Alpine introduces new A290+ range for 2026

Full £3,750 ECG, one-pedal drive and fresh accessories for Alpine's electric hot hatch

By Matt Bird / Wednesday, 3 December 2025 / Loading comments

It was little more than a year ago - November 6th, 2024 - that the first reviews of the Alpine A290 landed; no customers received their cars until earlier this year. And yet already the regular A290 is old news, replaced in the Alpine line-up for 2026 by the A290+. Nothing moves quite so fast right now as the electric car market.

Existing customers needn’t worry too much, as this isn’t a drastic update. The most significant aspect of the A290+ refresh is that now every model qualifies for the full £3,750 Band 1 Electric Car Grant, whereas previously it was only the Band 2 benefit of £1,500. The classification has changed since August thanks to a relocation of Alpine’s battery production; now it’s in Douai, France, which is said to meet all the criteria to qualify for the ECG. Previous battery packs did not. Add that to ‘Renault Group’s long-term commitment to hitting Science Based Target Initiative (SBTI) standards’ and, voila, £3,750 off a great little EV, meaning prices from £30,245 for the A290 GT+.

For the 220hp Alpines that you’re really going to want, prices now start at £32,745 for the GT Performance+ and £34,245 for the GTS+. Furthermore, those still a tad disappointed about the A290’s limited colour palette - blue, grey, black, white - will be pleased to hear about the new accessories for the ‘+’ cars. A Signature Colourline Pack is offered in blue or red, accenting the Brembo calipers, black snowflake wheels, floor mat logos and roof rail in the chosen colour; it costs £775 on a GT+ and GT Performance+, or £400 on a GTS+. There’s also a Tricolore Design Pack, which sounds like £180 well spent on any model bringing a French flag on the outside and a blue steering wheel centre with Alpine logo inside; it can be made into a Signature Tricolore (£900), which brings equipment like reverse parking monitoring, hands-free parking and intelligent cruise control. Which all seem a tad unnecessary in a small EV, but there we are.

“Earning the full £3,750 grant eligibility is fantastic news, and I’ve no doubt will accelerate the already amazing interest we have in the award-winning Alpine A290,” said Nicola Burnside, Head of Alpine Cars UK. “It’s an exhilarating hot hatch for the electric era, as good to drive as it is to look at, and I have absolute confidence that anyone who gets behind the wheel will be immediately convinced that electric cars can be exciting.” Those cars ordered now will be delivered early in ‘26, so it could be a great time to get a deal on a secondhand A290; used prices are from £30k…