Alpine A290 GTS : A Renault 5, but with more heart and more thrill
Jean-Pierre Ndu
When you think of Alpine, the image of a lightweight, agile sports car powered by a combustion engine instantly comes to mind. However, getting behind the wheel of the new Alpine A290 revealed a completely different experience. As Alpine’s first electric sporty city car, the A290 redefines driving pleasure with an innovative approach, steering clear of nostalgia and firmly looking toward the future.
Unique Road Presence
Impossible to confuse with a simple electric Renault 5, the Alpine A290 possesses a distinctive visual character. Its widened body and muscular lines deliver an uncompromisingly sporty look. The standout detail? Its X-shaped front lights subtly but boldly evoke the brand’s rally heritage from the 1970s. Just under 4 meters in length, this compact car commands attention with its strong, unique identity.
Sporty Elegance and Advanced Technology
Inside, you step into a premium and high-tech universe, far from the spartan sports cars of the past. The cockpit features enveloping seats upholstered in elegant Nappa leather and an innovative steering wheel with integrated controls, including the playful “Overtake” button that adds fun to every drive. Controls are intuitively placed and complemented by a state-of-the-art multimedia system. Alpine has paid careful attention to every detail, from materials to user interfaces, making every journey in the A290 enjoyable and exciting.
Two Personalities, One Passion
The Alpine A290 comes in two engine configurations: a GT version with 180 horsepower suited for dynamic daily driving, and a GTS variant delivering 220 horsepower for more spirited performance. Both models feature a 52 kWh battery, offering a real-world range of 250 to 300 kilometers. Our test drive of the GTS model demonstrated smooth, continuous acceleration without the explosive but sometimes harsh character of traditional sports cars. It’s controlled power that encourages both serenity and dynamism.
Controlled Agility
The true success of the Alpine A290 lies in its perfect balance of comfort and precision. Hydraulic bump-stop suspensions ensure remarkable stability, even on uneven roads, while providing unexpectedly high comfort for a sports car. Its agile, playful handling offers intuitive, reassuring driving dynamics, enhanced by notably powerful Brembo brakes. Our only minor critique: the steering feels slightly numb, limiting direct road feedback.
Pricing in Belgium
The Belgian range starts at €38,700 and quickly rises to €46,200 for the top-tier model. These prices reflect its clearly premium positioning, justified by generous equipment including high-quality seats, a premium audio system, and advanced driving assistance technologies. Despite its high price, the A290 appeals through its intrinsic qualities and uniqueness in a rapidly expanding market segment.
Conclusion: A Successful Electric Gamble
With the A290, Alpine successfully delivers an engaging and appealing first electric sports car. Far from merely riding the electric wave, the French brand offers a vehicle genuinely capable of delivering daily driving pleasure. While the premium pricing and modest range may deter some buyers, its strong character and driving sensations more than compensate for these shortcomings. A bold gamble for Alpine, but unquestionably a success.
Pros:
- Dynamic and intuitive driving
- Distinctive and original design
- Surprising comfort
- Advanced onboard technologies
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Limited range
- Slightly numb steering
- Restricted rear space
