was no noticeable drop-off – something that can’t be said for all EVs.

Range and running costs

The A390 uses a new 89kWh battery developed specifically for Alpine, and it’s designed to handle both performance and efficiency. Official range is up to 345 miles on 20-inch wheels, or around 323 miles on 21s. Based on mixed driving, a real-world figure of 280–310 miles seems more realistic.

Charging is another highlight. The A390 can accept up to 190kW DC charging, with a 10–80 per cent top-up taking around 25 minutes. Alpine also claims you can add roughly two hours of motorway range in under 20 minutes, which feels believable given how well it maintains charging speeds.

At home, an 11kW charger delivers a full charge in about eight hours, and a heat pump comes as standard to help preserve efficiency.

Design

The A390 definitely turns heads. Its coupe-like silhouette and tightly drawn proportions give it a purposeful look, while details like the illuminated cluster of polygons called “cosmic dust” that animate as you approach the car add a distinctive identity. There is even a ground projection welcome light with the Alpine logo surrounded by snowflakes.

There is also a lot of substance behind the style. Aerodynamic features are everywhere, from the sloping roofline to subtle airflow channels and rear diffuser – all contributing to efficiency.

Look closely and you will spot some neat touches too, including a small hidden silhouette of the A110 in the windscreen, one for the Alpine superfans.

Inside, the A390 feels every bit as premium as its price suggests. The cabin is wrapped in high-quality materials, with leather, Alcantara and aluminium used throughout. The twin-screen setup is clear and responsive, and crucially, Alpine has kept physical controls for key functions – something that’s increasingly rare and very welcome.

One of the highlights during the test was the Devialet sound system, which delivers impressive clarity and depth. It even pipes in Alpine’s bespoke driving sounds, which add a bit of character.

The overall impression is of a cabin that’s both sporty and comfortable, exactly what you would want from a car designed to do it all.

Comfort and practicality

After a full day of driving, the A390 proved itself to be more than just a performance machine. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with built-in Google Maps handling route planning and charging stops seamlessly. It’s the kind of system you quickly get used to.

Boot space is a strong point, with 532 litres, more than enough for everyday use or a weekend away. The five-door layout also makes access straightforward, which adds to its practicality.

Front seats strike a great balance between comfort and support, even during longer stints behind the wheel. Rear space is decent too, though taller passengers may notice the impact of the sloping roofline.

Verdict

The Alpine A390 is a seriously impressive debut electric performance car. What stood out most wasn’t just how quick it is, but how engaging it feels. The triple-motor setup and torque vectoring system deliver a level of involvement that’s rare among EVs, while the overall package remains practical and easy to live with.

It’s not the cheapest option, and some of the more playful tech features may not appeal to everyone, but as a complete package, it’s hugely convincing. If this is what Alpine’s electric future looks like, it’s off to a very promising start.

Key Specs

Alpine A390 2026

Price (RRP OTR): From £62,000 – £70,000
Top speed: 124mph
0–62mph: 3.9 seconds
Power: 400bhp / 470bhp
Torque: 596lb-ft
Driving range (combined): 345 miles
Charging time: 8 hrs (11kW, 0–100%), 25 min (190kW, 10–80%)
Insurance group: TBC, expected to be group 44
Vehicle warranty: 3 years / 60,000 miles
Battery warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles