Alpine A290: Pioneering the Future of Electric Sports Cars
Alpine is heralding a new era with the debut of the A290, marking the advent of the electric sports car era under Alpine’s distinctive brand ethos: performance, agility, and lightweight design, infused with French savoir-faire. The A290 is a gateway into the Alpine world, inaugurating Alpine’s 100% electric Dream Garage. This new lineup will soon be joined by a GT C-Crossover and the next-generation A110.
The A290 blends the exhilarating driving experience of the A110 with the practicality of an urban sports car. True to Alpine’s DNA, it is compact and agile, delivering high performance in a user-friendly package that ensures everyday comfort. Built on the Ampere-derived electric platform, the A290 includes innovative energy services such as Mobilize Power and bi-directional V2G recharging, integrating it into a comprehensive electric ecosystem designed for an optimal user experience.
Boasting a cutting-edge design, top-notch technical features, extensive connectivity, and numerous personalization options, the Alpine A290 is a true representative of the brand’s legacy, designed to thrive in the electric age. It aims to attract a diverse range of customers, from performance enthusiasts to style-conscious individuals. The A290 is assembled at the Manufacture in Douai, within ElectriCity, with its electric motor crafted at the Megafactory in Cléon, and its battery set to be produced in France starting in the summer of 2025.
Exterior Design: A Pure Expression of Sportiness
The exterior design of the A290 exemplifies sportiness through its proportions, giving this sub-4-meter urban car a muscular stance that reflects its performance capabilities. Built on the AmpR Small platform, enhanced with a 60mm track widening, the A290 presents the aggressive look of a hot hatch poised for action. Its compact dimensions (3,990 mm length, 1,820 mm width, 1,520 mm height, and 2,530 mm wheelbase) are complemented by a unique lighting signature, reminiscent of rally cars, featuring X-shaped motifs and a welcome animation.
The A290’s bold exterior is accentuated by wide wings, side skirts with subtle body-colored edging, an anodized blue or aluminum roof edge, a French flag on the C-pillar, a black shark antenna, wing logos, black lacquered body surround, and a distinctive line on the rear door, culminating in a rear bumper diffuser. The front proudly displays the Alpine name and a snowflake motif on the sports bumper.
Aerodynamics have been meticulously engineered to maximize electric range, with features such as an optimized air intake in the bumper, wide side skirts, a diffuser, vanes, and rear light shapes. The absence of an oversized spoiler is replaced by a ‘ducktail’ on the tailgate, enhancing sportiness without disrupting airflow.
The standard 19-inch alloy wheels come in two exclusive designs: Iconic, referencing the Alpine A310, and Snowflake, available in gloss black, semi-diamond black, or diamond black finishes. Brembo 4-piston monobloc front brake calipers with Alpine branding are borrowed from the A110, available in Racing Red or Alpine Blue.
The A290 offers four body colors, including the new Alpine Vision Blue, Deep Black, Nival White, and Matte Tornado Grey. A limited Première Edition of 1,955 units will be available at launch in four versions: Première Édition, Beta, La Bleue, and La Grise.
Interior Design: A Cockpit of Sporty Elegance
Inside, the A290 offers a sport-centric atmosphere with an exclusive Deep Blue tone, driver-oriented cockpit, and adjustable ambient lighting. The three-spoke sports steering wheel, covered in Nappa leather, features aluminium buttons inspired by Formula 1 racing, with controls for driving aids, telephone, voice assistant, and instrument display mode.
The high center console, inspired by the A110, incorporates the RND transmission controls and is meticulously crafted with embossed detailing and top-of-the-range Nappa leather upholstery. The seats, designed for sportiness and comfort, are upholstered in environmentally friendly materials, with various trim levels offering different fabrics and finishes.
In the GT Premium and GTS versions, the interior features Deep Blue and Eevee Grey Nappa leather, with Alpine branding on the headrests and backrest medallion. This leather is sustainably sourced and tanned using plant-based agents.
Platform and Dynamic Features: Accessible Sportiness
The A290’s development focused on delivering driving pleasure and hot hatch thrills. Its electric AmpR Small platform optimizes weight distribution, lowers the center of gravity, and maximizes interior space. The bespoke engine subframe and all-aluminum design contribute to handling and weight efficiency.
With a 0-100 km/h time of 6.4 seconds, up to 220 bhp, 300 Nm of torque, and a weight of just 1,479 kg, the A290 offers top performance without compromising comfort and practicality. Its advanced suspension system, multi-link rear suspension, and bespoke anti-roll bars ensure responsive handling and stability.
The A290 includes a sophisticated torque management system, Alpine Torque Technology, and by-wire braking control for seamless regenerative and hydraulic braking. Four driving modes—Save, Normal, Sport, and Personal—allow customization of the driving experience.
Technology: An Immersive Digital Experience
The A290’s 10.25-inch instrument screen and 10.1-inch central infotainment screen offer a unique digital experience with specific graphics, interfaces, and functions. Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice control, and the Alpine Telemetrics system enhance the driving experience, providing live data, coaching, and challenges.
The My Alpine smartphone app offers remote access to vehicle information, route planning, recharging management, and V2G functionality.
Battery and Recharging: A Complete Ecosystem
The A290 comes with a 52 kWh battery, offering a WLTP range of up to 380 km. Its 100 kW DC fast-charging system enables rapid charging, while an 11 kW on-board charger supports home recharging. Google Maps navigation includes an electric route planner to optimize charging stops.
Range and Equipment: Tailored Options
The A290 range includes GT and GTS versions, with 180hp and 220hp engines, respectively. The GT Premium focuses on comfort, while the GT Performance emphasizes sportiness. The top-of-the-range GTS combines features from both GT versions with exclusive enhancements.
Encadré:
The A290 GTS Premiere Edition will be available at launch in four exclusive versions, with a limited production of 1,955 units, symbolizing the founding year of the Alpine brand by Jean Rédélé. Each version features exclusive livery, extra equipment, and a limited-edition plate on the center console.
