Alpine A390 Beta concept previews brand's first electric SUV
The Alpine A390 Beta electric crossover concept has been revealed as a preview to the French brand's first electric SUV and its second electric car.
Set to join the smaller A290 hot hatchback when it becomes a production car in 2025, the A390 Beta is conceived as an A110 that seats five. It is due to make its full public debut at the Paris motor show.
The exterior has been designed to resemble a drop of water and to look like the car is moving even when it is stationary, with a sculptured and fluid silhouette to make it as aerodynamic as possible.
The design of its front and rear lights are inspired by that of the Alpenglow supercar, with illuminated triangles Alpine calls "Cosmic Dust" that are said to resemble a comet flying through the Earth's atmosphere. At the rear, you have a full-width light bar.
That rear light strip can extend by up to 80mm, creating a ‘longtail’ silhouette that reduces drag and is therefore said to improve range.
There are several channels positioned in and on the bodywork to direct airflow and maximise range and efficiency. The front grille is said to guide the air in the most efficient way possible, and side scoops create a curtain of air flowing to the rear to increase downforce.
To top it all off, Alpine has given the A390 Beta concept new alloys, the design of which is said to be inspired by snowflakes and has a central logo made to resemble a piece of jewellery. Notably, the logo only lights up when the car's torque-vectoring system is working. This is a function that is confirmed to appear on the final production car. The alloys are 22in at the front, and 23in and the rear.
Dynamically, Alpine says it has benchmarked the crossover against its own four-cylinder sports coupé, the A110, and claims its powertrain combines with active torque vectoring to give the “driving dynamic of a lightweight car”.
It makes use of three electric motors (one at the front, and two at the rear) developed by Alpine, with a non-permanent four-wheel-drive system. Overall, Alpine says the chassis and powertrain have been developed to inspire confidence and eliminate body roll.
It sits on Renault Group's Ampr Medium EV platform, which it shares with the Megane E-Tech. Alpine has not yet revealed official power figures.
Despite its radical new look, some design elements of the A390 will not be carried over to production. Its suicide doors, rear light strip and Formula 1-inspired interior will not see the open road, however the Le Mans-inspired central fin will feature on the final production car. Alpine says the car - as you see it now - is 80% ready for production.
Alpine has not yet disclosed performance figures, battery sizes or electric range yet, however Robert Bonetto, vice president of Alpine Engineering, said the car would "not aim to be the fastest" or rangiest car of its type. Instead, it would have "the right levels" and still be "competitive" when it makes production.
Inside, the A390 has a whole host of high-tech, space age features typical of a concept car. The cabin floor, for example, has been designed to mimic stones found on Alpine passes. It lights up when the car is moving, with beams travelling from front to rear to give the feeling that you’re floating over the road.
Elsewhere, the driving seat is hydraulically assisted and can switch from a standard position to one that resembles a Formula 1 racing seat. The pedals also raise, while the wheel - itself made up of two individual spokes - shrinks from wide to narrow. Notably, the seat headrests have been 3D printed.
When the A390 Beta Concept makes production, it will rival the BMW iX and Tesla Model Y, which means it will likely carry a price tag of £90,000 to £100,000.
