Alpine takes second place. In Le Mans, a few days before the 24 Hours, the French sports brand presented its new A290 this Thursday, the second model in its range after the A110 two-seater coupe launched in 2017 and which later marked its rebirth in the Renault group.
This A290 is also Alpine’s first 100% electric model: in fact, this A290 takes up the architecture of the new R5. The two models will also be assembled on the same production line, at the Douai (North) factory.
Quite a distinctive design.
If, of course, we recognize the overall design of the R5, the A290 is still clearly distinguished by numerous details. Firstly, on the front, with this original lighting signature with two square position lights at the end of the hood, which frame the name “Alpine”. Elements that were already in the A290_β concept presented a year earlier.
Above these lights and headlights, a small cross pattern, reminiscent of the stickers used in competition. Enough to give a real personality to this A290, maintaining the Alpine code of the four headlights, as on the A110.
On the hood we find another evocation, the ventilation grille of the original R5, which serves as a charge indicator in the new R5. Here, a simple Alpine logo, without a light screen.
To accentuate the differences with the R5, the A290 also benefits from colors (a new Alpine Vision blue or matte black, white and gray), specific 19-inch wheels as well as a reference to the Turbo 2 vents at the level of the rear doors . And the more observant will notice the small, optional tricolor flag at the top of the C-pillars, a small detail also found on the A110.
At the rear, a diffuser also shows the sportier character of the A290 and the desire to optimize aerodynamics, a key factor in improving electric range.
An F1-inspired steering wheel inside
If we also logically find the general spirit of the R5 interior, Alpine has also known how to stand out with small touches.
The steering wheel thus receives two buttons inspired by Formula 1. First, a red “OV” button (for “forward”) that will allow you to benefit from a unique power increase for up to 10 seconds.
A blue “RCH” selector (for recharging) allows the regenerative braking to be varied in 4 levels, from freewheel mode to accentuated energy recovery, with level 1 being closest to the A110’s engine braking.
Another detail in keeping with the Alpine coupe are the “DNR” transmission controls that are located at the level of the center console, and not in a comfortable position like in the R5.
The screens remain the same as on the R5 (with the very fluid Google operating system), but with specific animations and dedicated “Alpine Telemetrics” services. Enough to show driving data and propose challenges to be carried out on open roads (endurance challenges to reduce consumption) or closed roads for novice drivers.
Expected actions at the turning point.
The A290 will be offered with a 220 horsepower engine (180 horsepower in the first two trim levels), compared to the R5’s 150 horsepower, but with the same 52 kWh battery. In this way, the Alpine will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, 1.6 seconds more than the R5.
To obtain more sensations, Alpine has also worked on a sound response that will accompany driving with two environments to choose from: a “light sporty tone, designed to be used on a daily basis”, and a “deliberately very sporty sound”. But we can also opt for silence, which continues to be one of the main qualities of electric cars.
The autonomy, still in the approval process, is expected to be 380 kilometers (400 kilometers for the R5) and the vehicle will be able to support a charge of 100 kW.
“The philosophy is to have everyday sportiness while maintaining Alpine’s DNA, that is, this playful side, this agile side,” summarizes Antony Villain, Alpine design director.
From €38,000
If we do not yet know all the prices, this Alpine A290 will start at 38,000 euros in France (bonuses excluded). A quite logical price if we compare it with the new R5, which starts at 33,490 euros.
The range will be divided into 4 versions: a basic GT version and a GT Premium with a 180 horsepower engine. And the high finishes, GT Performance and GTS with the 220 horsepower engine.
“We are going to win over two types of customers: there are some that come from the A110, many times we talked about a car for the weekend and therefore the car of the week could be the A290 and also many new customers, attracted by the electric one. “Due to more urban use and price, it will be the new entry for the Alpine brand,” explains Antony Villain.
Orders will open in July for deliveries before the end of 2024. Starting with a limited edition of 1,955 examples, a reference to the year in which Jean Rédélé created Alpine in Dieppe.
After the small A290, Alpine plans to launch a 100% electric crossover in 2025, and then the new A110 also converted to zero emissions, enough to constitute the “garage of your dreams”, code name for the future range of the French brand. In the longer term, Alpine foresees 7 models in 2030.
Source: BFM TV
