The Alpine A390 v Hyundai Ioniq 5 N showdown pits two electric crossovers against each other, testing whether the French brand’s first high‑riding EV can match the Korean manufacturer’s performance benchmark.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N sets the bar for electric performance
Reviewers note its large door panels behave like sails, catching gusts on open roads. Inside, the bucket seats sit low over a “skateboard” battery, and the configurable touchscreen offers a range of driving modes that can be saved with wheel‑mounted N buttons.
When the aggressive mode is engaged, the four‑stage dampers are best left on the second‑firmest setting for most road conditions. Simulated gears and synthetic engine sounds add a tactile element that many drivers find missing from other EVs. The result is a car that feels “a bit of a riot,” delivering speed that feels almost superfluous.
Alpine A390: a heavy, tri‑motor experiment
The Alpine A390, priced at £69,390, weighs over 2,000 kg and sits higher than the brand’s traditional lightweight models.
The cabin feels more premium than the Ioniq 5 N, though the Hyundai’s seats are more supportive and sit lower.
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Alpine chose passive dampers with a long stroke and hydraulic bump‑stops, rejecting adjustable components to keep weight down. The result is a suspension that feels high‑quality at all speeds, though it can be “thumpy” over city speed bumps.
The A390’s most distinctive feature is its tri‑motor layout: one motor up front and two at the rear, the rear pair mounted side‑by‑side in an aluminium cradle. This design enables Alpine Active Torque Vectoring (AATV) software, which can be tweaked in Track Mode or under the “Agility” banner, allowing drivers to adjust throttle response and steering weight.
Power output sits at 464 bhp, notably lower than the Ioniq 5 N’s peak.
The vehicle’s nose is sharply pointed, and the steering is light, especially in its most aggressive setting. However, the torque delivery feels linear, with a noticeable “glug” of throttle as the driver turns more sharply. The A390 tends to understeer compared with the Ioniq 5 N unless the driver fully commits.
Overall handling balances between the two cars differ. The Ioniq 5 N offers a more progressive cornering feel, aided by its longer wheelbase and adjustable dampers, while the Alpine’s passive setup provides a consistent ride that requires fewer driver adjustments.
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From a practical standpoint, the Korean model wins on space: its longer wheelbase and greater headroom make rear‑seat travel more comfortable.
For everyday drivers, the Ioniq 5 N’s blend of speed, configurable settings and lower cost presents a compelling package that overshadows the Alpine’s more niche appeal.
The Alpine A390 remains a bold experiment.
Despite its heavier weight and modest power, the A390’s dual‑rear‑motor setup and AATV system showcase Alpine’s willingness to experiment with electric drivetrain architecture. The passive suspension, while less adaptable, provides a refined feel that many drivers appreciate without the need for constant tweaking.
Nevertheless, the Ioniq 5 N remains the more engaging car overall, delivering faster lap times and a more intuitive driving experience. Its combination of adjustable chassis components, synthetic feedback cues, and lower price point makes it the clearer winner in this head‑to‑head comparison.
