Alpine A290 electric hatch debuts with 220 hp.
Alpine currently has only one model sold abroad, the A110 sports car, but plans to expand its lineup to seven different models, all of which will be electric. Several of them will be launched in the U.S. in 2027.
The first of the new models is the A290 subcompact hot hatch, which was unveiled at Le Mans on Thursday ahead of this weekend's 24-hour race in Le Mans, France. Alpine also plans a compact GT C crossover, a redesigned A110 sports car, a four-door coupe that will revive the A310 name, and two larger crossovers in the same segment as Porsche's Macan and Cayenne.
While future Alpine models will be independent, the A290 is a twin to Alpine's parent company, Renault's 5 E-Tech. At 157 inches long, the A290 is the same length as the Renault, but the truck is about 2.4 inches wider for a sportier stance. Thanks to its aluminum construction, its weight is relatively light for an EV, registering 3,260 lbs.
The A290 and its twin, the 5 E-Tech, use a cheaper version of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-B EV platform, which Renault calls the AmpR Small platform; the A290 uses a single motor on the front axle, with the base grade and 180 hp in the GT Premium and 220 hp in the GT Performance and GTS. All grades are powered by a 52 kwh battery and have a claimed range of 236 miles on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. Under the more stringent EPA cycle in the U.S., the range would be lower than this.
According to Alpine, the fastest version of the A290 accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds.
Alpine has made unique styling cues and performance changes, such as the addition of front driving lights, aerodynamic elements aimed at increasing downforce, a widened track, and unique 19-inch diameter wheels, to distinguish the A290 from its Renault siblings. attempts to differentiate it from the car. One of the wheel patterns was inspired by the wheel design used on the first A310 sports car in the 1970s.
The interior features sporty elements such as bucket seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and trim that mimics carbon fiber. The meter cluster and infotainment system feature digital screens, the latter angled toward the driver. Physical buttons for frequently used functions, such as climate control, are located on the center stack. Despite its small size, the Alpine can accommodate five passengers. Rear storage space is approximately 11.5 cubic feet.
Deliveries of the A290 in Alpine's current markets are scheduled to begin in 2025. Production will take place at the factory in Douai, France.
