Alpine A290 New Model Release

Key Points from the Discussion

• The Alpine A 290, despite its electric powertrain, is seen by some as a practical city car, with its 380-400 km range being adequate for urban or local community use, especially when compared to earlier EVs like the Honda e or first Mini EV.
• Many contributors express strong disappointment, viewing the A 290 as a 'marketing' product that fails to deliver on Alpine's performance legacy due to its weight, dimensions, and perceived lack of genuine performance.
• The decision to make the A 290 a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) car could negatively impact Alpine's brand perception, particularly in markets like the USA, where it's seen as a luxury performance brand typically associated with RWD or AWD.
• The A 290's weight, at 1480 kg, is considered excessive for an Alpine, with some suggesting it would need significantly more power (e.g., 300 hp) and a larger battery (e.g., 60+ kWh) to justify its mass, though it still wouldn't match the driving experience of the petrol A110.
• The trend of established performance brands like Alpine and Lotus (with its Eletre SUV) shifting towards electric and larger vehicles suggests a potential decline in the market for niche, lightweight performance cars.
• The CEO's attempts to justify the A 290's merits are met with skepticism, particularly regarding the car's substantial weight, which is seen as a significant departure from Alpine's core identity.