Alpine A290
Country of production
The Alpine A290 is produced in France, at Ampere’s Manufacture in Douai (the ElectriCity hub), with industrialization tied to the group’s AmpR Small platform.
Market launch date
13 June 2024: official presentation of the Alpine A290 (launch event around the Le Mans period).
Second half of 2024: opening of orders in the main European markets.
2025: full commercialization phase and higher-volume deliveries, with a complete line-up (GT, GT Premium, GT Performance, GTS, and launch-series versions).
Facelifts and key updates
No mid-cycle facelift at the moment: the model is in its recent launch phase.
Known changes are mainly related to trims, packs, and launch/special versions (e.g., Première Edition) rather than structural modifications.
The Alpine A290 is a fully electric hot hatch (5 doors, 5 seats) that brings Alpine DNA into the sporty compact segment: a focused chassis setup, suitably sized braking hardware (with “Alpine-style” solutions), dedicated driving modes, and a more driver-focused tuning than the Renault 5 E-Tech from which it derives its architecture. The goal is a modern small performance car with instant torque, strong precision on twisty roads, and up-to-date technology (infotainment with integrated Google services, comprehensive ADAS) while preserving everyday usability typical of a B-segment hatchback.
Powertrain and performance
| Spec | A290 180 (GT / GT Premium) | A290 220 (GT Performance / GTS) |
|---|
| Motor / layout | 1 electric motor, FWD | 1 electric motor, FWD |
| Power | 180 hp (130 kW) | 220 hp (160 kW) |
| Max torque | 285 Nm | 300 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.4 s | 6.4 s |
| Top speed | 160 km/h | 170 km/h |
| Battery (capacity) | 52 kWh | 52 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | up to ~380 km (depending on version/homologation) | ~364 km (typical declared figure for 220 versions) |
| Consumption (WLTP) | ~15.8 kWh/100 km | ~16.5 kWh/100 km |
| Charging | AC 11 kW / DC 100 kW | AC 11 kW / DC 100 kW |
Dimensions and capacity
| Specification | Misura |
|---|
| Length | 3,997 mm |
| Width (excluding mirrors) | 1,823 mm |
| Width (including mirrors) | 2,020 mm |
| Height | 1,512 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,534 mm |
| Ground clearance | 151 mm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Trunk (indicative) | ~326 L |
| Kerb weight (indicative) | ~1,479–1,550 kg (depending on version and declared data) |
Main trims and prices
(Indicative prices; they may vary due to list updates, promotions, on-the-road fees, and availability.)
| Version | From (€) |
|---|
| A290 GT (180 hp) | ~38,700–39,000 |
| A290 GT Premium (180 hp) | ~41,900–42,200 |
| A290 GT Performance (220 hp) | ~41,700–42,200 |
| A290 GTS (220 hp) | ~44,700–45,000 |
| A290 Première Edition (220 hp, series/stock) | ~46,200 |
Maintenance and early service (indicative costs)
(Estimates for a premium/sporty compact EV: high variability by network, city, tires, and driving style.)
| Intervention | Typical cost (€) |
|---|
| Periodic service (EV) | 200–450 |
| Brake fluid (periodic) | 80–160 |
| Cabin filter | 60–140 |
| Front brake pads | 250–520 |
| Front discs + pads | 750–1,400 |
| Tire (each, 19") | 180–320 |
| Alignment | 90–170 |
Pros
Strong performance for the segment (especially the 220 hp) with immediate EV torque response.
A more genuinely sporty chassis setup than many B-segment EVs: more engaging and precise driving.
Comprehensive equipment (ADAS, modern infotainment) and strong everyday usability with 5 doors/5 seats.
Charging aligned with the category: 11 kW AC and 100 kW DC.
Cons
Real-world range and consumption are sensitive to pace and temperature: the 220 hp version can be more energy-hungry.
Premium/hot-hatch EV pricing: packs and options can push the final figure up quickly.
Typical compact-EV weight: during very aggressive driving it can show compared with lighter ICE hot hatches.
100 kW DC charging is good, but not “best-in-class” for those who do frequent long motorway trips.
In summary
The Alpine A290 is a sporty compact EV that modernizes the “small pocket rocket” concept: 5-door practicality, interesting performance (especially the 220 hp), and targeted work on chassis/brakes and driving feel. There is no facelift yet: the focus is on the range (GT/GT Premium/GT Performance/GTS) and launch versions. It is a strong choice for those who want a compact EV with a genuinely dynamic setup, accepting premium positioning and higher energy use when driven hard.
