Alpine A390 Targets American Buyers — And Poses a Threat to the Polestar 4
The raised fastback might become the first French car to enter our market in decades.
French automaker Renault, along with its sporty Alpine division, has been making waves in the electric vehicle scene lately with standout models like the Renault 5 E-Tech and the Alpine A290. Now, the brand has unveiled its second electric vehicle: the Alpine A390, a high-riding fastback sedan. Boasting a sharp, angular design and a powerful tri-motor setup, the A390 could mark the return of a French car to the U.S. market for the first time since 1991. With its distinctive triangular headlights, the A390 is positioned to compete directly with rivals like the Porsche Macan Electric and Polestar 4.
The A390 Makes a Strong Statement
As Alpine’s third model—not based on any existing Renault platform like the mid-engine A110—the A390 elevates the French brand into a more premium segment beyond the spirited A290 hot hatch. Its bold, sharp styling immediately signals this is a contemporary French EV. Alpine’s signature four-headlight design takes on a more avant-garde form here, featuring four slender, pointed LED elements linked by a slim, full-width light bar. Above the main headlights, which are discreetly housed in the front bumper nacelle, sits a matrix of triangular lighting accents that add to the futuristic look. That said, the overall aesthetic leans somewhat closer to Hyundai’s design language than Renault’s traditional style—an unexpected direction that may or may not align with Alpine’s French heritage.
The bonnet reveals even more thoughtful design. While it doesn’t hide a front trunk, a strong central ridge clearly takes cues from the mid-engine A110 coupe, and an aerodynamic vent at the front edge helps smooth airflow over the A390. From the side, the sporty electric vehicle presents a low, grounded stance, especially on the top-tier GTS trim, which rolls on impressive 21-inch wheels. The base GT model features slightly smaller 20-inch wheels but still sits on a substantial 106.6-inch wheelbase that adds to its commanding presence. The sweeping roofline, another nod to the A110, adapts well to the A390’s crossover-inspired shape, maintaining that unmistakable Alpine flair. At 181.7 inches long and 60.3 inches tall, the A390 is both more compact and lower than competitors like the Porsche Macan Electric and Polestar 4, giving it a fresh, distinctive profile.
Modernist Interior Features
In contrast to its heritage-inspired exterior, the Alpine A390’s interior embraces a distinctly modern aesthetic. The clean, minimalist dashboard features a driver-focused layout with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch vertical touchscreen angled toward the driver. A tall center console separates the front seats, concealing an open storage area on the floor between them. Both the GT and GTS trims come equipped with sporty, comfortable seats, though the GTS ups the ante with premium materials and subtle details like a silver accent beneath the headrest, positioned just above a French tricolor flag emblem.
Rear passengers in the GTS trim are treated to expansive carbon-fiber panels adorning the front seatbacks, adding a sporty, upscale touch. The fastback silhouette manages to preserve decent space for second-row occupants, though the sleek roofline and relatively small rear windows give the rear cabin a slightly cozy, enclosed feel. As for cargo capacity, it seems ample for everyday needs, with additional underfloor storage providing a bit of extra room for gear.
Chasing Style and Luxury
Priced by the manufacturer between €65,000 for the base GT model and €76,000 for the top-tier GTS (roughly $73,000 to $86,000 at current exchange rates), the Alpine A390 fastback sedan/crossover sits in the same price bracket as the similarly sized Polestar 4. Performance figures are also competitive on paper — Alpine claims the 400-horsepower GT can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.8 seconds, while the more powerful 470-hp GTS does it even quicker, in just 3.9 seconds.
On the road, the Alpine A390 is expected to deliver exceptional agility, thanks to its standard tri-motor setup capable of instantly vectoring torque across the rear axle. Despite what might seem like modest power figures for a three-motor electric vehicle, the A390 is likely engineered for superb balance and driving dynamics, focusing more on an engaging experience than just outright horsepower.
The Alpine A390 comes equipped with a robust 89.0-kilowatt-hour battery designed for high-performance driving, allowing the vehicle to sustain peak power output even when the charge drops to 30 percent. Unlike many EVs—such as the otherwise impressive Hyundai Ioniq 5 N—that reduce power as battery levels decline, the A390 promises consistent performance throughout its range. Alpine estimates a WLTP driving range of 345 miles on 20-inch wheels and 323 miles on the larger 21-inch wheels, with real-world figures likely between 280 and 300 miles. When it’s time to recharge, the A390 supports fast charging at up to 190 kilowatts, enabling a jump from 15 to 80 percent battery capacity in under 25 minutes.
Scheduled to begin European deliveries in the latter half of 2025, the Alpine A390 may also signal the return of the French auto industry to the U.S. market, likely arriving as a 2027 model. However, shifting tariff policies have Alpine rethinking its U.S. launch strategy. Still, what better way to reintroduce American drivers to French cars than with a stylish, versatile premium electric vehicle that blends sportiness and crossover appeal?
