Alpine A390_β
Developed as the second model of “Dream Garage”
Alpine has unveiled the fully electric crossover “A390_β” as the second model in its “Dream Garage” series, following the compact sports car “A290.”
The A390_β, developed as Alpine’s first fully electric sports fastback concept, features a sleek form and double-door doors. It is the second model of Alpine’s planned “Dream Garage” full electric lineup of three vehicles, following the A290. A fully electric version of the A110 is scheduled to be released as the third model.
The name “A390_β” follows Alpine’s recent naming convention, consisting of three numbers following the letter A. The “3” denotes the vehicle size, and the “90” denotes the multi-purpose sports model. The Greek letter “β” refers to the fact that this is an intermediate development prototype prior to the official launch of the production model.
The A390_β is not only a multi-purpose crossover designed for everyday use, but also for enjoying sports driving like the A110. Alpine describes the A390_β as “a racing car dressed up in a tailored suit.”
The exterior is based on the endurance racing concept “Alpenglow,” which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2022. The A390_β also draws inspiration from the Alps, and like Alpenglow, it features forms and details inspired by nature, such as minerals and snow.
Aerodynamic, elegant exterior
The design concept is the same as that of the 2022 Alpenglow concept car, combining functionality and aerodynamics at a high level. The rear section features a variable light strip that extends outwards from the tail.
The beautifully flowing silhouette of the A390_β is sculpted and dynamic. Its monolithic form, inspired by the Alps, strikes an optimal balance between functionality and aerodynamics. The side sections follow the distinctive lines of Alpine sports cars, creating a design that exudes a sense of movement even when stationary.
The exterior color that accentuates the car’s sharp lines is the multifaceted “Blue Specular” paint, which contains fine particles that reflect light, dynamically changing between bright and deep blues.
The lower part of the sharply-lined light strip features a luminous triangular design element called “Cosmic Dust,” evoking the image of a comet penetrating the atmosphere, while the front section also incorporates a “Flying bridge” that aligns the airflow above the vehicle.
The rear section expresses the concept of “function determines form.” The tail features a shark fin shape reminiscent of the Alpine prototype racing car that competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The light strip built into the rear diffuser can be extended by 80 mm, changing from a “short tail” to a “long tail” to reduce the Cd value at high speeds and extend the cruising range.
A cockpit inspired by an F1 car
The driver’s seat can be switched between a normal mode and a low seating position reminiscent of an F1 car, and the steering wheel also has functionality reminiscent of an F1 car.
The A390_β features double doors that eliminate the B-pillars to create a large opening. The interior, like the exterior, is also cleanly designed with the image of the Alps in mind.
The front seats feature a mineral-themed dashboard that blends nature and technology. The driver’s seat, combined with a steering wheel reminiscent of an F1 car, can be switched from a comfortable normal position to a low, securely held seating position, just like an F1 car.
Based on the concept of an immersive space where the driver is one with the vehicle, various driving information is projected holographically onto three glass panels located behind the steering wheel. The steering wheel also has two modes and an overtake button, just like an F1 car, that allows for instantaneous extraction of additional motor power with just a light touch of the switch.
In contrast to the driver-oriented front seats, the rear seats are covered in powdery snow, creating the ultimate in comfort. To maximize comfort inside the car, memory foam has been introduced to memorize the seat position. The pure white bench seat, inspired by snow-covered mountains, is made from a single seamless board, giving passengers the pure impression of stepping onto pure white snow.
Intelligently control three motors
Based on the Renault Group’s proprietary EV-specific platform “Ampr Medium,” Alpine has tuned it to its own specifications. The three motors are actively controlled to suit the driving environment.
Based on the EV-exclusive platform “Ampr Medium,” it is equipped with one electric motor at the front and two at the rear. The fully electric AWD powertrain is tuned specifically for Alpine and is combined with an intelligent torque management system and active torque vectoring.
While driving, the powerful torque generated by three electric motors mounted on the front and rear axles is intelligently controlled. The rear axle distributes torque individually to each wheel, achieving sharp handling that can handle any grip level. This ensures that the vehicle, despite being a crossover, has the same lightness and agility as the A110.
The technology, which controls three electric motors with active torque vectoring, has previously only been used in low-volume hypercars, but this marks the first time it has been used in a mid-size crossover.
Alpine CEO Philippe Kreef commented on the A390_β:
“The A390_β is inspired by the five-seater A110 and heralds the launch of a sports fastback that is uniquely Alpine. The refined racing spirit of this concept car embodies the performance and driving experience of the production version that will be produced at our factory in Dieppe, France from 2025 onwards. We promise to deliver a driving experience that is uniquely Alpine.”
