“Like an A110 with five seats,” is how Alpine CEO Philippe Krief describes the A390_β, the part concept, part production version of the brand’s forthcoming SUV.
A bold claim.
He goes on to say it is “More than the promise of a 100% Alpine experience, it's a genuine commitment."
Bolder still.
The design, which, like the A290_β was, is 85% true to the final car, appears to back up his assertion. Take it from the hip line up and it is quite obviously derived from the A110. The roofline, in profile at least, follows the A110 almost exactly.
It will be built on the dedicated electric-only Ampere AmpR platform, shared by Renault, Nissan and Alpine, rather than a reworked ICE platform, which means a flat floor and guarantees more room in the back seats. Not only that, the one-piece white rear bench makes its occupants feel like ‘the first ones to step onto a blanket of pure snow.’
Pillarless and opposed-hinge doors add more space to the inside and set it apart from the norm.
Facts and figures are not quoted yet, but the manufacturer stresses its performance and driver-orientated credentials will be threaded into the A390. Three electric motors, with two at the back to create a rear-biased drive, will pair with an in-house developed active torque vectoring system to control which rear wheel gets how much torque and when. That will help hide the car’s heft and instil nimbleness into the SUV. Or sport fastback car, as it’s been labelled.
In true Alpine style, a brand proud of its French heritage, almost all of the car will be built and developed in France. The floor is eco-conscious carbon from Lavoisier Composites in Lyon, the headrests are 3D printed on the outskirts of Paris by Erpro and Devlialet provides the audio. Tyres, naturally, are Michelin.
There could only have been one place to unveil the concept: the Paris Motor Show. Expect to see the car properly in 2025.
