.png)
Alpine A390 GT Review: The Electric Sports GT That Blends Thrills with Everyday Usability
- Tim Barnes-Clay
- Jan 18
- 6 min read
The all-electric Alpine A390 is an impressive representation of the brand's legacy, according to motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay.
This five-up car captures the exhilarating spirit of the A110 while adding a new level of versatility.
The fastback features all-wheel drive, powered by three electric mills - one at the front and two at the rear. This not only improves driving dynamics but also introduces the Alpine Active Torque Vectoring system, boosting agility.
Quick Overview
Powertrain | 0–62 mph | Top speed | Range (WLTP) | Battery | Charging | Price |
Electric AWD (400 hp) | 4.8 seconds | 124 mph | Up to ~345 miles | 89 kWh | ~190 kW DC fast charging | From £61,390 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
True Alpine styling and heritage with modern electric twist
Excellent handling with Active Torque Vectoring
Fast acceleration and engaging driving experience
Practical five-seat layout and spacious 532-litre boot
Decent range (up to 345 miles) and rapid DC charging
One-pedal driving and adjustable regenerative braking
Cons
Expensive starting at £61,390
Slightly more body roll than the A110 sports car
Charging speed is good but not class-leading
Rear seats best for two adults or three children, not full comfort for three adults
Range and Charging
Efficient Battery and Fast-Charging for Everyday Driving
Thanks to its 89kWh battery capacity, the A390 GT has a range of up to 345 miles with 20-inch wheels and around 314 miles with 21-inch GTS alloys.
DC fast charging can reach up to 190kW. However, the ability to sustain high charging power for extended periods is more critical than achieving peak power; this requires intelligent charging management.
The Alpine offers average charging power, allowing it to recharge in under 20 minutes, recover two hours of motorway driving, and go from 15% to 80% in less than 25 minutes.
Exterior Design
Sleek Fastback Styling with Distinctive Alpine Flair
The A390 clearly showcases its 100% Alpine heritage. Its coupé proportions can be appreciated, characterised by a helmet-visor-shaped rear window and compact glazed surfaces that enhance its sleek profile.
The Alpine is further distinguished by its unique lighting design. At the front, illuminated triangles known as 'Cosmic Dust' evoke the image of a comet streaking through the atmosphere, lighting up in a delightful sequence.
At the rear, fragmented triangles frame a fully illuminated Alpine logo. Additionally, the slender light bars at both the front and rear appear to slice through the air with an impressive sense of lightness.
A black spoiler integrated at the base of the rear windscreen enhances the fastback's aerodynamic performance, as do the sculpted bonnet blade and the rear skirt. A charming detail can be found in the corner of the windscreen: the silhouette of the Alpine A110.
Interior
Driver-Focused Cabin with Comfort and Practicality
The cockpit is clearly designed with drivers in mind who relish the experience of driving. High-definition screens welcome you, and the physical climate controls allow you to adjust the settings without taking your eyes off the road.
The flat-bottomed steering wheel features a central hub that integrates controls for driving modes, driver assistance, telephone functions, a voice assistant, and instrument panel display settings. Two distinctive aluminium buttons, inspired by Formula 1, manage the brake regeneration levels, alongside the boost for overtaking and launch control.
The high centre console showcases the characteristic Alpine RND transmission controls. Meanwhile, the Alpine Sport seats provide excellent support and comfort, with the GT variant, driven here, upholstered in part Alcantara.
With five doors for easy access, the rear seats are spacious for two adults or three kids. Your feet can easily fit under the front seats, making legroom relatively decent.
Lastly, the 532-litre boot capacity offers plenty of versatility, especially with the optional double floor.
Driving Experience
Responsive Handling and Customisable Regenerative Braking
Depending on the chosen driving mode, the Alpine A390 can handle pretty much anything from a leisurely ride to a more dynamic driving experience.
Particularly well-suited for urban driving, it also features a one-pedal driving option that brings the vehicle to a complete halt.
Indeed, regenerative braking power can be customised through four levels using a blue button marked 'RCH' (for Recharge) on the steering wheel. The first level allows the GT to move freely without braking, while level 1 introduces engine braking. Levels 2 and 3 progressively enhance regenerative braking, enabling you to pick the best setting based on your driving style or the conditions. Level 5 corresponds to the one-pedal mode.
Performance and Handling
Powerful Acceleration Backed by Precision Engineering
The GT boasts 400 horsepower, enabling it to accelerate to 62mph in 4.8 seconds and achieve 124mph.
