Meet the Alpine A290
The challenger in question is the Alpine A290, the brand's first all-electric model. Unveiled as a high-performance version of the hotly anticipated Renault 5 EV, the A290 is an electric hot hatchback, a category rapidly gaining traction. Rather than
chasing mind-bending top speeds, Alpine has focused on agility and driver engagement. The top-tier GTS model features a front-mounted electric motor producing up to 217 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque, good for a 0-62 mph sprint in a lively 6.4 seconds. It’s built on the Renault Group's new AmpR Small platform, which is designed specifically for compact EVs, allowing for an optimised low centre of gravity. The A290 is powered by a 52kWh battery, offering a claimed WLTP range of around 236 miles, with DC fast-charging capable of taking it from 15% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
A Legacy of Lightness
What makes the A290 a particularly interesting challenger is Alpine's brand DNA. For decades, the French automaker has been synonymous with lightweight, nimble sports cars, most famously the A110. The question has always been how that philosophy translates to the inherently heavier world of electric vehicles. Alpine's answer involves meticulous engineering. The A290 features a bespoke front subframe, a wider track than its Renault 5 sibling, and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension—a feature usually reserved for larger, more expensive cars. Hydraulic bump stops are included to balance sharp handling with ride comfort. This focus on chassis dynamics over raw power is a deliberate choice to preserve the fun-to-drive character that defines the brand. The car is an attempt to prove that an EV can still feel playful and connected to the road.
Sizing Up the Competition
The A290 enters a burgeoning electric hot hatch market. Its most direct rivals include the new Mini Cooper Electric in its sporty John Cooper Works trim and the feisty Abarth 500e. Compared to these, the Alpine aims to offer a more focused driving experience, benefiting from its purpose-built EV platform and advanced suspension. While the Abarth is praised for its city-friendly antics and the Mini for its premium feel and go-kart handling, the A290 counters with what Alpine claims is superior chassis poise. On the higher end, it also faces pressure from larger, more powerful crossovers with hot-hatch intentions, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Cupra Born VZ. However, the A290 isn't trying to beat them on power; it's challenging them on the principle of what makes a compact sports car enjoyable: a lightweight feel and sharp reflexes.
A Statement of Intent
For Alpine and its parent company Renault, the A290 is more than just a new model; it's a strategic pivot. It represents the first step in Alpine's all-electric future, which is expected to include a crossover and an electric successor to the A110 sports car. By launching a performance version of the mainstream Renault 5, the company is making its performance technology accessible while building brand excitement. It's a calculated risk, betting that a significant portion of the market craves an EV that prioritizes handling purity over straight-line acceleration figures. The car’s success will be a key indicator of whether legacy performance brands can successfully translate their unique identities into the electric era, maintaining enthusiast appeal without simply joining the horsepower arms race.
