Alpine’s rally heritage, marked by numerous successes in the 1950s, ’60s, and early ’70s, continues to influence the brand today. To showcase that electric vehicles can still dominate challenging terrains like mud, snow, and gravel, Alpine has introduced the competition-ready A290 Rallye. Unlike the wild and powerful Group B rally cars of the past, the A290 Rallye is designed as an entry-level rally vehicle, making it accessible for local rally competitions. It closely resembles the road-going A290 hot hatch, which, along with its sibling the Renault 5, famously clinched the 2025 Car of the Year title.
The A290 Rallye is powered by a single electric motor producing 217 horsepower, which is the same output as the highest-spec production A290 model (the base road car offers a lower 178 hp). Unlike the standard model, however, the Rallye version delivers power to the front wheels through a ZF mechanical limited-slip differential, enhancing traction and handling on tricky surfaces. The chassis has also been upgraded with several key components to keep the car agile and composed on the narrow, twisty rally stages.
ALP Racing Suspension shocks help control the movement of both the wheels and the car’s body, providing better stability. The Rallye rolls on 18×8-inch Evo Corse wheels wrapped in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport A tires. The front brakes are beefed up, with rotors enlarged from 320 mm to 350 mm and calipers upgraded from four-piston to six-piston units. Additionally, Alpine’s engineers have fine-tuned the ABS system for better braking control and installed a hydraulic handbrake, which is invaluable for quick and sharp hairpin turns.
Safety-wise, the A290 Rallye complies with FIA regulations, featuring Sabelt bucket seats and a welded roll cage. But Alpine hasn’t stopped there—they’ve also introduced a novel feature aimed at enhancing the spectator experience. While the standard A290 already has a synthesized electric soundtrack, the Rallye version is equipped with an external sound generator that emits dynamic noises which change depending on the car’s speed and throttle input, making it more engaging for rally fans.
Priced at €59,990 (about $70,800), the A290 Rallye sits at the more affordable end of the rally car market, though it is still roughly 40 percent more expensive than the more powerful road-going A290. Beyond performance upgrades, buyers receive a vehicle meticulously hand-built at Alpine’s Jean Rédélé factory in Dieppe, specifically in the competition workshop.
Alpine will debut this electric rally car for private customers at the Rallye Rouergue Rodez Aveyron Occitanie this weekend. Following this, the car will be showcased in the UK at the Goodwood Festival and later at the Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine. Additionally, buyers of the A290 Rallye will have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive event in France later this year. Alpine promises not only technical support for the competitors but also dedicated charging infrastructure to ensure smooth participation in the rally.