They do exist, but they can be counted on one hand. They are luxury French cars that successfully challenge the mostly German norm. Think of the Citroën DS, the Renault 25, or the Peugeot 605. Alpine seems to be going to change that. Irwin from InstaAutoVlog viewed the Alpine A390 in a dark studio in Paris—the conclusion: a seemingly hard attack on the premium class of fully electric cars.
This article in short:
- Alpine unveils the A390, an all-electric C-segment fastback that aims to challenge the premium class.
- The A390 is inspired by the iconic A110, with a striking sculptural front and futuristic design.
- Concept details like suicide doors and an extendable rear bumper add a transformer-like element.
- The sporty seating position is adjustable and there is a ‘Formula 1 race mode’ for a dynamic driving experience.
- Powered by a tri-motor system with torque vectoring, the A390 promises impressive performance.
New class
If we start with the segment in which the A390 is to do its thing, we are officially talking about a fastback in the C-segment. So think of a direct competitor for the … Yes, which car actually? A BMW i4, Tesla Model 3, and Hyundai IONIQ 6 operate in the D-segment and perhaps Alpine is also tapping into a new class with this A390. That of the premium fastback in the C-segment. A kind of fully electric Mercedes CLA or 2 Series Gran Coupé.
A110 at the base
When you look at the car, you will notice that it feels a lot bigger (and more spacious) than you would expect. The iconic A110 is the basis for the design. The designers have tried to convert the same proportions and details from the sports car into a larger and more spacious family car. Mission accomplished because the A390 is a downright impressive machine.
Sculpturally designed front
This is due to the fully electric drivetrain. Space or cooling for a hefty six-cylinder engine—given the specifications—is not an issue. The car has a sculpturally designed front that seems to grow upwards in an almost organic way. Tiny triangles, which refer to the logo, are visible in the lighting, and the so-called bridge at the bottom of the bonnet is also special.
Suicide doors
The huge 22-inch alloy wheels have a highlighted center. Alpine promises wheels up to 21 inches for the actual production line. The wheelbase is substantial at 2.90 meters. The car at the show has suicide doors that, together with the front doors, provide a generous entrance. Another concept thing.
Like a transformer
At the back, the A390 is futuristic. Not only because of the fin on the rear window but also certainly the striking LED light signature. The most striking is the active aerodynamics. This concerns an automatically extending rear bumper. Alpine’s concept car can stretch like a transformer to improve the airflow at the rear. I also do not expect this to make it to the final consumer models.
Formula 1 race mode
According to Alpine, the final design is based on the concept model for about 85 percent, but this does not apply to the interior. Perhaps a certain fiber or design detail will make it to the final stage, but this is too futuristic. Alpine is active in Formula 1, and with one push of a button, the seat position changes from comfortable and practical to a more reclined racing mode.
Tri-motor
Specifications on the range and power are not yet known, but Alpine speaks of a tri-motor setup. An electric motor on the front axle drives the front wheels and two for the rear wheels. Just like with the Tesla Model S Plaid, this makes it possible for real Torque Vectoring to occur and that promises a lot for the undoubtedly spectacular performance and handling.
