Alpine A390 electric SUV spearheading performance brand's Australian return
Alpine will return to the Australian market with this, the A390 electric fastback.
Revealed overnight, the tri-motor A390 wears a high-riding, crossover-like five-door body in the vein of a Cupra Tavascan or Ford Mustang Mach-E, but Alpine doesn't refer to it as an SUV.
Instead, the Renault-owned French performance brand says it's a 'racing car in a suit', and it'll be complemented by the A290 electric hot hatch already on sale in Europe and an electric replacement for the A110 sports car teased overnight and expected to launch in 2026.
Thus far, only the A390 has been confirmed for Australia.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
'We are proud to announce the return of the iconic Alpine performance brand to Australia,' said Glen Sealey, the general manager of Alpine Australia.
'We appreciate there is a lot of interest in this vehicle and Alpine's future plans in Australia. However pricing, timing and specifications will be announced closer to local arrivals.'
Given orders aren't opening in Europe until the fourth quarter of 2025, we don't expect the A390 here until late 2026 or potentially 2027. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
In Europe at least, it'll be offered in GT and GTS variants. Here are their performance specs:
Range is between 520km and 555km on the WLTP cycle, depending on tyres. Alpine says these figures are subject to homologation.
The A390 offers 11kW bidirectional AC charging, with 22kW bidirectional AC charging optional. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability will be offered in France.
It can be fast-charged using DC power at up to 190kW, and the A390 features battery pre-conditioning and a heat pump. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
A tri-motor setup is rare, even among performance EVs. However, it allows the A390 to offer Alpine's Active Torque Vectoring system.
Alpine explains this system 'relies on a difference in longitudinal forces between the two wheels on the same rear axle, notably by delivering more torque to the outer wheel'.
The result? 'Unparalleled dynamism and agility, partially offsetting the inertia associated with the size and weight of this larger vehicle,' says Alpine.
The system will correct the slip difference between the right and left wheels and adjust the torque sent to each of the wheels to correct any understeer or oversteer. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
'It makes it possible to push the limits in corners by delivering a surprising feeling of lightness, acting as a rear differential,' Alpine elaborates.
An overtaking function delivers extra power for up to 10 seconds, though a recharge time of 30 seconds is needed to get the full 'boost' back.
Five drive modes are standard: Save, Normal, Sport, Perso, and Track. Also present are five levels of regenerative braking, with the highest being a one-pedal drive mode.
Alpine also collaborated with acousticians and musicians to come up with two different artificial propulsion sounds: Sport, and a 'lighter and smoother' Daily. Specific sounds accompany the launch control and boost functions.
Weight distribution is a claimed 49:51 front/rear. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Here's how the A390 measures up:
Alpine is playing up the Frenchness of its A390, which will be built in France, using electric motors and battery cells and modules produced in France, and featuring a Devialet sound system and exclusive tyres supplied by Michelin.
There's a coupe-like roofline, while Alpine calls the unusual cluster of illuminated triangles up front 'Cosmic Dust' and says it 'evokes a comet piercing the atmosphere'. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
More fragmented triangles can be found at the rear, framing a backlit Alpine logo. Both front and rear ends feature thin light bars.
A little Easter egg can be found in the corner of the windscreen: the silhouette of the Alpine A110.
Inside, there's a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with four selectable views and a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The latter features a portrait orientation and is angled towards the driver. It runs on Android Automotive and features Google built-in, with a range of embedded Google apps and more downloadable via the Google Play Store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Google Maps also features an EV route planner, which considers the route, charge level, battery temperature and real-time energy consumption to calculate the best route.
The climate control can be adjusted via both on-screen controls and a row of physical buttons underneath.
There's a push-button gear selector on the centre console, while the drive mode toggle is located on the steering wheel.
Also on the steering wheel is a Formula 1-inspired blue knob for controlling the regenerative braking, and a red control for launch control and overtaking. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The base GT will offer the following equipment: 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
Michelin Sport EV tyres
Anodised brake calipers
Heated, power-adjustable sports seats
Heated, Nappa leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel
Surround-view camera
13-speaker Devialet sound system
The GTS, in addition to offering more power, adds: 21-inch forged wheels
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres
Nappa leather upholstery
Massaging front seats
Microfibre headliner
13-speaker Devialet XtremeSound Audio System
Semi-autonomous parking
Available safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control with stop/go, driver attention monitoring, autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse), and safe exit warning. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The A390 will be offered in the following exterior finishes: Noir Profound
Bleu Abysse
Bleu Alpine Vision
Argent Mercure
Blanc Topaze
Gris Tonnerre Mat
A black contrast roof is available, while Atelier Alpine customisation options allow you to pick different colours and finishes for items like the brake calipers.
