Alpine A290 220 hp

Overview

The Alpine A290, especially in this fire-breathing "220 hp" guise, is a proper electric hot hatch set to electrify the compact performance scene. Based on the chic Renault 5, Alpine injects its motorsport DNA, promising a thrilling drive. Key highlights include its nimble chassis, potent 160 kW motor delivering that "220 hp" punch, and distinctive rally-inspired styling. While official US pricing isn't available as it's primarily an EU model, enthusiasts will be watching closely. This pocket rocket aims to blend everyday usability with weekend warrior credentials, making it a seriously tempting proposition for EV fans craving excitement.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Alpine A290 itself is the big news, particularly this top-tier 220 hp variant, marking Alpine's electrifying entry into the hot hatch arena. It’s not just a rebadged Renault; Alpine has thoroughly reworked the platform for enhanced performance, featuring bespoke suspension, steering, and braking systems. This pocket rocket lands with a unique attitude, showcasing Alpine's vision for electric fun. Expect advanced torque vectoring and a specifically tuned sound profile, ensuring this EV delivers a grin-inducing experience from the get-go, fresh out of the box for performance EV enthusiasts.

Design & Exterior

This little French firecracker screams aggression! The A290 220 hp boasts a properly muscular stance with flared arches and unique 19-inch alloy wheels, giving it serious road presence. Dimensions are a compact 157.4 inches long, 71.8 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 59.5 inches tall. Up front, the signature Alpine X-motif in the LED headlights gives it a mean look, complemented by sporty air intakes. It's a modern take on classic rally car design, looking every bit the part of a performance machine, promising sideways fun before you even step inside.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the A290 220 hp gets a sporty makeover with figure-hugging sports seats and an Alpine-specific three-spoke steering wheel, complete with an "OV" (Overtake) button for an instant power boost! Expect a driver-focused cockpit with quality materials and cool blue accents. Tech-wise, a large central touchscreen likely handles infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a crisp digital driver’s display. Cargo space is city-car practical at 11.5 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 39.1 cubic feet with seats down. No frunk is specified, keeping the focus on its compact, agile nature.

Performance & Driving Experience

Get ready for some giggles! The A290 220 hp trim, powered by a feisty 160 kW (that's the "220 hp" magic!) EESM electric motor, sends 221 lb-ft of torque straight to the front wheels. This setup allows it to zip from 0-60 mph in a claimed 6.1 seconds, which is properly quick for a little hatch, topping out at 106 mph. Expect super-sharp handling thanks to Alpine's chassis tuning, making it eager to tackle corners. Multiple driving modes and adjustable regenerative braking will let you tailor the experience from daily commute to B-road blast.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powering this pocket rocket is a 52 kWh usable battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range estimate of around 192 miles – enough for some serious fun between charges. Efficiency is rated at a decent 3.69 mi/kWh. For juice-ups, it packs a standard 11 kW AC onboard charger, meaning a full top-up at home could take about 5 hours. When you’re out and about, it can guzzle electrons at up to 100 kW from a DC fast charger. The data indicates a CCS Type 2 port; for US compatibility, expect CCS Type 1.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While official NHTSA or IIHS crash test ratings for the A290 are not yet available, given its modern underpinnings, a comprehensive suite of safety features is expected. Standard kit should include essentials like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. Higher-spec models, or as options, would likely add adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Alpine will want to ensure its little rocket is not just fast but also provides confidence-inspiring safety tech for peace of mind on those spirited drives and daily commutes.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For a hypothetical US launch, expect the Alpine A290 220 hp to come with a competitive warranty package. This would likely include a basic vehicle warranty around 4 years/50,000 miles, and a crucial battery warranty of 8 years/100,000 miles, guaranteeing a certain percentage of capacity. Powertrain coverage would mirror the battery's terms. While complimentary maintenance isn't always standard for European brands in the US, Alpine might offer a short period to sweeten the deal. As a new performance EV, long-term reliability is yet to be established, but Alpine’s engineering focus is a good sign.