E-SUV Alpine A390 GTS in a driving review: Unusually dynamic

Contents

Similar to the once British brand MG, Alpine also has a clear brand message. The focus is on the joy of spirited driving, and everything else must take a backseat. One might have some reservations about this core principle when an e-SUV is announced. However, a first drive shows that those responsible have by no means abandoned their previous ideals. The Alpine A390 GTS is a robust driving machine, and only secondarily this strange mix of SUV and coupé pretender.

Three times 115 KW

The Alpine A390 is based on the AmpR Medium platform, which is also used by the Renault Mégane and Scénic, as well as the Nissan Ariya. The Renault models are equipped with one engine, while Nissan relies on all-wheel drive with one electric motor per axle. The A390 GTS features three motors, each with 115 kW: a front electrically excited synchronous machine (EESM) with a magnet-free rotor, and two rear permanent magnet synchronous machines (PSM) that handle active torque vectoring. The system output in the top model is 345 kW, and in the entry-level variant, it is 295 kW.

They started development with four motors but then concluded that three was the best option for driving, explains Chief Engineer Robert Benetto. Weight and, of course, costs likely played an important role. Power alone is progressively losing value in the world of electric cars – many models can accelerate rapidly, and the spontaneous responsiveness further blurs the differences. Even the base model of the 390 can accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h. With the additional 50 kW of the GTS, 3.8 seconds should be enough for the standard sprint, with a top speed of 220 km/h.

Chassis Modifications

However, a brand like Alpine asserts itself on winding country roads, less so on the left lane of the motorway. Compared to other models on this platform, the dampers have been tuned stiffer, and the springs and stabilizers are thicker. Alpine has not overdone it; more than just remnants of ride comfort can be perceived. Forged aluminum wishbones are installed on the front axle of the Alpine A390. They are lighter and stiffer than standard parts. At the rear, an aluminum frame combines the two electric motors into a compact unit.

The 2.1-ton SUV coupé can be fired through corners effortlessly. At the corner entry, the front end follows precise steering commands – without brake intervention on the front axle: the A390 remains neutral for a long time until a benign push over the front wheels announces the approaching limit. With its torque vectoring on the rear axle, the A390 can be moved even more spiritedly in corners through fine throttle control. When switching to Sport or Track driving modes, the rear axle systems push more power to the outer wheel. But even in Eco/Save or Normal driving programs, you are incredibly fast if you want to be.

Same Battery, Different Charging Power

An extra power boost can be unlocked for ten seconds on the steering wheel with a red Boost button. The blue rotary dial allows you to adjust the strength of recuperation in four stages. Everything from one-pedal driving to gliding is possible. Both models feature a battery with an energy content of 89 kWh. Surprisingly, Alpine still makes a distinction in charging: the base model can be charged at a maximum of 150 kW, while the GTS can handle up to 190 kW. Charging from 15 to 80 percent takes 29 and 25 minutes, respectively, under ideal conditions. AC charging is standard at 11 kW, and for an additional charge of 1200 Euros, even 22 kW is possible.

In WLTP, Alpine specifies a power consumption of 19.8 to 20.4 kWh for the A390 GTS we drove. According to the onboard computer, we achieved around 25 kWh/100 km on our drive – without charging losses, which are included in the statutory figures. The range is stated as up to 515 km. With a little buffer, slightly more than 300 km should always be possible.

Good Space Offering

The Alpine A390 has similar dimensions to a VW ID.5 but serves a different target group. Compared to previous models of the brand, it offers a practically generous amount of space; compared to similarly sized cars, it is well within the average for this segment. The trunk capacity is a respectable 532 liters. The wheelbase is six centimeters shorter than in the Volkswagen MEB models, but even in the rear, you sit comfortably in the A390.

Alpine does not aim for mass sales, which is communicated at the latest through the price list. Even the base model costs 67,500 Euros, and the even more extensively equipped top version is priced at 78,000 Euros. Some might be comforted by the fact that Alpine at least undercuts a Porsche Macan with this, and when adjusted for equipment, it's significantly more so than it initially appears. Nevertheless, the A390 will remain an exotic, even if it drives entertainingly.

(nen)