If you haven’t heard of Alpine before, you’re not alone. The French performance brand has largely stayed out of the American market for decades, but that’s about to change. Alpine, owned by Renault and famous for its lightweight A110 sports car and rich motorsport heritage, is gearing up for a U.S. launch in 2027 with a lineup of new electric vehicles. The A390, just teased ahead of its May 27 reveal, looks like it could be the car that introduces American drivers to this storied European brand.
Alpine has a history that stretches back to 1955, when it was founded as a manufacturer of racing and sports cars. The brand earned its reputation on rally stages and racetracks across Europe, building nimble, driver-focused machines that punched well above their weight. After years of dormancy, Alpine was revived in 2017 with the A110, a mid-engine sports car that earned rave reviews for its pure driving experience.
Now, under Renault’s ownership, Alpine is pivoting toward electrification while attempting to maintain its performance DNA. The A390 represents the first major step in that direction, and if the company’s U.S. ambitions pan out, American buyers could soon have access to a brand that blends French flair with genuine sporting credentials.
Alpine first previewed the A390 with a flashy concept in 2024, and newly released photos of the production-spec car testing in Sweden suggest the final version will stay remarkably faithful to that original vision. Despite heavy camouflage, the test mule reveals a lifted fastback crossover with a purposeful stance. The distinctive headlights appear virtually unchanged from the concept, featuring thin, piercing LED units connected by a light bar and complemented by small triangular LEDs that Alpine calls “Cosmic Dust.”
The front end features deep indentations in the hood, bisected by a central spine that channels airflow over the top of the car. This aerodynamic treatment is similar in spirit to the “R-Wing” on the Dodge Charger Daytona, suggesting Alpine is serious about optimizing the A390 for performance rather than just range. Along the sides, the A390 retains the deep body contouring from the concept, along with blade-like elements behind the rear wheels that add visual aggression.
Under the skin, the A390 promises serious performance credentials. Alpine has confirmed a tri-motor powertrain with active torque vectoring, which should allow for precise power distribution to each wheel and sharp, responsive handling. While specific horsepower and torque figures haven’t been released yet, the combination of three motors and torque vectoring suggests this won’t be a mild-mannered family hauler.
The A390 will offer five drive modes, including a dedicated Track setting for enthusiasts who want to push the car to its limits. This motorsport influence extends to the interior, where Alpine has shared a glimpse of the steering wheel. Wrapped in nappa leather with a flat bottom, the wheel features three buttons inspired by racing cars: a Drive Mode selector, an “OV” (Overtake) button that presumably delivers a burst of extra power for passing, and an “RCH” (Recharge) toggle that likely controls regenerative braking intensity.
Despite its sporty intentions, the A390 is designed to be a practical daily driver. The lifted fastback seats five passengers and measures 181.7 inches long, 60.3 inches tall, and 74.2 inches wide. For context, that makes it about four inches longer than a Genesis GV60, a couple of inches shorter in height, and roughly the same width. It slots into the compact premium crossover segment, competing against vehicles that blend utility with upscale positioning.
Alpine will reveal the A390 in full on May 27, with production taking place at the brand’s historic plant in Dieppe, France. European sales are expected to begin in 2026, giving Alpine time to build momentum before its planned U.S. market entrance in 2027.
The A390 is expected to be just the beginning. Alpine has indicated that larger electric SUVs will follow, along with an electric successor to the beloved A110 sports car. If all goes according to plan, American buyers will eventually have access to a full range of Alpine EVs spanning multiple segments.
When the A390 arrives, it will enter a competitive field of compact premium electric crossovers. The Genesis GV60, which Alpine seems to be sizing up directly, offers dual-motor all-wheel drive and a luxurious interior at a starting price around $52,000. The BMW iX1, Mercedes-Benz EQA, and Audi Q4 e-tron all occupy similar territory in Europe. In the U.S. specifically, the A390 would compete against the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, and the Chevrolet Equinox EV.
The challenge for Alpine will be building brand awareness in a market where it has virtually no presence. American buyers may not know the Alpine name, but the combination of French design, racing heritage, and genuine performance focus could carve out a niche among enthusiasts tired of cookie-cutter EVs.
At a time when many EVs prioritize efficiency and tech over driving engagement, Alpine is betting that there’s still a market for cars with personality and performance. The tri-motor powertrain, active torque vectoring, Track mode, and motorsport-inspired controls all suggest a vehicle designed for people who actually enjoy driving. Whether American buyers will embrace a relatively unknown French brand remains to be seen, but if the A390 delivers on its promises, Alpine could offer a refreshing alternative in a segment that’s becoming increasingly crowded with competent but forgettable options.
Alpine has not announced U.S. pricing for the A390. European sales begin in 2026, with U.S. availability expected in 2027.
