The French automaker Alpine has seen remarkable sales growth this year, expanding its lineup beyond the well-known A110 sports car by introducing a new electric hot hatch called the A290. With that, there was just one previously announced model left to unveil—the A390 sporty fastback EV, which was initially planned for the U.S. market but now faces uncertainty. This week, and actually as soon as tomorrow, we’ll finally get an up-close look at the Porsche Macan competitor. Alongside the reveal, we should learn whether Alpine’s electric vehicles will still make their way to the U.S., depending on the outcome of ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and the E.U., or if the possibility of Alpine’s electric cars in America has been permanently shelved.
What We Know So Far About Alpine’s SUV
At present, the new A390 fastback crossover is set to launch initially in Europe, following the blueprint of the concept model that shares its name. This concept was described as a versatile road vehicle “designed for daily use” while also capable of transforming into a “true racing beast” reminiscent of the iconic A110. Alpine confirmed that the concept’s design is about 85% representative of the upcoming production version. Notable features of the concept include an interior steering yoke, tactile physical switches on the dashboard, a dedicated passenger display, and a four-seat cabin layout.
The concept’s exterior design showcased striking 22-inch wheels with transparent panels that reveal the torque-vectoring technology underneath. It also featured bold, muscular wheel arches, distinctive front and rear light bars with crystal-inspired styling, flush door handles, and a greenhouse design influenced by the A110. The rear includes a sporty spoiler and diffuser for added aerodynamic flair. The highest-end version is rumored to use a three-motor configuration, although specific performance details have yet to be officially disclosed.
Alpine’s Ambitions May Face Some Limits
It’s clear that Alpine aims to compete directly with the all-electric Porsche Macan SUV, likely targeting the performance level of the Porsche Macan Turbo. The Macan Turbo EV accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, thanks to its 630 horsepower, and offers an estimated driving range of around 288 miles on a full charge. Dimension-wise, the Porsche Macan EV has a 113.9-inch wheelbase and a total length of 188.3 inches. By comparison, the A390 concept measures slightly smaller, with a 108.3-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 181.7 inches, suggesting Alpine’s model will be more compact. More details will be revealed tomorrow, May 27, at 11 AM ET, and you can watch the live unveiling here.
Alpine initially revealed ambitious plans for a lineup of seven new models—including sports cars, hatchbacks, and SUVs—with intentions to launch them in the U.S. starting in 2027. However, amid recent shifts in U.S. tariffs and evolving trade policies with the European Union, the automaker has decided to put those export plans on indefinite hold, citing the potential for rapidly rising costs.
Renault had earlier set a goal to increase global sales volume to 150,000 vehicles annually by 2030. Alpine was also in discussions with the U.S.-based AutoNation dealership network for distribution, indicating that the American launch plans were well advanced before recent developments.
