Alpine has unveiled the A390, its latest electric model after the Renault R5-based A290. The A390 is the brand’s first SUV, and thus is aimed at the likes of the Porsche Macan and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
Measuring 4,615 mm long, 1,885 mm wide and 1,532 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,708 mm, the 2,121 kg A390 is smaller than both the Macan and Ioniq 5. Powertrain for the A390 is by a tri-motor setup, comprised of a wound-rotor synchronous motor in front and two permanent-magnet synchronous motors on the rear axle to bring an AWD driveline, an Alpine first, says the firm.
The pair of rear axle motors enable active torque vectoring to deliver more torque to the outside rear wheel during cornering, while also correcting the slip angle difference between each rear wheel to mitigate any understeer or oversteer. This is aimed at offsetting the inertia of a larger and heavier vehicle such as this, says Alpine; weight distribution is 49:51 front to rear.
Thus equipped, the base A390 GT outputs 400 hp and 650 Nm, while the A390 GTS boasts of 470 hp and 808 Nm. The A390 GT does the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds (GTS in 3.9 seconds), the standing kilometre in 24.1 seconds (GTS 22.5 seconds), and a top speed of 200 km/h (GTS 220 km/h).
Both versions of the A390 are equipped with a 89 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers the coupé-SUV a WLTP-rated range of between 520 km and 555 km depending on specification. These can take fast charging at up to 190 kW DC which brings a 15-80% recharge in under 15 minutes, while offering bi-directional AC charging at up to 11 kW as standard or optionally, up to 22 kW AC.
Alpine is keen to highlight the similarities of the A390 exterior design to that of the A110 two-door coupé, pointing to Alpine DNA in the A390’s “coupé proportions” and the shape of its rear window, where the C-pillar of the A390 can be optioned with the tricolour flag as on the A110.
Rolling stock for the A390 come courtesy of alloy wheels in 20-inch or 21-inch sizes. The base A390 GT gets the former with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres measuring 245/45R20, while the more powerful A390 GTS gets 21-inch rollers shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres measuring 245/40R21. A 20-inch all-season tyre is also offered in the form of the Michelin Cross Climate 3 Sport, alos measuring 245/45R20.
Inside, a pair of screens measuring 12.3 inches and 12 inches across provide visuals for the driver instrumentation and infotainment respectively, while the driver gets a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel with controls for energy regeneration, as well as launch control and momentary boost for overtaking.
Smartphone integration supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the onboard Alpine Portal system built on Android Automotive and Google Automotive Services, with updates supplied remotely via firmware over-the-air technology. In-car audio in the A390 comes courtesy of French hi-fi firm Devialet, with a 850-watt amplifier powering a 13-speaker ensemble including a 224 mm subwoofer.
The centre console design takes after that of the A110 two-door coupé, where the transmission control buttons are located in an arrow-like layout. The front occupants get sports seats which are electrically adjustable with massage functionality, and are trimmed in a combination of materials including Alcantara and Nappa leather. The five-seater cabin is joined by a rear luggage compartment that holds up to 532 litres.
For driving assistance systems, the A390 gets driver attention monitoring with progressive emergency braking, forward and reverse AEB, lane departure warning, occupant safe exit warning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and a function to allow the A390 to make way for two-wheeled vehicles to pass.
The steering wheel gets a My Safety button for the driver to recall ADAS presets at a touch, and the driver can choose to activate or deactivate them, their level of intervention, and switching of audible alerts.
Produced at the Manufacture Alpine Dieppe Jean Rédélé plant in Dieppe, France that also makes the A110, the Alpine A390 is the second of seven electric models that Alpine plans to launch in its near future.
Alpine A390 GTS
Alpine A390 GT
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