Alpine A290: X-ray analysis of the French electric sports car

It is based on the Renault 5, but is wider, lower and meaner. Develops 220 PS

Photo by: InsideEVs

By: Hugo Pommier

Nov 3, 2024 at 2:58am ET

Comment

It is the first car of Alpine's new course. The car with which the Dieppe-based brand is preparing to go exclusively electric. It is based on the Renault 5 and takes up its style and general layout, giving a more aggressive and racing look to the zero-emission city car.

Let's face it, it's one of the few electric cars that made a splash right from the start. Considered beautiful, although the concept of beauty is subjective, many would like to put one in their garage. But how is this Alpine A290 made? And how does it differ from the R5 from which it is derived?

Alpine A290: platform and dimensions

The Alpine A290 is based on the AmpR Small platform, which the R5 itself brought to debut and which Renault now uses for the (similarly electric) Renault 4. The platform, made specifically for electric cars, derives in a certain sense from the CMF on which many of the group's compact models are based, starting with the Clio. From that it takes the entire front end. From the A-pillar to the tail, however, the platform changes completely to meet the needs of exclusively battery-powered models.

Alpine A290 (2024)

Compared to the Renault 5, the Alpine A290 is longer (7 cm), wider (5 cm) and lower (2 cm). This is because it has new bumpers with more pronounced aerodynamic appendages, a body with more visible muscles, widened track widths and a specific set-up. The wheelbase, however, remains unchanged. The car weighs 1,479 kg, with a low centre of gravity, since the battery is in the middle of the floorpan, and a weight distribution with 57 per cent at the front and 43 per cent at the rear.

Length: 3.99 metres
Width: 1.82 metres
Height: 1.52 metres
Wheelbase: 2.53 metres
Weight: 1,479 kg

Alpine A290: space on board

The car, which remains under 4 metres, is among the most compact in the B-segment. However, thanks to its electric nature, it accommodates a fairly spacious cabin. Those sitting in the front travel in comfort, those in the back, on the other hand, are forced to make a few small sacrifices.

Alpine A290: even inside, the kinship with the R5 is evident

Even when it comes to load capacity, the Alpine A290 has a 326-litre rear compartment (the capacity is identical to that of the Renault 5). Folding down the second-row seats brings it up to 1,106 litres, which is adequate compared to the exterior dimensions, but does not compete on par with the best-in-class.

Luggage compartment: 326 litres
Frunk: n.d.

Alpine A290: Software

Like any self-respecting electric car, the Alpine A290, however 'small', offers the best that is available from the manufacturer in terms of software. The car, which for instrumentation and infotainment offers the classic dual-monitor configuration, with the central one equipped with touch technology, exploits the OpenR Link, a system created using the Google operating system and equipped with ChatGPT.

The software is compatible with over-the-air updates, but these only concern the part dedicated to entertainment and digital services and, for now at least, do not touch the powertrain and power electronics.

Alpine A290: Battery and Range

The Alpine A290 is only available with the larger of the two batteries offered by Renault 5, the 52 kW battery, which has traditional nickel-manganese-cobalt chemistry, and a weight of around 300 kg. It powers a front electric motor capable of delivering a peak power of 220 PS, but only for 10 seconds. It is requested by pressing the OV button on the steering wheel (the acronym stands for Overtake) or by switching to 'Sport' mode and fully depressing the accelerator pedal.

The battery of the Alpine A290

This is if you choose an A290 GTS or GT Performance. There is a depowered version of the A290, called the GT, which goes up to 180 PS instead. In both cases, the car promises a range of around 236 miles.

Alpine A290: recharging

The Alpine A290 - or rather, the AmpR Small platform on which it is based - has 400 volt architecture. The standard on-board charger has an output of 11 kW and allows AC charging at that power. The manufacturer points out that in this way it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to go from 50 per cent to 80 per cent, doing a sort of top-up.

The Alpine A290, however, can also recharge the battery on direct current. In this case, attached to a fast charge post, it can receive up to 100 kW of power. In doing so, it takes 30 minutes to go from 15% to 80% and gains up to 150 km with a 15-minute stop.

The car is also equipped with bi-directional V2G charging. In this way it can donate energy, as well as receive it, to power an external electronic device or, in the future, to act as a storage system in a home system equipped with photovoltaic panels.

Alpine A290: Price

Although prices have yet to be announced in the UK, the Alpine A290 is sold in Italy in several trim versions. The entry version, called GT, with a maximum output of 180 PS, starts at €38,700. On this basis is also the GT Premium, which has equal performance, richer equipment and a price of €41,900.

If you want maximum performance, however, you have to opt for the A290 GT Performance or the A290 GTS. Both have 220 PS. The former costs €41,700, the latter €44,700.