Alpine A290_ß Debuts As Track-Focused EV Hatch with Central Driver’s Seat

Renowned French marque Alpine has launched its first-ever hot-hatch EV, the Alpine A290_ß. This track-focused EV hatch is based on the recently-previewed Renault 5 EV concept, with its road-going production twin set to go on sale later in 2024.

Starting off with the name, the A290_ß showcases the firm’s new global naming strategy. The 'A' is meant to represent the brand, Alpine, while the '2; indicates the B-segment and '90' foreshadowing the upcoming Lifestyle range. Meanwhile, the usage of ‘ß’ – the Greek alphabet for Beta marks the car’s beta phase before going into full-blown production next year.

Although the French outfit has yet to unveil the exact powertrain specs of the A290_ß, at least we know that the car will sport the torque vectoring and a rear multi-link suspension, as it underpins the same CMF-B platform as the R5 EV concept. Different to the baseline concept is the inclusion of four-piston Brembo brakes, a stiffer suspension setup, as well as up to three driving modes – wet, dry, and full.

For reference, the Renault 5 EV will be offered with a choice of two electric motor options, either the baseline 108 HP or the up-specced 132 HP one. But since the A290_ß posits itself as a sportier, hotter version of the R5, we can expect it to be significantly peppier than the model it’s based on.

2024 Alpine A290_ß EV Hatch

Since the A290_ß displayed here is not a full-blown production-ready model, folks at Alpine were given free reign to go extreme with the car’s design. However, the car’s chief  designer Raphael Linari told Top Gear that “85% of the exterior design will be identical to the real thing,” with the unique central driver’s seat layout won’t be carried over to the production version.

Alpine's signature quad lights layout on full display here, albeit with more modern interpretation

Up front, the A290_ß gets the signature Alpine quad headlights layout with more squared-up design. Further adding edge to the front fascia is the aggressive front bumper design with side air vents for front motor and brake cooling.

A290_ß's unique 20-inch square-spoke wheels are an acquired taste for some indeed

In spite of measuring only 4,050 MM long, the A290_ß rides on rather sizable 20-inch wheels with a unique squared-out spoke design with centre locking a la proper track car. Said wheels are shodded in bespoke Michelin performance tyres.

At the rear, the EV hot-hatch sports vertical taillights design that is said to be derived from the Alpine A470 endurance race car. The lower part of the car comes draped with unique forged carbon fibre surfaces with blue inserts, giving a two-tone finish that contrasts with the car’s powder white body hue.

On board, the A290_ß harnesses this McLaren F1-style three-seat layout with a central driver’s seat – all made of carbon fibre. The car’s arrow-like front dash design pays homage to Alpine Formula One car’s front wing.

Aside from the rather hollow-looking, carbon-draped interior, the A290_ß comes with a track-oriented steering wheel, featuring unique angular design – also inspired from the Alpine A523 Formula One fighter.

The production version of the Alpine A290_ß is coming next year, followed by the all-electric replacement of the A110 coupe – co-developed with Lotus.