Alpine A390: our expectations before the road test

Alpine is diving into the SUV market with the A390. This Porsche Macan rival adopts a more coupé-like fastback shape to set itself apart. The marque also promises an exquisite driving experience. Here is what we expect ahead of our road test.

It has taken a little while for Alpine to join the fray, but it has now done so: the A390 is its first-ever SUV. Although its kerb weight exceeds two tonnes, there is no question of abandoning the lightweight principles championed by Jean Rédélé. Cannot the battery weight be cut? The French brand is instead focusing on agility, promising driving sensations reminiscent of the A110.

Styling: the A390 is not an SUV, but a sports fastback

Alpine does not view the A390 as an SUV at all, preferring to call it a “sports fastback”. This entirely marketing-led label refers to a raised saloon, which appears fitting given its dimensions: 4.62 metres long, 1.89 metres wide and just 1.53 metres tall. Its high waistline and tapering rear end reinforce this impression.

The large 21-inch wheels add to its dynamic character, as does the grille with glittering lights carried over from the Alpenglow concept. Slim side glazing further streamlines the silhouette before ending at a sharply raked rear window. At the back, a light bar surrounds the illuminated Alpine lettering. Naturally, the brand’s iconic signature blue is among the six available paint colours.

0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds: how Alpine uses technology to offset the A390's 2 tonnes

To give itself an edge, the Alpine A390 uses a fairly unusual arrangement: one electric motor at the front axle and two more at the rear. This delivers a combined 470 hp in GTS specification. It is a distinctive setup, as most rivals rely on only two electric motors. The benefit lies not in outright power, but in agility.

Active Torque Vectoring distributes torque more precisely between the wheels, ensuring sharper responses through bends. With 824 Nm being sent to all four tyres, this is just as well… The Porsche Macan answers with a 4S version producing 516 hp and 820 Nm of torque. The target is therefore obvious. Yet the German badge could make a considerable difference for customers who place importance on brand image.

Alpine A390 GTS and Porsche Macan 4S: comparison by the numbers

Specifications	Alpine A390 GTS	Porsche Macan 4S
Power	470 hp	516 hp
Torque	824 Nm	820 Nm
0-100 km/h	3.9 seconds	4.1 seconds
Price	€78,000	€93,400

89 kWh and a 400V platform: more conventional engineering

The price gap to its German competitor is largely explained by the technical choices made. While Porsche opts for an 800V platform, Alpine remains with 400V architecture. This affects DC charging power: 270 kW for the Macan and only 190 kW for the A390 GTS, falling to 150 kW for the GT version. This has a notable effect on waiting time at the charging point.

Alpine claims a 15-80% charge in under 25 minutes, whereas the Porsche can go from 10 to 80% in 21 minutes. In entry-level GT form, the French model approaches half an hour to recharge, widening the gap to the Macan's performance still further. The decision is logical: Renault Group does not yet have an 800V architecture available, and the A390 uses the Renault Scénic's AmpR Medium platform.

A premium cabin, but a sense of déjà vu: the Renault Scénic's shadow hangs over the A390

The dashboard will look very familiar to motoring enthusiasts. Its overall layout broadly carries over from the Renault Scénic. Reassuringly, Alpine has made several changes to give it a more upmarket and sporting feel. The seats can, for instance, be bucket seats trimmed in Nappa leather. The door panels receive dedicated Alcantara upholstery.

Forged carbon can also feature on the dashboard. Finally, the materials are generally more refined, while the screens use a bespoke interface. As in the A290, several Alpine-specific menus are available. For example, it is possible to monitor the temperature of the vehicle's key components, including the battery and brakes.

Would you be prepared to leave the Porsche badge behind for the technical boldness of this Alpine A390? Let us know what you think; we will answer in our road test, due this Sunday at midday!