The Alpine brand was last offered here in Australia from 2018 to 2022. Its only product, both here and globally, was the petrol-powered A110 sports car, which was discontinued because it didn't meet side impact regulations.
Alpine is reinventing itself as an EV brand, having revealed the Renault 5 E-Tech-based A290 hot hatch last year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
Trump slump smashes major Aussie company
A brutal two-punch combo of Trump tariffs and inflation shocks is crushing the stock prices of major Australian fashion retailers, with luxury brand Cettire leading the dramatic slump. The company started off the year with a market capitalisation of nearly $600m, but a precipitous 81 per cent decline in its share price since January 2 value means it is now worth just $115m. Moomoo market strategist Jessica Amir warned 'serious alarm bells' were ringing about the survival of the company, which sells high-end products worldwide through its online platform. 'It's safe to say there are some serious questions about a potential receivership,' she said. In a trading update from June 12, Cettire announced just $500,000 in earnings for the financial year ending May 31, though sales revenues lifted 1.7 per cent to $693.8m. Luxury retailer Cettire is leading a slump in ASX-listed fashion stocks this year. Supplied Credit: Supplied City Chic has warned US tariff policies could impact its earnings. Supplied Credit: Supplied The company now has $45m left in cash, down from $79m in March. Cettire founder and CEO Dean Mintz blamed trade uncertainty around US tariff policy in part for the difficult trading environment. 'Recent results from luxury industry participants point to continued challenges in the sector, amplified by trade uncertainty surrounding US tariff policy,' he said. 'As a result, elevated promotional activity persists across the market.' While Cettire's share price is tanking, there are avenues the company could pursue to avoid any fall into administration, for example a capital raise or taking on a new debt facility. It is not the only ASX-listed apparel business to record a disturbing slump in value this year. Footwear retailer Accent Group has slumped 45 per cent, while KMD Brands, which sells the Kathmandu and Rip Curl brands, has tumbled 33 per cent. City Chic has retreated 26 per cent. Graphic Aussie Fashion Stocks - Jan 2-June 23 (2) At the start of the year, KMD was worth about $300m. Now it is worth less than $200m. Some of the retailers point to US President Donald Trump's tariff shock for creating additional challenges in their businesses. In a trading update from June 19, KMD estimated tariffs would strip about $1m in earnings from the company across the 2025 financial year. 'The (company) continues to closely monitor the fluid US tariff situation and it remains too early to estimate the impact on consumer demand in the US,' the company said. 'Given the uncertainty in the US market, agility remains the (company's) main priority heading into 2026.' In an update from May 5, City Chic has warned some 20 per cent of its revenue was generated in the US and 90 per cent of its products were sourced from China, a big target for tariffs. KMD Brands, which owns Kathmandu, has warned tariffs could strip out $1m in earnings for FY25. NewsWire / Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia 'Due to the tariff situation and its potential impact on consumer demand, USA sales expectations have been reduced for FY26,' the company said. But global trade chaos is not the only pressure mounting on fashion stocks, Ms Amir cautioned. Rising oil and electricity prices are also eating away at consumer spending power. 'The things we're paying every quarter and every month are far higher than they were,' she said. 'Petrol costs are up markedly and that's because the oil price is up. 'It means you've got less money left over to buy things like a luxury designer handbag from Cettire, or that Rip Curl jumper. 'You might want to get out your needle and thread and sow up your Kathmandu. You're not exactly going to go out and buy another one.' The benchmark ASX200, which tracks the 200 largest companies on the Australian stock market, has advanced 3 per cent year-to-date.
