Alpine A290 "hot hatch" is official with 52 kWh battery, up to 220 hp

Renault's Alpine brand has just taken the wraps off the A290, which is basically an Alpine-ified Renault 5 E-Tech. The A290 comes with 180 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque or 220 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The latter powertrain enables acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds, while the former does it in 7.4 seconds. Maximum speed is 99 mph for the 180 hp versions and 106 mph for the 220 hp versions.

The Alpine Drive Sound tones are based on "the natural harmonics of its electric motor", and are diffused via the Devialet audio system to "accompany driving and provide direct information on the stress of the powertrain" in order to "enhance sensations and improve the driving experience", Alpine says.

The A290 has a 52 kWh battery, which gives it a WLTP range of "about 236 miles". There's a heat pump too. Charging happens at 100 kW DC maximum, in which case going from 15% to 80% should take 30 minutes. You get 93 miles of WLTP range in 15 minutes.

AC charging is at 11 kW maximum, and at that rate you can expect to go from 50% to 80% in an hour and 20 minutes, 10% to 80% in 3 hours and 20 minutes, or get 43 miles WLTP in one hour. The car supports V2L and V2G too.

The A290 is 157.1 inches long, 71.7 inches wide without mirrors (79.5 inches with mirrors), 59.8 inches tall, and has a wheelbase of 99.6 inches. It weighs 3,261 lb.

Inside there's a 10.25-inch instrument screen behind the steering wheel and a 10.1-inch "high resolution" central infotainment screen oriented towards the driver. Google Maps navigation with an electric route planner is standard across the range.

The A290 is assembled in France, the electric motors are built in France, and the battery will also be produced in France starting in the summer of 2025.