Alpine Launches the A390 Electric Crossover in the UK
The French automotive brand Alpine has introduced its new A390 electric crossover to the British market. The model enters into direct competition with the Porsche Macan Electric, betting on an aggressive pricing policy.
The main price offerings are:
For comparison, the base Porsche Macan Electric in the UK costs £68,600 but offers only rear-wheel drive and 355 hp.
Price Advantage and Technical Specifications
Even the most affordable A390 version has all-wheel drive and 394 hp, making it over seven thousand pounds cheaper than the base Macan Electric. The difference becomes even more noticeable in the higher segment: the more powerful A390 GTS (£69,390) turns out to be more affordable than the Macan 4 (£71,900) with its 400 hp.
Alpine wants its new A390 crossover to lure buyers away from the Porsche Macan Electric, but it currently lacks sufficient brand strength for an equal fight. So what did it do? It offered such prices that anyone considering a Macan cannot afford not to look at the French newcomer.
Both Alpine versions are equipped with an 89 kWh battery. The declared WLTP range is up to 345 miles (555 km) for the GT version and 312 miles (502 km) for the GTS. Peak charging power is 190 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 15% to 80% in approximately 25 minutes. The Porsche Macan has an advantage in this aspect, as it supports charging speeds of up to 270 kW.
Equipment and Special Editions
Between the base model and the GTS is the Premiere Edition. It gets the same technical base as the standard version but is complemented by exclusive elements: black 20-inch wheels, a black roof, a French flag on the rear pillar, Sabelt sports seats, and a 22 kW onboard charger. Most of these options are also available in the top GTS trim.
Plans for Entering the US Market
One of the key challenges for Alpine remains brand strength. Porsche sells not just cars, but a certain status, on which it builds the Macan’s success. Alpine will have to work hard on recognition, especially if it comes to entering the American market, where the brand is practically unknown.
However, such expansion has been postponed indefinitely. In 2025, the company decided to delay its entry into the US market due to tariffs introduced by the Trump administration. If the A390 were to reach the States, its price would have to be significantly lower than in Europe to compete with the Macan Electric, which starts there at $78,000.
Alpine’s pricing strategy clearly indicates its intention to capture market share not through prestige, but through the price-to-specs ratio. The success of this approach will depend on how willing buyers are to choose a technically equipped but less status-conscious car over an icon from Porsche. Notably, in the European market, Alpine is already creating serious pressure on the competitor, forcing it to reconsider its own offerings. The brand’s future in other regions, especially North America, remains in question due to geopolitical and economic factors limiting global expansion.