West Australian
an hour ago
- West Australian
ASX-listed fashion retailers record brutal share price declines on Trump tariffs, inflation shocks
A brutal two-punch combo of Trump tariffs and inflation shocks is crushing the stock prices of major Australian fashion retailers, with luxury brand Cettire leading the dramatic slump. The company started off the year with a market capitalisation of nearly $600m, but a precipitous 81 per cent decline in its share price since January 2 value means it is now worth just $115m. Moomoo market strategist Jessica Amir warned 'serious alarm bells' were ringing about the survival of the company, which sells high-end products worldwide through its online platform. 'It's safe to say there are some serious questions about a potential receivership,' she said. In a trading update from June 12, Cettire announced just $500,000 in earnings for the financial year ending May 31, though sales revenues lifted 1.7 per cent to $693.8m. The company now has $45m left in cash, down from $79m in March. Cettire founder and CEO Dean Mintz blamed trade uncertainty around US tariff policy in part for the difficult trading environment. 'Recent results from luxury industry participants point to continued challenges in the sector, amplified by trade uncertainty surrounding US tariff policy,' he said. 'As a result, elevated promotional activity persists across the market.' While Cettire's share price is tanking, there are avenues the company could pursue to avoid any fall into administration, for example a capital raise or taking on a new debt facility. It is not the only ASX-listed apparel business to record a disturbing slump in value this year. Footwear retailer Accent Group has slumped 45 per cent, while KMD Brands, which sells the Kathmandu and Rip Curl brands, has tumbled 33 per cent. City Chic has retreated 26 per cent. Graphic Aussie Fashion Stocks - Jan 2-June 23 (2) At the start of the year, KMD was worth about $300m. Now it is worth less than $200m. Some of the retailers point to US President Donald Trump's tariff shock for creating additional challenges in their businesses. In a trading update from June 19, KMD estimated tariffs would strip about $1m in earnings from the company across the 2025 financial year. 'The (company) continues to closely monitor the fluid US tariff situation and it remains too early to estimate the impact on consumer demand in the US,' the company said. 'Given the uncertainty in the US market, agility remains the (company's) main priority heading into 2026.' In an update from May 5, City Chic has warned some 20 per cent of its revenue was generated in the US and 90 per cent of its products were sourced from China, a big target for tariffs. 'Due to the tariff situation and its potential impact on consumer demand, USA sales expectations have been reduced for FY26,' the company said. But global trade chaos is not the only pressure mounting on fashion stocks, Ms Amir cautioned. Rising oil and electricity prices are also eating away at consumer spending power. 'The things we're paying every quarter and every month are far higher than they were,' she said. 'Petrol costs are up markedly and that's because the oil price is up. 'It means you've got less money left over to buy things like a luxury designer handbag from Cettire, or that Rip Curl jumper. 'You might want to get out your needle and thread and sow up your Kathmandu. You're not exactly going to go out and buy another one.' The benchmark ASX200, which tracks the 200 largest companies on the Australian stock market, has advanced 3 per cent year-to-date.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
CarExpert Choice winner: Best Luxury Small SUV
The BMW X1 has been named Australia's best small luxury SUV in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. It beat out the Lexus LBX and Volvo XC40 for the title. As an entry-level luxury vehicle, the X1 is expected to offer a stylish exterior and interior, a luxurious feel, refined road manners, and slick technology. It delivers on all fronts. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The X1 doesn't sacrifice practicality for style, with a usable back seat and a roomy boot. Even in base guise, the X1 boasts peppy performance and agile handling, but you can step all the way up to the rapid M35i xDrive with a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 5.4 seconds. Overall, the X1 has a polished look and feel that's befitting of something wearing the BMW badge, as well as the compact dimensions and nimble feel expected of a small luxury SUV. MORE: Explore the BMW X1 showroom Content originally sourced from: The BMW X1 has been named Australia's best small luxury SUV in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. It beat out the Lexus LBX and Volvo XC40 for the title. As an entry-level luxury vehicle, the X1 is expected to offer a stylish exterior and interior, a luxurious feel, refined road manners, and slick technology. It delivers on all fronts. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The X1 doesn't sacrifice practicality for style, with a usable back seat and a roomy boot. Even in base guise, the X1 boasts peppy performance and agile handling, but you can step all the way up to the rapid M35i xDrive with a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 5.4 seconds. Overall, the X1 has a polished look and feel that's befitting of something wearing the BMW badge, as well as the compact dimensions and nimble feel expected of a small luxury SUV. MORE: Explore the BMW X1 showroom Content originally sourced from: The BMW X1 has been named Australia's best small luxury SUV in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. It beat out the Lexus LBX and Volvo XC40 for the title. As an entry-level luxury vehicle, the X1 is expected to offer a stylish exterior and interior, a luxurious feel, refined road manners, and slick technology. It delivers on all fronts. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The X1 doesn't sacrifice practicality for style, with a usable back seat and a roomy boot. Even in base guise, the X1 boasts peppy performance and agile handling, but you can step all the way up to the rapid M35i xDrive with a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 5.4 seconds. Overall, the X1 has a polished look and feel that's befitting of something wearing the BMW badge, as well as the compact dimensions and nimble feel expected of a small luxury SUV. MORE: Explore the BMW X1 showroom Content originally sourced from: The BMW X1 has been named Australia's best small luxury SUV in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards. It beat out the Lexus LBX and Volvo XC40 for the title. As an entry-level luxury vehicle, the X1 is expected to offer a stylish exterior and interior, a luxurious feel, refined road manners, and slick technology. It delivers on all fronts. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The X1 doesn't sacrifice practicality for style, with a usable back seat and a roomy boot. Even in base guise, the X1 boasts peppy performance and agile handling, but you can step all the way up to the rapid M35i xDrive with a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 5.4 seconds. Overall, the X1 has a polished look and feel that's befitting of something wearing the BMW badge, as well as the compact dimensions and nimble feel expected of a small luxury SUV. MORE: Explore the BMW X1 showroom Content originally sourced from:
