Alpine A390: Three Motors and a Fastback Body

Picture the sun rising over the Mediterranean as a sleek, low-slung fastback carves through the curves of the Corniche d’Or on the French Riviera. The sound would not be a roaring V6 or a screaming V8. It would be the purposeful hum of three electric motors working in harmony, sending power to all four wheels with a precision that hides the car’s size. That is the promise of the Alpine A390, the brand’s first five-seat sport fastback, and the most significant shift in Alpine’s history since the revival of the A110.

The A390 is Alpine’s second fully electric model, following the A290 hot hatch, and it is the car that expands the brand beyond its traditional two-seat sports car formula. It is a five-seat, five-door fastback that combines the practicality of a family car with the driving dynamics of a sports car. It is a car that Alpine has developed to prove that electrification does not have to mean the end of driving engagement. And it is a car that the company hopes will establish a new chapter for the brand.

The Three-Motor Powertrain

The heart of the A390 is its distinctive three-motor all-wheel-drive system. One motor sits at the front axle, while two motors are mounted at the rear, each controlling an individual wheel. This architecture enables the Alpine Active Torque Vectoring system, which distributes torque between the rear wheels in milliseconds based on steering angle and vehicle speed.

The system can send anywhere from 0 to 100 percent of the torque to either rear wheel, effectively eliminating understeer or oversteer and making the car feel smaller and lighter than its 2.1-tonne curb weight would suggest.

The A390 is available in two versions. The GT produces 400 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h. The GTS increases output to 470 horsepower and 824 Nm of torque, reducing the acceleration time to 3.9 seconds and raising top speed to 220 km/h. Both versions feature enhanced cooling systems to manage thermal performance during sustained high-power operation.

The Battery and Range

Powering the A390 is an 89 kWh battery developed with French battery specialist Verkor. The GTS version marks the first application of Verkor’s high-performance chemistry, with the battery architecture redesigned to handle discharge currents up to 1,200 amperes.

The range is estimated at up to 557 kilometers on the WLTP cycle, making it suitable for long-distance travel. The battery supports DC fast charging, with the GTS capable of 190 kW, allowing a 15 to 80 percent charge in under 25 minutes.

The Driving Experience

The A390 has been developed with a single goal: to make a five-seat electric fastback feel as agile and responsive as the A110 sports car. The three-motor torque vectoring system is central to this goal, eliminating the perceived inertia of the car’s weight and providing a level of cornering precision that is rare in a vehicle of this size.

The car features five driving modes: Save, Normal, Sport, Personalised, and a new Track mode. Each mode adjusts the torque distribution, throttle response, and suspension settings to suit different driving conditions. The Track mode is dedicated to dynamic driving, with stability systems operating in the background only.

The steering wheel features a hexagonal design inspired by Formula 1, with an Overtake button for 10-second bursts of extra power. The regenerative braking is adjustable via a rotary control on the steering wheel.

The Interior and Technology

The A390’s cabin is a blend of sports car intensity and family car practicality. The interior is finished in fine leather and Alcantara, with blue accents reflecting the brand’s heritage. The GTS version features Sabelt bucket seats with heating, massage, and electric adjustments.

The dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch vertical touchscreen. The infotainment system is based on Android Automotive, with Google Maps and other services integrated. The Alpine Telemetrics system provides real-time data on G-forces, lap times, and other performance metrics.

The boot offers 532 liters of space, expandable to 1,643 liters with the rear seats folded. This makes the A390 one of the most practical sports cars in its class.

The Riviera Morning

The A390 has completed its drive along the Corniche d’Or. Its three motors have delivered the 470 horsepower that makes it one of the most engaging electric cars on the road. The Active Torque Vectoring system has kept it planted through the curves. The driver, cocooned in the Sabelt seat, has experienced a level of performance that is as practical as it is thrilling.

The A390 is not a car for everyone. It is a car for those who value the blend of performance and practicality, who need space for a family but refuse to compromise on driving engagement. But it represents a significant moment in Alpine’s history. It is the car that proves the brand can expand beyond the two-seat sports car formula, that electrification can enhance driving dynamics, and that the future of Alpine is as exciting as its past.