Alpine A390 is gunning for Porsche Macan with 464bhp and three motors

The Alpine A390 has been officially revealed for the first time, with the French manufacturer targeting Porsche, Audi and Tesla with its new all-electric crossover.

Intended as the second car in Alpine’s “Dream Garage” the five-door, five-seat fastback sits between the A290 hatchback and the upcoming all-electric A110. Described as a “race car in a suit,” the Alpine A390 is positioned to go head-to-head with the Porsche Macan, offering more than 450bhp from its tri-motor setup.

The A390’s three-motor, all-wheel-drive arrangement is a new innovation for Alpine and, when combined, the single front motor and twin rear motors produce up to 464bhp and 596lb ft of torque in the top-spec GTS model. Meanwhile, the entry-level GT version makes 395bhp.

WIth launch control engaged, the GTS will get from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds — 0.3 seconds faster than the Macan 4S. The GT manages the same run in 4.8 seconds. Like the A290, the A390 features a red ‘OV’ button on the steering wheel, providing a 10-second power boost when pressed.

Despite class-leading acceleration, Alpine says priority has been given to driving pleasure rather than pure performance. Central to this is Alpine Active Torque Vectoring, which can balance torque distribution between front and rear axles and between the two rear motors in milliseconds, acting like a rear differential for shaper cornering.

The Alpine A390 is based on the same AmpR Medium platform as the more mainstream Renault Scenic, but its engineers have given the architecture a radical reworking which the French manufacturer says delivers “first-class” dynamics. Among unique features are forged aluminium suspension components, hydraulic suspension stops to balance cornering performance with comfort and a short steering ratio for sharper steering,

The A390 also has near-perfect 49/51 weight distribution and a relatively short 2.7m wheelbase to aid the agility of the 4.6m long crossover. To enhance the sporty feel of the drive, the A390 features two synthesised soundscapes – Sport and Daily – which reflect acceleration and speed, and which can be deactivated.

The Alpine A390 uses a bespoke battery rather than a pre-existing one from parent company Renault. This 89kWh unit from Verkor offers up to 345 miles of range and has been designed to meet repeated demands for maximum performance with no loss of output. Peak 190kW DC charging will take it from 15-80% in 25 minutes, although this is put in the shade by the 270kW peak of the Macan.

The A390 is a major departure for Alpine as the brand’s first crossover. Alpine says it drew inspiration from the silhouette of the racy A110 coupe for the A390’s design, aiming for a fluid and sleek body that still allows space for up to five passengers.

A relatively small glasshouse with a “visor” shaped rear window helps create a coupe-like shape, aided by the trim-specific contrast-coloured roof. Throughout the car is a triangle motif that’s inspired by France’s mountains and which runs from the lower front bumper with its active air curtains to the illuminated tailgate panel incorporating the Alpine script.

Triangular “cosmic dust” front running lights supplement the slimline headlights that sit either side of the unique bonnet blade, designed to to aid air flow and efficiency. Aiding air flow at the rear are a gloss black diffuser and small ducktail spoiler on the lower edge of the rear tailgate.

GT models come on 20-inch alloy wheels, while GTS models get snowflake-style 21-inch designs. Both wheels come in a choice of gloss or matte black and wrapped in bespoke Michelin performance EV tyres.

Inside, the Alpine A390 has a major emphasis on sporty styling and high-quality finishes. The dashboard, centre console and door panels are finished in leather and share the same Alpine blue theme as the smaller A290. The heated steering wheel is finished in blue Nappa leather and all versions feature heated, electrically adjustable sports seats with a choice of upholsteries. In top-spec GTS variants the regular sports seats are replaced with Sabelt bucket seats finished in blue and grey Nappa leather.

The cockpit includes a 12.3-inch instrument display and 12-inch upright infotainment screen running the latest Android Automotive OS, but retains physical climate controls and three simple drive select buttons in the centre console. There is also an F1-inspired rotary dial on the steering wheel to adjust the braking regeneration strength along with the ‘OV’  button.

With a focus on its sporting positioning, the A390 features live data displays offering information on everything from energy consumption to G forces, and includes a lap timer for circuit use. It also comes with on-board coaching to improve your driving, and video game-inspired challenges ranging from on-road anticipation, to closed track acceleration and braking tests.

This new model is being assembled at Alpine’s traditional home in Dieppe, which is being overhauled to accommodate new electric models. Its batteries come from the Renault factory in Douai and its motors from Cléon — reinforcing the Renault Group’s focus on localised European production.

UK orders for the Alpine A390 open in November, with first deliveries expected in early 2026. There’s no word on pricing, but we would expect the GT to start at around £60,000, with the higher-performance GTS priced in the region of £70,000.