Verdict — Alpine A290 (model year 2025)
B-segment electric hot hatch · 5 doors / 5 seats · Trims: GT and GT Premium (180 hp), GT Performance and GTS (220 hp) + Première Edition (limited series) · Front-wheel drive · 52 kWh battery · AC charging 11 kW · DC charging up to 100 kW · Range up to 380 km WLTP · 0–100 km/h from 7.4 s (180 hp) to 6.4 s (220 hp) · Top speed up to 170 km/h (220 hp) · Prices: from €38,700 · Market launch: orders opened July 30, 2024, deliveries in Europe from February 2025 (2025 range)
The Alpine A290 is Alpine’s “sport” interpretation of the compact electric format: modern supermini dimensions, but with chassis and brake/tire choices aimed at delivering a feel closer to traditional hot hatches. In 2025, a key strength is lineup clarity: the same core architecture, two power levels (180 or 220 hp), and trims that separate comfort/refinement (GT Premium) from a more driving-focused approach (GT Performance), with the GTS positioned as the “all-in” version.
On the road, the A290 focuses on quick turn-in and strong front-end consistency (while remaining FWD), with an overall calibration that favors precision and response over softness. The compromise is typical of sporty compacts: in city use and on rough surfaces the ride can feel firmer, while on twisty roads it pays back with more “sports-car-like” control than the average compact EV.
Key technical points:
Powertrains and performance
180 hp (130 kW): 285 Nm, 0–100 km/h 7.4 s, top speed 160 km/h.
220 hp: up to 300 Nm, 0–100 km/h 6.4 s, top speed 170 km/h.
Battery, range and charging
Chassis and “sport” hardware
Custom-developed Michelin tires; Pilot Sport 5 on some versions.
Front Brembo brakes (calipers/spec depending on trim).
Multilink rear suspension and calibrations aimed at precision and support.
Dimensions and practicality
Compact footprint: about 3,990 mm in length; boot 326 L.
5 seats: more usable than many niche sporty compacts, while keeping a driver-oriented layout.
Running costs (practical note)
| Category | Where it shines | Where it holds steady | Where it falls short |
|---|
| Design & image | Strong Alpine identity, modern “rally/hot hatch” look | Premium-compact attention to detail | Less stealth: overt sporty styling |
| Driving dynamics | 220 hp versions: sharp response and precision for the segment | Well-calibrated FWD, coherent brakes and tires | Firmer ride: less suited to those seeking maximum comfort |
| Performance | 0–100 6.4 s (220 hp) is very competitive | 180 hp is already adequate day-to-day | Top speed is not “GT level” (focus on real roads) |
| Range & real-world use | Up to 380 km WLTP: credible for mixed use | Works well as a daily if you charge regularly | Motorway speeds and cold weather reduce range significantly |
| Charging | DC up to 100 kW: trips are feasible with planning | 11 kW AC is useful for routine charging | DC peak is not record-level: longer stops vs larger EVs |
| Practicality | 5 doors/5 seats and 326 L boot | Usable as a single car | Rear space and comfort remain B-segment |
| Technology & connectivity | Modern infotainment (Google services on some versions) | ADAS coherent for the class | Very software-led experience: not for everyone |
| Value & positioning | Distinct niche product with enthusiast appeal potential | Clear trim structure | Higher price than mainstream siblings: you pay for specialization |
Who it is for
Drivers who want a compact EV with genuine hot-hatch character: lively driving, coherent hardware (tires/brakes), and a product that is not “only rational.” It is especially well-suited to those who mix urban use with twisty extra-urban roads and want more feedback from a BEV.
Who should consider alternatives
If your priority is maximizing range and ride comfort, or minimizing purchase cost for the same size, a more mainstream compact EV is often more efficient and softer. Also, if you do a lot of motorway driving and want ultra-fast charging, consider models with more aggressive charging architectures.
Recommended configuration
GTS (220 hp) if you want the best “performance + equipment” balance: the most complete single A290 choice.
GT Performance (220 hp) if driving is the priority (more sport-oriented set-up/content) and you willingly trade some “luxury” elements.
GT Premium (180 hp) if you want style and comfort with already-adequate performance and a more daily-friendly focus.
GT (180 hp) if you want the lowest entry price to the A290 world while keeping the technical base and everyday usability.
Alpine A290 pros, cons, costs and common fixes 
