With the presentation of the Alpine A390_β, Alpine stepped outside its established sports car framework and presented a concept that combines sportiness, prestige and utility. Is this the future of the brand? Let's take a look at what the new "sporty fastback" from the Alps has to offer.
When you mention the Alpine brand, every car enthusiast first thinks of the legendary A110 – a purebred sports car. Well, in 2024 Alpine thinks differently. With the Alpine model A390_β, the first crossovers, or "sporty fastbacks", as they call it, move away from their sporting tradition, but still keep their DNA.
If you are wondering what this strange name A390_β means, let me explain. The number "3" represents the size of the car - something that is not unknown in the world of crossovers. The number “90” suggests that this model is more of an everyday car designed for family life, rather than a racing beast. The letter “β” means that it is a concept model, which is supposed to be the 85 % similar to the production version that is coming next year.
At first glance, the A390_β looks like a crossover, but Alpine insists on the term "sporty fastback". This means that the design is focused on aerodynamics and functionality. It's all wrapped up in an elegant, monolithic design that, Alpine claims, is inspired by the mountain landscape of the Alps – with its snow, stones and minerals. Although it sounds a bit poetic, they managed to create an aesthetically outstanding vehicle.
The car boasts large wheels – 22-inch in the front and as much as 23-inch in the rear – shaped like snowflakes. In addition, in the middle of each wheel is a blue-lit "cabochon", a kind of jewel that probably won't find its way into the production version. On the sides of the vehicle we find design features already known from the A110 model, while the body plays with colors thanks to the special blue color "Bleu Spectacular", which changes according to the light.
Flying bridges and cosmic dust
Aerodynamics were key in the design. At the front, this "flying bridge" is installed, which effectively directs the air, which improves aerodynamics. In addition, large air ducts are installed on the sides, which create an air curtain and thus ensure optimal air flow around the vehicle.
Front and back we find another special element – a multitude of illuminated triangles, which Alpine poetically calls "cosmic dust". The question of whether this "space decoration" will also come into production remains open. But what is more likely to remain are the LED light strips at the front and rear, which not only illuminate, but give the vehicle a sense of lightness. At the back, the illuminated "Alpine" name is even incorporated into this LED line.
A concept that opens a view into the future
The rear of the A390_β is even more "conceptual", meaning certain elements are likely to be slightly favored before series production. A special feature of the rear is the "shark fin" that rises above the rear window and is a tribute to the historic Alpine Le Mans racing cars.
But even though it is a concept, with this model, Alpine clearly hints at how it envisions the future of its vehicles. As the brand's CEO, Philippe Krief, says: “The A390_β is a preview of Alpine's future sporty fastback, which we designed as the five-seat A110. The concept's duality between racing spirit and sophistication embodies the performance and driving experience we will deliver in 2025 in a production model built at our historic Dieppe factory.”
Conclusion: tradition with a view to the future
The Alpine A390_β is proof that the brand proudly maintains its tradition, while at the same time opening up to new segments and challenges. While we're still waiting for technical specs like battery capacity, engine power and range, the concept suggests that the production version will definitely retain Alpine's sporty heart. The style, which combines aerodynamics, bold aesthetics and functionality, is a true prediction for future production models.
We expect the production version to be more down-to-earth, but still extremely interesting for fans of the brand. As always, the question of the final price still arises, but if the model maintains its exclusivity, we can expect the new Alpine A390 to be among the prestigious electric crossovers that will impress both with its driving characteristics and its aesthetics. Will it be up to the competition and will it truly embody sportiness and elegance at the same time? Time will tell, but we'll definitely want this piece of "monolithic drop" to hit the roads as soon as possible.