After its first static presentation in Dieppe, northern France, the Alpine A390 is back for a public viewing in Malaga. With much milder weather, we can test drive the French brand’s electric SUV to discover whether the essence of a brand that for seventy years has focused exclusively on producing gasoline-powered coupés is still present. Let’s start by saying that when seen in a real-world scenario, on the road, the A390 has a different effect. Its sporty nature is more evident: it’s clearly perceived from any angle. The hood is very steeply raked forward, seemingly biting into the road and emphasizing a clear aggressive stance thanks to the presence of very thin headlights and air ducts that channel airflow toward the windshield. The car is also wide, low, and firmly planted. And in profile, it has a steeply raked rear window that lightens the silhouette.
As Alpine’s head of design, Antony Villain, explained to us, the car surprised even those who designed it. “We worked a lot on the proportions,” he told us. “Lowering the roof, widening the track. It was meticulous work, every inch of it, and in the end, compared to what we initially designed, we even thought we’d gone too far. However, once we saw it on the road, we realized we’d done a good job. We’re very satisfied with both the overall proportions and the details. Like the triangular accents under the headlights: they lighten the front end and give a sense of movement.”
Indeed, on the move, the car displays an agile temperament beyond even the most exaggerated expectations. The three electric motors (one in front and two in the rear) allow for optimal torque distribution, and the low center of gravity, aided by the battery located under the floor, makes the vehicle stable and balanced in any situation. It doesn’t feel like you’re driving a 4,500-pound SUV, but rather a more compact and lightweight car. In short, the brand’s DNA is still present, albeit reinterpreted in a four-door, zero-emissions vehicle.
