Alpine A390 undergoes final handling tests ahead of May launch

The Alpine A390 fastback is undergoing its final handling tests ahead of its official debut on May 27.

Conceived as a five-seat rival the Porsche Macan Electric, the Alpine A390 is powered by a tri-motor setup capable of creating up to 600bhp. Its sophisticated torque vectoring system aims to return a sporting drive akin to that of the French manufacturer’s highly-acclaimed A110.

The final stability tests were held on the 4.1km test track at Michelin’s Ladoux facility in France under slippery conditions to push the A390’s EV-specific 20-inch Michelin Pilot Sport EV and 21-inch Pilot Sport 4S tyres to their limit. The tests also helped assess a fifth driving option; the newly-added Track Mode, which adjusts the electronic stability control settings in accordance with track conditions.

Alpine’s Drive Sound system is also being tested at the Ladoux facility. Like the smaller, Alpine A290 hot-hatch, the A390 has two specific sounds: A sportier noise for performance driving is derived from the A110’s engine note. However, it stops short of replicating the sound of an internal combustion engine.

Meanwhile, a ‘daily’ option is intended for a more casual environment, and has less bass. Like the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the Alpine A390’s simulated engine noises can be switched off completely.

Alpine first teased the A390 as a fastback concept car at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, where it was displayed under the Alpine A390 Beta moniker. Since it was announced as a production vehicle, it has undergone a rigorous testing programme, and was spied earlier this year in Lapland, where further hints to its styling were spotted. Styling cues included a fin inspired by the Alpine A424 World Endurance Championship challenger, plus ‘Cosmic Dust’ triangular lighting, and ‘Snowflake’ pattern wheels that light up blue when the torque vectoring system is active.

Alpine has not yet released any in-depth technical details about the A390. Nonetheless, it is confirmed to be built on the Renault Group’s bespoke Ampr Medium EV platform made by its e-mobility company, Ampere. This makes the French performance fastback  a relation of the multiple award-winning Renault Scenic E-Tech.

In terms of dimensions, the Alpine A390 will measure 4.62 metres long, 1.53m tall, and 1.89m wide. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but it is expected that Alpine’s second dedicated EV will cost less than £100,000.