Alpine A290: Electrifying the Hot Hatch Legacy

The Alpine A290 is the French performance brand’s first fully electric hot hatch, blending Alpine’s racing DNA with modern electrification. Based on the Renault 5 EV platform, it delivers sharp handling, bold design, and a driver-focused experience, positioning itself as a rival to the Mini Cooper SE and VW ID.3 GTX.

A New Era for Alpine

Alpine, known for its lightweight sports cars and Formula 1 pedigree, has entered the electric age with the A290. This compact hot hatch represents the brand’s ambition to expand beyond niche sports cars and into everyday performance vehicles. It’s the first model in Alpine’s new “Dream Garage” lineup, which will eventually include SUVs and larger EVs.

The A290 is more than just an electrified hatchback—it’s a statement that Alpine can preserve its racing spirit while embracing sustainability.

Design: French Flair Meets Modern EV

The A290’s design is unmistakably Alpine:

• Aggressive stance with wide wheel arches and sporty proportions.
• Signature X-shaped headlights, inspired by Alpine’s rally heritage.
• Aerodynamic detailing, including sculpted bumpers and rear diffuser.
• Compact dimensions, making it agile in urban environments.

Inside, the cabin is driver-centric. Expect bucket-style seats, a sporty steering wheel, and digital displays that emphasize performance metrics. Alpine has worked to ensure the A290 feels premium yet playful, appealing to enthusiasts and younger buyers alike.

Performance and Handling

While exact figures vary by market, the A290 is expected to deliver:

• 215–220 hp electric motor (front-wheel drive).
• 0–100 km/h in ~6.5 seconds, competitive with other hot hatches.
• Battery range of ~300 km (WLTP), balancing performance and practicality.
• Fast charging capability, enabling ~80% charge in under 30 minutes.

Alpine has tuned the chassis for sharp handling, with torque vectoring, adaptive suspension, and performance brakes. The goal is to replicate the nimble, lightweight feel of classic Alpine cars, even within an EV platform.

Heritage Meets Innovation

The A290 draws inspiration from Alpine’s rally history, particularly the Renault 5 Turbo and Alpine A110. By combining retro cues with modern EV technology, Alpine creates a car that feels both nostalgic and futuristic.

This blend of heritage and innovation is crucial for Alpine’s brand identity. Enthusiasts want cars that feel alive, and the A290 promises to deliver that emotional connection through responsive handling and distinctive styling.

Market Position

The Alpine A290 enters a growing segment of electric hot hatches, competing with:

• Mini Cooper SE – known for its playful character.
• VW ID.3 GTX – offering German engineering and practicality.
• Cupra Born – sporty Spanish EV with bold design.

Alpine differentiates itself by emphasizing racing DNA and French flair, carving out a niche for buyers who want something more exclusive and emotionally engaging.

Why It Matters

The A290 is significant for several reasons:

• Alpine’s first EV: Marks the brand’s transition into electrification.
• Expands Alpine’s lineup: Moves beyond sports cars into mainstream segments.
• Supports Renault Group’s EV strategy: Strengthens the alliance’s push for electrification.
• Appeals to enthusiasts: Ensures performance remains central in the EV era.

For Alpine, the A290 is not just a car—it’s a gateway to the future, proving that electric vehicles can be fun, stylish, and emotionally rewarding.

Final Thoughts

The Alpine A290 is a bold step into electrification, combining heritage, performance, and modern technology in a compact package. It’s designed to thrill drivers while being practical enough for daily use, making it one of the most exciting EV launches in Europe.

As Alpine expands its lineup, the A290 will likely become its most accessible model, introducing new audiences to the brand’s racing spirit. For enthusiasts, it’s proof that the hot hatch isn’t dead—it’s just evolving into an electrified future.