Alpine has introduced the A290 at Le Mans, marking the beginning of its electric sports car era.
This vehicle serves as the entry point into Alpine’s all-electric line-up, which will include a GT C-Crossover and a new A110.
The A290, a compact urban sports car, aims to deliver the driving sensations of the A110. It has high performance and everyday usability, built on the Ampere-derived electric platform. This platform includes energy services for optimized home recharging, featuring mobilize power and bi-directional V2G recharging.
Philippe Krief, CEO of Alpine, said, “Our Alpine A290 is the first model of a new electric generation, inaugurating our Dream Garage in the finest possible way. This urban sports car marks the introduction of Alpine to a broader public and resurrects a forgotten category, the hot hatch, so much loved for the driving pleasure it delivers.”
Designed with advanced features, connectivity options, and customization possibilities, the car is assembled in Douai, within the ElectriCity complex, and its electric motor and battery are produced in France.
Performance and dynamics
The A290 is built on the AmpR Small electric platform, optimizing weight distribution and lowering the center of gravity. The car features a bespoke engine subframe, multilink rear suspension and hydraulic bump stops for improved handling and comfort. With a 0-100km/h time of 6.4 seconds, up to 220bhp, and 300Nm of torque, the A290 aims to provide both performance and practicality.
The car includes four driving modes – Save, Normal, Sport and Personal – allowing for customization of steering, throttle response, lighting and sound. The A290 also features advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and tailor-made Michelin tires for optimal performance.
The A290 comes with a 52kWh battery, providing a WLTP range of up to about 380km. It includes a heat pump to optimize cabin temperature and preserve range. The 100kW DC fast-charging system allows the battery to go from 15 to 80% charge in 30 minutes, according to Alpine. The onboard 11W charger enables AC charging from 50% to 80% in 1 hour 20 minutes.
Connectivity
The A290 provides a digital experience with a 10.25-inch instrument screen and a 10.1-inch central infotainment screen. The screens feature specific graphics and interfaces that enhance the sporty atmosphere. The Alpine Portal system, based on Android Automotive, provides a range of connected services and is continually updated remotely.
The car includes Google Maps GPS navigation, Google Assistant voice assistant, and various applications from the Google Play catalog. The Alpine Telemetrics function offers live driving data, coaching for driving skills improvement and a series of challenges.
Exterior design
The A290 features a sporty and muscular design, fitting within a compact urban frame. Its proportions are enhanced by a 60mm track widening, giving it a strong visual presence. The car measures 3,990mm in length, 1,820mm in width, and 1,520mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,530mm.
Distinctive design elements include a unique lighting signature with four headlamps featuring X-shaped motifs, wide wings, side skirts, an aluminum or anodized blue roof edge and a rear diffuser. Aerodynamics have been carefully considered to maximize electric range, with features like an air flow intake in the bumper, wide side skirts and a ‘ducktail’ on the tailgate.
The standard 19-inch alloy wheels are available in two designs: Iconic and Snowflake. The braking system features Brembo 4-piston monobloc front brake calipers, available in Racing Red or Alpine Blue. The car comes in four body colors: Alpine Vision Blue, Deep Black, Nival White and Matte Tornado Grey, with a limited Première Edition of 1,955 units available at launch.
Antony Villain, Alpine design director, added, “We conceived the A290 as an ultra-compact variation of the A110, in the purest style of small sports cars or hot hatches. A small Alpine with a character that, at first glance, expresses its potential for driving pleasure to appeal to styling fans and performance enthusiasts alike.”
Sovany Ang, Alpine VP of product performance, commented, “At Alpine, the electric motor gives us a new sphere in which to rediscover and reinvent the exhilarating sensations that sporty small saloons can provide. The fine-tuning made possible by electric motoring, as well as the expert work of our engineers and drivers on the instantaneous management of the very generous engine torque and regenerative braking, produce inspiring results for novice and experienced drivers alike.”
