Alpine A290 The Alpine A290 is an upcoming all-electric hot hatch from the French performance brand Alpine, which is a subsidiary of Renault. It marks Alpine’s first foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market and is part of the brand’s broader strategy to transition to an all-electric lineup by 2026. The A290 is set to be a high-performance, driver-focused EV, staying true to Alpine’s heritage of lightweight, agile sports cars.
Design and Platform:
- The A290 is based on the CMF-EV platform, which is also used by the Renault MEGANNE E-Tech Electric.
- It features a sporty, aggressive design with Alpine’s signature styling cues, such as the X-shaped LED headlights and a muscular stance.
- The interior is expected to be driver-focused, with a minimalist layout and high-quality materials.
Performance:
- As a hot hatch, the A290 is expected to deliver impressive performance, with a focus on handling and agility.
- It will likely feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, producing around 220-250 horsepower (exact figures are yet to be confirmed).
- The car is expected to have a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of under 6 seconds, making it a true performance EV.
Battery and Range:
- The A290 will likely use a battery pack of around 50-60 kWh, providing a range of approximately 300-400 km (186-249 miles) on a single charge, depending on driving conditions.
- It will support fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups on the go.
Driving Dynamics:
- Alpine is known for its lightweight, nimble cars, and the A290 is expected to follow suit. While EVs are typically heavier due to their batteries, Alpine will likely use lightweight materials and engineering to maintain a sporty feel.
- The car will feature advanced suspension and chassis tuning to deliver a thrilling driving experience.
Technology:
- The A290 will come equipped with the latest tech, including a digital driver display, a large infotainment screen, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
- Alpine may also introduce performance-focused features, such as customizable driving modes and regenerative braking settings.
Market Position:
- The A290 will compete with other electric hot hatches like the Mini Cooper SE and the ABARTH 500e, as well as performance-oriented EVs like the Hyundai LONIQ 5 N.
- It aims to appeal to enthusiasts who want a fun-to-drive EV with a strong connection to Alpine’s motorsport heritage.
Expected Launch:
- The Alpine A290 is expected to debut in 2024, with sales likely starting later that year or in early 2025.
Alpine’s Broader EV Strategy:
- The A290 is just the beginning of Alpine’s electric transformation. The brand has also announced plans for an electric sports car (likely a successor to the A110) and an electric crossover, as part of its goal to become a fully electric performance brand by 2026.
Design and Styling
The Alpine A290 is designed to be a modern interpretation of a hot hatch, blending Alpine’s motorsport heritage with futuristic EV aesthetics.
Exterior:
- The A290 features a bold, aggressive front end with X-shaped LED headlights, a signature design cue inspired by Alpine’s racing cars.
- The car has a wide, muscular stance with flared wheel arches, giving it a sporty and athletic appearance.
- Aerodynamics play a key role in the design, with features like a sculpted hood, a rear spoiler, and a diffuser to optimize airflow and improve efficiency.
- The overall silhouette is compact and sleek, staying true to the hot hatch formula.
Interior:
- The cabin is expected to be driver-focused, with a minimalist layout and high-quality materials.
- A digital instrument cluster and a large central touchscreen will dominate the dashboard, providing access to infotainment and vehicle settings.
- Alpine may incorporate sporty elements like bucket seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and Alcantara or leather upholstery to enhance the performance feel.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The A290 is being developed as a true performance EV, with a focus on delivering an engaging driving experience. Here’s what we know so far:
Powertrain:
- The A290 will likely use a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, providing strong acceleration and improved traction.
- Power output is expected to be in the range of 220-250 horsepower, though Alpine may offer multiple variants with different power levels.
- The car is expected to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in under 6 seconds, making it a competitive option in the hot hatch segment.
Handling:
- Alpine is known for its lightweight, agile cars, and the A290 will aim to deliver a similar experience despite the added weight of the battery pack.
- The car will feature a sport-tuned suspension, low center of gravity (thanks to the floor-mounted battery), and precise steering to ensure sharp handling.
- Advanced torque vectoring and regenerative braking systems may be included to enhance cornering and energy efficiency.
Battery and Range:
- The A290 is expected to use a battery pack with a capacity of around 50-60 kWh, providing a range of approximately 300-400 km (186-249 miles) on a single charge.
- It will support DC fast charging, allowing the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes (depending on the charger’s power output).
Technology and Features
The A290 will come equipped with the latest tech to enhance both performance and convenience:
Infotainment and Connectivity:
- A large central touchscreen will serve as the hub for infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings.
- The system will likely support Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and over-the-air (OTA) updates.
- Alpine may introduce a dedicated app for performance tracking and customization.
Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS):
- The A290 will feature advanced driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
- These systems will enhance safety while maintaining the car’s sporty character.
Performance-Oriented Features:
- Alpine may include customizable driving modes (e.g., Eco, Sport, Track) that adjust parameters like throttle response, suspension stiffness, and regenerative braking.
- A head-up display (HUD) could be offered to keep the driver’s eyes on the road while providing essential information.
Market Position and Competitors
The Alpine A290 will enter a growing segment of performance-oriented EVs, competing with models like:
- Mini Cooper SE: A compact electric hatchback with retro styling and fun driving dynamics.
- ABSRTH 500e: A sporty version of the Fiat 500e, aimed at enthusiasts.
- Hyundai LONIQ 5 N: A high-performance EV with cutting-edge tech and impressive power.
- CUPRA Born: A sporty EV with a focus on design and driving engagement.
- The A290 aims to stand out with its Alpine heritage, lightweight engineering, and motorsport-inspired design.
Alpine’s Broader EV Strategy
- The A290 is just the first step in Alpine’s ambitious plan to become a fully electric performance brand by 2026. Here’s what’s coming next:
Expected Pricing and Availability
- The Alpine A290 is expected to debut in 2024,
- with sales starting in late 2024 or early 2025.
- Pricing is likely to start around €40,000-€50,000 (approximately43,000−54,000), positioning it as a premium offering in the hot hatch segment.
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