The upcoming Alpine GT X-Over, a dynamically focused and aero-optimised sporting crossover to rival the Lotus Eletre and Polestar 3, will provide Alpine with the volume-focused, practical proposition it needs to achieve substantially increased global sales.
The GT X-Over will use the same CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Renault Mégane E-Tech hatchback and the larger Nissan Ariya SUV. It is likely that the Alpine’s lofty power figure and keen dynamics will come courtesy of a second motor on the rear axle, mirroring the range-topping e-4orce version of the Nissan, while the front wheels will be driven by the 215bhp unit used by the Mégane.
Speaking at the Paris motor show last month, Alpine head designer Antony Villain made it clear the brand will not abandon its sporting credentials in the pursuit of high-volume sales. “If we keep the driving experience, the elegance, the sportiness and the stance of the car, it’s not a problem,” he said. A test mule spotted wearing the body of a Dacia Duster SUV, Alpine's sibling brand, has already hinted at a strong emphasis on cornering agility. Spy shots show it with large-diameter sports wheels pushed right to the corners of the architecture, giving a long wheelbase and as wide a track as possible.
“I think there are a lot of other manufacturers that explore ways of staying true to their DNA,” added Villain. “I think it is possible, and there are a lot of customers who really want this kind of car.”
As with other performance-focused brands tapping into higher volumes with larger, heavier models, Alpine will look to ensure that the spirit of its flagship model is carried over to its first SUV. While the Alpine A110 is obviously a modern reinterpretation of the 1963 original, with its distinctive quad-light front end and shapely aluminium curves, the GT X-Over promises a step-change in Alpine’s approach to car design. “You will see a lot of links with the A110,” said Villain, but he added that all-new cars give “more freedom to explore”.
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The more you see glimpses of Alpine’s and Renault’s future product plans the more you feel how they could benefit from a closer collaboration with Geely. Obviously Lotus and Alpine are working on the development of a new compact EV sports car but perhaps Renault and Polestar should be doing something similar as Renault needs a premium brand. With car prices rising relentlessly because of added safety requirements and the cost of moving to electric power trains will Renault face a ceiling on how much customers will pay for a car with the diamond badge? Kia may have got away with it but they were far less established and known in the UK and Europe when they upon their move upmarket to premium status. It will be interesting to see how successful the new Megane E-Tech EV is In challenging some of its direct competitors but I suspect many might whine at paying over £40k for a Renault Megane. Other than the original Citroen DS french manufacturers hardly have a good track record in producing successful large premium cars and it is taking Stellantis a long time to establish the new DS brand.
A Nissan Ariya weighs 2.1 tonnes in single motor spec so how on earth can this be allowed up to 2.5 tonnes? One of Alpine's core values is low weight through intelligent design - can we have a bit more intelligence please? Deeply worried this will be yet another 5m long monster, where the Ariya is at least relatively compact for an SUV.
This is what Alpine has said: "we achieve about 100 kg less than the closest competitor"
Thanks for explaining!