Alpine A290 electric hot hatch in dynamic motion, featuring blue exterior with neon light trails. Artistic automotive photography showcasing speed and performance against dark background.

Alpine is marking a historic milestone with its first-ever electric car, and it's not just any electric vehicle – it's a proper hot hatch that's already turning heads. The Alpine A290 has hit the ground running, sharing European Car of the Year honours with its cousin, the Renault 5, making Alpine the first manufacturer to achieve back-to-back wins since Fiat's streak in the mid-1990s.

But this isn't just another electric runabout. The A290 represents something we've been sorely missing in the electric age: a proper performance-focused hot hatch that promises to deliver the thrills we've come to expect from the storied Alpine badge, just without the emissions.

Key Highlights: More Than Just Numbers

The A290 arrives with quite a compelling package. Starting at £33,500, it's positioned as a premium offering above the Renault 5, but the specs suggest it's worth the extra outlay. Two power options are available: a 180hp version for those seeking a balance of performance and efficiency, and a more potent 220hp variant that should satisfy those craving more punch.

Speaking of punch, the numbers are properly impressive. The top-spec version dispatches the 0-62mph sprint in just 6.4 seconds – proper hot hatch territory – while offering a range of up to 380km (236 miles) from its 52kWh battery. For those keeping count, that's genuine daily-driver usability matched with weekend-warrior performance.

Alpine is also nodding to its heritage by limiting the launch "Première Edition" to exactly 1,955 units – a clever reference to the year Jean Rédélé founded the company. These special models come with unique styling elements and extra equipment, making them particularly collectable for those quick enough to secure one.

What Sets It Apart: The Clever Bits

Where the A290 really shows its sporting credentials is in the details. Alpine's engineers haven't just created a faster version of the Renault 5; they've developed a proper driver's car with some genuinely clever features. Take the F1-inspired "Overtake" button on the steering wheel – press it, and you'll unlock maximum power for instant acceleration, complete with a special animation on the digital dashboard.

The chassis has received the full Alpine treatment, with bespoke suspension featuring hydraulic bump stops and a multi-link rear setup – rare in this class and a sign that Alpine is serious about handling. They've even collaborated with Michelin to develop specific tyres for the car, with different compounds available depending on whether you prioritise performance or efficiency.

Inside, there's more evidence of Alpine's attention to detail. They've partnered with high-end French audio company Devialet to create a bespoke sound system that not only handles your music but also delivers carefully crafted "Alpine Drive Sounds" to enhance the driving experience. It's an acknowledgement that while electric cars might be quiet, they needn't be characterless.

Performance Deep-Dive: More Than Just Straight-Line Speed

While the headline-grabbing 6.4-second sprint to 62mph is impressive, the A290's performance credentials run much deeper. The 220hp version isn't just about extra power – it comes with a sophisticated torque management system called Alpine Torque Precontrol, which helps put all that instant electric grunt (300Nm of torque) to the road effectively.

Both versions feature a comprehensive suite of driving modes, but it's the details that impress. The regenerative braking, for instance, can be adjusted through four levels using a dedicated 'RCH' button on the steering wheel. Level 1 mimics the engine braking of Alpine's A110 sports car, while levels 2 and 3 provide progressively stronger deceleration – proper one-pedal driving if you want it.

What's particularly clever is that the A290 maintains its performance even when the battery level drops – there's none of that power reduction you might experience in some electric vehicles. The 52kWh battery supports 100kW DC fast charging, meaning you can add about 150km of range in just 15 minutes, while the standard-fit heat pump helps maintain range in colder conditions.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Breaking It Down

The A290 range has been thoughtfully structured with four main trim levels:

GT (£33,500): The entry point brings 180hp, 19-inch 'Iconique' wheels with special Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, heated sports seats, and a full LED lighting system
GT Premium (£36,000): Adds Nappa leather interior, Devialet audio system, heated steering wheel, and contrasting black roof
GT Performance (£36,000): Upgrades to 220hp, special Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres, and includes Alpine Telemetrics
GTS (£37,500): The range-topper combines GT Premium luxury with GT Performance power, plus exclusive black Snowflake wheels

For those considering finance, Alpine has confirmed monthly PCP payments between £345 and £415 on a 48-month contract, after deposits of £5,000-£6,000, based on 6,000 miles per year.

Early birds who've already placed a £250 deposit and confirm their order before February 4th through Renault Finance will receive up to three years of free servicing plus what Alpine calls a 'VIP Experience' – including F1 factory tours and track days in an A110 at either Thruxton or Knockhill.

What This Means for the Future

The A290 represents more than just Alpine's first electric car – it's a statement of intent. By successfully translating their sports car expertise into a hot hatch format, Alpine is showing how performance cars can evolve in the electric era. It's particularly significant that they've managed to include genuine performance innovations rather than just adding power.

Availability and How to Order

Alpine A290 driving through forest road, bright blue exterior contrasting with motion-blurred green woodland background. Front view emphasising distinctive LED headlights and sporty fascia.

If you're tempted by Alpine's electric hot hatch, here's what you need to know about securing one. First deliveries are expected to begin this spring, with order books now open across Alpine's UK dealer network.

The launch sequence starts with the limited Première Edition models, of which just 1,955 will be built globally. These special versions come in four distinct flavours:

Première Edition in Deep Black
Beta in Nival White (inspired by the A290_β show car)
La Bleue in Alpine Vision Blue
La Grise in Tornado Matte Grey

Each Première Edition gets an exclusive numbered plaque on the centre console and additional equipment over the standard models. At £38,500, it commands a premium, but the collectable nature and extra kit might make it worth considering. The Electric Car Scheme customers should expect to be able to order one - keep an eye out!

Alpine dealers are now taking orders from those interested in the regular models with a £250 deposit. It's worth noting that if you're considering the high-performance versions (GT Performance or GTS), early ordering is recommended as these are expected to be particularly popular with enthusiasts.

The A290 marks a significant moment for Alpine and the hot hatch segment. It successfully bridges the gap between everyday usability and genuine performance credentials, all while maintaining the character we've come to expect from Alpine. Whether it's your first step into the world of performance EVs or you're adding to a collection, the A290 makes a compelling case for itself.

With deliveries starting in spring 2025, we won't have to wait long to see if Alpine has successfully translated its sporting heritage into the electric age. Based on what we've seen so far, it certainly looks promising.