Alpine, the Renault-owned automaker, made headlines in May 2023 with the unveiling of its electric concept car, the A290_β. The futuristic yet somewhat retro design study signaled Alpine’s return to the hot hatch segment, drawing inspiration from the Renault 5 Prototype concept of 2021. This reveal was followed by an announcement from Alpine about a major model offensive, showcasing an “Alpine Garage” with plans to release seven new cars by 2030. This marked a significant move for the brand, as it would be venturing into mainstream segments for the first time in its 69-year history.
Among the lineup of new cars, the production A290 took the spotlight as Alpine’s first offering. This electric hot hatch came in various trims, including the limited-build Premiere Edition, as well as the GT, GT Premium, GT Performance, and GTS trims. All trims featured a single motor on the front axle, delivering an instant 221 pound-feet of torque. The GT and GT Premium boasted 177 horsepower, while the GT Performance and GTS trims offered an impressive 215 hp. However, drivers needed to engage a special function, known as the Overtake button, to unlock the full power potential of the vehicle.
In terms of performance, the A290 held its own against traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) rivals. Weighing in at 3,261 pounds, the more powerful trims of the A290 could accelerate from zero to 62 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds, just two-tenths of a second behind the new ICE-powered Volkswagen GTI. Additionally, the A290 offered regenerative braking capabilities through a RCH button on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to cycle through four regen levels.
Powering the A290 was a 52-kWh battery, providing an estimated range of 236 miles on Europe’s WLTP cycle. While the maximum fast-charge rate was 100 kW, allowing the pack’s charge to go from 15% to 80% in just 30 minutes, it could also add approximately 90 miles of range in just 15 minutes. These features made the A290 convenient and practical for everyday use.
Inside the A290, drivers enjoyed a range of modern features and amenities. The cockpit featured a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience. Even the entry-level GT trim came equipped with luxurious 19-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, heated sport seats, and a Nappa-leather-wrapped steering wheel. The GT Premium and GT Performance trims offered further upgrades with contrasting black roofs, blue brake calipers, Nappa leather interiors, Devialet premium audio, and electronic rearview mirrors. The Performance trim also boasted Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires and Alpine Telematics with dynamic info pages within the infotainment system.
Alpine also paid homage to its heritage with the A290 GTS Premiere Edition, limited to only 1,955 examples in honor of the brand’s birth year. Buyers had the option to choose from three unique themes: Beta, La Grise, and La Bleue. Although Alpine did not disclose the price for the Premiere Edition in its home market, it was expected to have a noticeable premium over its sibling hatch, the Renault 5, which started at €30,000 ($32,398 U.S.).
Overall, Alpine’s A290 marked an exciting new chapter for the brand as it ventured into the hot hatch segment with an electric offering. With its stylish design, impressive performance, and high-tech features, the A290 aimed to appeal to both nostalgia-driven Alpine enthusiasts and modern-day electric vehicle enthusiasts alike.