Why is Alpine doubling down on physical controls in its next-gen A110?
If you’ve ever slid into a modern sports car and felt like you were piloting a tablet on wheels, you’re not alone. Alpine’s design team has heard the feedback—drivers want to feel in control, not distracted by endless screens. That’s why the upcoming, all-electric Alpine A110 is taking a bold step back to the future: more tactile buttons, fewer digital distractions.
Antony Villain, Alpine’s design chief, puts it simply: when you’re behind the wheel of a true sports car, you want to master the machine, not have the machine master you. This philosophy is driving the new A110’s cockpit design, which will feature a bespoke interior loaded with physical switchgear. The idea isn’t just nostalgia—it’s about instinctive, eyes-on-the-road access to every crucial function. No more hunting through menus to adjust your climate or suspension settings. Just reach out, twist, flick, and go.
How will the new A110’s interior differ from other modern sports cars?
Most new cars—especially electric ones—are racing to pack in ever-bigger touchscreens. Take Alpine’s own A290 hot hatch or the A390 SUV: both borrow heavily from their Renault siblings, with wraparound digital displays and 12-inch portrait touchscreens dominating the dash. These setups look slick, but they can pull your attention away from the road.
The next A110, by contrast, is breaking from the pack. Alpine is designing its own interior from scratch for the first time, ditching the Renault hand-me-downs. Expect a cabin that’s unapologetically driver-focused, with a mix of chunky, satisfying buttons and just enough digital elements to keep things modern. It’s a deliberate move to foster an emotional connection between driver and car—a ritual, as Villain calls it, that’s missing from so many tech-heavy vehicles today.
What’s the thinking behind Alpine’s unique approach to electric sports cars?
Going electric usually means adding weight, raising the ride height, and losing some of that classic sports car feel. Alpine isn’t having any of it. The new A110 will be as low-slung as the outgoing petrol version—no battery packs stacked under the floor to jack up the silhouette. Instead, Alpine is exploring clever packaging, like placing batteries behind the seats or in a T-shape, similar to what Maserati has done with its GranTurismo Folgore. The goal? Keep the center of gravity low and the handling razor-sharp.
And while most rivals are content to adapt existing platforms, Alpine is investing heavily in a bespoke electric sports car architecture. Outgoing Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo admits it’s a “not rational” move from a business perspective, but it’s all about preserving the brand’s DNA. Think of it as Alpine’s answer to Porsche’s strategy: keep the heart of the sports car lineup pure, even if it means spending more and selling fewer units.
Will the electric A110 lose its iconic look and feel?
Not a chance. While the new A110 won’t lean on retro cues as heavily as its predecessor, it’ll still be instantly recognizable. Expect signature quad headlights, a squat mid-engined silhouette, and bold, muscular arches. The design language will take cues from the upcoming A390 SUV—sharper nose, swooping roofline, and a purposeful stance. It’s evolution, not revolution.
Performance-wise, Alpine is promising that the new A110 will actually be lighter than many combustion-engined rivals, despite the weight penalty of batteries. Their previous electric concept, the A110 E-ternité, tipped the scales at just under 1,400kg—lighter than a Porsche 718 Boxster EV prototype. That’s a strong signal that Alpine’s commitment to lightweight engineering is more than just talk.
How does Alpine’s strategy stack up against industry trends?
It’s a gutsy move. The automotive world is obsessed with digital everything—screens, voice controls, over-the-air updates. But there’s growing evidence that drivers, especially enthusiasts, are craving a more analog experience. A 2023 J.D. Power survey found that nearly 30% of new car buyers are frustrated by overly complex infotainment systems, and physical controls consistently rank higher for usability and satisfaction.
Alpine’s decision to stick with tactile controls isn’t just contrarian—it’s a calculated bet that the pendulum is swinging back. By focusing on what makes driving fun and engaging, they’re carving out a niche that’s increasingly rare in the EV era.
What can drivers expect from the next wave of Alpine sports cars?
If you’re in the market for a car that puts you at the center of the action, Alpine’s next-gen lineup is worth watching. The new A110 will debut with a bespoke, button-heavy cockpit, a low and lithe chassis, and a design that honors its heritage without feeling stuck in the past. And this philosophy will trickle down to other models, including the upcoming A310 2+2.
The big takeaway? Alpine’s vision for the future isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether you’re a die-hard enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a car that feels alive in your hands, Alpine’s analog approach to the electric age might just be the breath of fresh air the industry needs.