Alpine A290 180 hp

Overview

The 2025 Alpine A290, in its feisty 180 hp trim, is gunning to be your new favorite electric hot hatch, straight from France. It’s a pocket rocket designed for pure driving fun, blending iconic rally heritage with modern EV punch. This specific trim aims to hit the sweet spot between thrilling performance and daily usability. While official US pricing is yet to be announced for this European-market gem, enthusiasts should anticipate a premium positioning if it crosses the pond, reflecting its unique blend of style and Alpine-tuned dynamics.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Alpine A290 bursts onto the scene as an entirely new model, marking Alpine's electrifying entry into the hot hatch segment. Based on the Ampere AmpR Small platform shared with the Renault 5, this 180 hp variant brings a fresh dose of French flair and performance to the small EV world. Think of it as the Renault 5's rowdier, more athletic cousin, ready to carve corners. Every nut, bolt, and line of code is fresh, promising a cutting-edge experience for those lucky enough to get behind the wheel.

Design & Exterior

The A290 180 hp screams aggression with its rally-inspired stance, wide haunches, and distinctive X-motif LED headlights. It's a properly cool looking thing! Measuring 157.4 inches long, 71.8 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 59.5 inches tall, its compact dimensions promise urban agility. This trim often flaunts unique alloy wheel designs and subtle badging, distinguishing it from other A290 versions. Its purposeful design isn't just for show; it hints at the sporty character lurking beneath, making it a real head-turner on the streets.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Alpine A290 180 hp gets a sporty, driver-focused cockpit, likely kitted out with figure-hugging seats and premium materials like Alcantara. Expect a digital driver’s display paired with a responsive central touchscreen, hopefully running slick infotainment with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passenger space will be snug, typical of a hot hatch, seating five. Cargo-wise, you get a practical 11.5 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Unfortunately, there's no frunk for extra bits.

Performance & Driving Experience

This 180 hp trim, powered by a potent 130 kW (approximately 174 hp) EESM electric motor, zips from 0-60 mph in a brisk 7.1 seconds. It delivers a punchy 210 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels (FWD), promising instant throttle response and grin-inducing acceleration. Expect a chuckable, go-kart-like handling experience thanks to Alpine's chassis tuning, though the ride might be on the firmer side. Multiple regenerative braking modes should allow for one-pedal driving antics and energy recuperation, adding to the engaging drive up to its 99 mph top speed.

Range, Battery & Charging

The A290 180 hp packs a 52 kWh usable battery, offering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 201 miles. Its efficiency is rated at a decent 3.87 mi/kWh. For charging, the standard 11 kW AC on-board charger should juice it up fully in about 5-6 hours at home. On the go, it supports DC fast charging at up to 100 kW from its 400V architecture, potentially getting you from 10-80% in around 30 minutes. If sold in the US, expect a CCS Type 1 port. V2L capability is also anticipated.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While official US NHTSA or Euro NCAP safety ratings for the Alpine A290 are not yet published, it's built on a modern platform, suggesting a strong focus on safety. Expect a suite of driver-assistance features, likely including standard automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. Higher-spec models or optional packs for the 180 hp trim might add adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system to ease your urban commutes and boost confidence on the open road.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Though US-specific warranty details are pending its potential arrival, expect the Alpine A290 180 hp to come with a competitive package. This would likely include a basic vehicle warranty around 3-4 years/36,000-50,000 miles, and a separate battery warranty for 8 years/100,000 miles, guaranteeing at least 70% capacity. Powertrain coverage often mirrors the battery warranty. Complimentary maintenance isn't a given but could be offered. As a new model, long-term reliability is yet to be proven, but it benefits from Renault Group's EV experience.