@ Alpine / Renault Group Media
@ BMW Group Press
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Alpine A290 vs BMW 3 Series Saloon – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Alpine A290 or BMW 3 Series Saloon fits your lifestyle better.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A290 @ Alpine / Renault Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Alpine A290 has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 33200 £, while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39900 £. That’s a price difference of around 6771 £.

As for range, the Alpine A290 performs decisively better – achieving up to 380 km, about 279 km more than the BMW 3 Series Saloon.

3 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon has a convincingly edge – offering 530 HP compared to 218 HP. That’s roughly 312 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.50 s, while the Alpine A290 takes 6.40 s. That’s about 2.90 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the BMW 3 Series Saloon performs noticeable better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Alpine A290 tops out at 170 km/h. The difference is around 80 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW 3 Series Saloon pulls convincingly stronger with 700 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 400 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Alpine A290 is barely noticeable lighter – 1479 kg compared to 1575 kg. The difference is around 96 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers noticeable more room – 480 L compared to 326 L. That’s a difference of about 154 L.

When it comes to payload, BMW 3 Series Saloon minimal takes the win – 495 kg compared to 471 kg. That’s a difference of about 24 kg.

Who wins the race?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon proves to be dominates this comparison and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
BMW 3 Series Saloon is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £39,900
3 Series Saloon @ BMW Group Press

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.8 - 10.1 L
  • Electric Range : 96 - 101 km
details

Alpine A290

5 (1)
rate

The Alpine A290 embodies a thrilling blend of modern design and exhilarating performance, capturing the spirit of the brand's racing heritage. With its agile handling and responsive drive, this compact vehicle promises an engaging experience both on the road and the track. Inside, it features a driver-focused cockpit that seamlessly integrates technology and comfort, making every journey an adventure.

details
alpinea290 @ Alpine / Renault Group Media

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series Saloon seamlessly blends elegance with sporty performance, offering a driving experience that's both dynamic and refined. Its meticulously crafted interior and intuitive technology create a comfortable and connected environment for both driver and passengers. On the road, the 3 Series delivers agile handling and a smooth ride, making it a standout choice in its class.

details
P90479606_highRes_the-new-bmw-m340i-xd @ BMW Group Press
P90479563_highRes_the-new-bmw-m340i-xd @ BMW Group Press
P90479608_highRes_the-new-bmw-m340i-xd @ BMW Group Press
P90479582_highRes_the-new-bmw-3-series @ BMW Group Press
P90479626_highRes_the-new-bmw-m340i-xd @ BMW Group Press

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Costs and Consumption
Price
33200 - 39600 £
Price
39900 - 91000 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
0.8 - 10.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 16.5 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
364 - 380 km
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.50 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
19 - 227 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 59 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
4
Curb weight
1479 kg
Curb weight
1575 - 1960 kg
Trunk capacity
326 L
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Length
3997 mm
Length
4713 - 4801 mm
Width
1823 mm
Width
1827 - 1903 mm
Height
1512 mm
Height
1437 - 1446 mm
Max trunk capacity
1106 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
471 kg
Payload
405 - 495 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
-
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
177 - 218 HP
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 7.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
160 - 170 km/h
Max Speed
218 - 250 km/h
Torque
285 - 300 Nm
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
130 - 160 kW
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1995 - 2998 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B, F, G
Brand
Alpine
Brand
BMW

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Is the Alpine A290 offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.