The Michelin tyres provide oodles of grip, even on slicker surfaces, and while there’s predictably more body roll than you’d find on something like an Alpine A110, it resists lean as well as can be anticipated.
The traction is assisted by Alpine’s Active Torque Vectoring (mentioned at the top of this piece), which, when it identifies different longitudinal forces between the back wheels, supplies more torque to the outside wheel, improving grip around the bend.
When tackling winding roads, the toehold is so white-knuckled the GT feels like it's on rails - and you get the dopamine hit you need. The steering is precise and on the ball.
An overtaking function, activated by a distinctive red button marked 'OV' on the steering wheel, grants an additional power boost for up to 10 seconds when engaged.
Furthermore, the A390 is fitted with a launch control feature that optimises the car's acceleration from a complete stop.
Specification and Value
Trim Levels and Features That Justify the Price
There are two proper trim levels available: the GT and the GTS, each with distinct specifications. The £61,390 GT, the subject of this review, comes equipped with 20-inch diamond-cut alloys, anodised brake callipers, and chrome emblems.
The £69,390 GTS variant is fitted with 21-inch forged rollers, delivers 470 horsepower, reaches 62mph in 3.9 seconds and tops out at 136mph.
It is worth noting a ‘third’ trim – the A390 Premiere Edition is priced at £65,390, but it is a limited-production model with only 390 units. So, if future classics are your thing, then maybe get your mitts on this.
Verdict
A Sporty GT That Balances Family Use with Thrills
The A390 successfully merges the attributes of a family car with the performance of a sports beast.
This five-seat fastback is clearly designed for drivers who refuse to compromise on the joy of driving, offering an experience that caters to both daily use and exhilarating driving - especially after dropping off your passengers!
With its stunning French-inspired design and all-wheel drive capabilities, this Alpine is a sexier, more unique alternative to its closest antagonist, the Porsche Macan Electric.
If you're looking for a GT that blends family practicality with sporty flair - and isn't German - the A390 is the ideal choice, provided you have over £60,000 to spare.
For drivers who need an EV capable of covering meaningful distances without constant planning, the S5 deserves serious consideration. It is one of the few electric SUVs that genuinely reduces compromise — and that alone makes it stand out.
The Car Buying Coach UK Advice
The Alpine A390 GT succeeds by delivering what most performance‑focused EVs promise but few achieve: genuine driving excitement without sacrificing everyday usability. It pairs true Alpine sportiness with a five‑seat layout and decent boot space, making it one of the more versatile electric GTs on the market.
With strong acceleration, capable handling and a usable real‑world range, this fastback avoids being a one‑trick performance car — it’s equally suited to motorway cruising as it is to dynamic back‑road driving. Its adjustable regenerative braking and one‑pedal mode add to its usability across different driving styles and conditions.
That said, the A390 isn’t perfect. It carries a premium price tag, and while its charging speeds are respectable, they’re not class‑leading. Rear passenger comfort is good, but some adults may find longer journeys less relaxing than in dedicated family EVs.
For drivers who want a GT that doesn’t force compromises on daily usability, and who appreciate Alpine’s sporting heritage in an electric package, the A390 GT stands out as a compelling — and uniquely French — alternative to heavier, more German‑flavoured rivals.
Want a hand picking your next car? Check out my car buying services — I’ll guide you step by step and make the whole process stress-free.
FAQs — Alpine A390 GT
What is the starting price of the Alpine A390 GT?
The GT starts at £61,390, the GTS at £69,390, and the limited Premiere Edition is £65,390.
How fast can the A390 GT accelerate?
The GT does 0–62 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the GTS hits 62 mph in 3.9 seconds.
What is the range of the Alpine A390 GT?
Depending on wheels and trim, the A390 GT can travel up to 345 miles on a full charge (WLTP).
How long does it take to charge the A390 GT?
Using DC fast charging, the battery can go from 15% to 80% in under 25 minutes.
How many seats does the Alpine A390 GT have?
It seats five, with reasonably spacious rear seats for two adults or three children.
What makes the A390 GT different from the Porsche Macan Electric?
The A390 GT combines true Alpine driving dynamics and styling with family practicality, offering a more unique, French alternative to German GTs.
Is the Alpine A390 GT suitable as a daily car?
Yes, it’s practical for daily use thanks to five seats, a 532-litre boot, decent range, and versatile regenerative braking.
Comments