Building SUVs (and crossovers) is big business. Also for brands that traditionally build completely different cars. Think of sports car brands such as Porsche, Lotus, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Ferrari. All those brands are very happy with their SUVs. For now it is the turn of a more modest sports car brand: Alpine. They are now launching the Alpine A390 and that is their vision on the SUV phenomenon.
Just like Lotus, an Alpine SUV feels strange. This is because these brands build extremely agile sports cars that are known for their low weight. A large, bulky electric SUV is a little less suitable for this. Naturally, we as enthusiasts have to look at it slightly differently: thanks to those large SUVs that sell well, a brand can make those small lightweight sports cars for the enthusiast.
We will not see all features on the production model
In addition, we must judge the Alpine A390 on its merits and not dismiss it simply because it is an SUV, although Alpine calls it a Sport Fastback. It’s actually a mixed bag of various body styles. It is officially still a concept, but according to Alpine about 85 percent will be carried over to the production model.
You then have to say goodbye to the special doors and missing B-pillar, that is the beam between the front side window and the rear side window. We also assume that the wheels will be a few inches smaller, because they are now so big that the NS can also use them. Special mention for the interior. Alpine proudly says that this is inspired by the Formula 1 car. That is special, because if there is one aspect of an F1 car that is not interesting, it is the interior. The production model has five seats.
Technology of the Alpine A390
The French are not yet very talkative about the technology of the Alpine A390. Of course, the car is completely electric. There are two small electric motors on the rear axle and one on the front axle. Basically, the A390 will feel slightly more rear-wheel drive. Thanks to Active Torque Vectoring, the SUV turns even better. We are curious how the Alpine actually steers. Nowadays, some crossovers and SUVs manage to surprise when it comes to (sporty) driving qualities.
Also read: Alpine wants to build an (economical) road car with a hydrogen V6
Alpine is busy expanding its model portfolio. At the moment only the A110 is shining in the showroom, but not for long. First comes the Alpine A290, which is an extra fast version of the Renault 5 EV that can compete against the Abarth 500e. After that, the production version for the Alpine A390 should appear. The intention is to have 7 Alpines by 2030. There will be even larger SUVs (for the American market) and an A310, a 911 competitor, but electric.