Alpine A290 GTS vs Mini Aceman SE: Electric Hot Hatches Face Off

Alpine’s new A290 GTS and the Mini Aceman SE both promise 218 hp and the kind of urban agility that once defined the original Mini. But beneath the surface, these two electric hatchbacks take sharply different approaches to performance and personality.

The Alpine A290 GTS, derived from the Renault 5, arrives with a clear mission: to recapture the playful, heart-stealing spirit that made the early Mini so iconic. In contrast, the Mini Aceman SE leans into refinement, offering a more mature and composed experience, even as it packs the same headline power.

Performance and Driving Feel

Despite identical power outputs, the difference in weight—nearly 300 kg—sets the tone from the first meter. The Mini Aceman SE, heavier and more subdued, accelerates with less urgency, its 330 Nm of torque tempered by mass. The Alpine, lighter and more eager, delivers sharper acceleration and a more visceral connection to the road, even though it transmits 30 Nm less torque to its front wheels.

On the move, the contrast deepens. The Aceman SE glides with a calm, almost polished demeanor, its steering precise and its electric whir unobtrusive. The A290 GTS, by comparison, is restless and communicative: the steering tugs, the front axle squirms, and every input is met with immediate feedback. Even lifting off the accelerator on rough roads, the Alpine feels alive, sometimes choosing its own line rather than following the driver’s every command. Yet its steering remains direct and reassuring, with just the right amount of electric assistance—true to its sporting intent.

In corners, the Alpine’s playful chassis shines. It reacts more vividly to throttle changes and encourages aggressive turn-in, rewarding drivers who seek excitement. The Mini, meanwhile, feels safer and more grown-up, with less body movement but a tendency to understeer sooner, especially given its heavier front end. Both cars feature well-calibrated stability control and strong braking, stopping from speed in under 36 meters—a benchmark for this segment.

Range and Everyday Use

Real-world usability is closely matched. Both cars use batteries around 50 kWh and average between 25 and 30 kWh per 100 km, resulting in similar ranges. The Mini edges ahead slightly, managing 30 km more on a mixed route, but neither will comfortably exceed 200 km if driven enthusiastically. Charging times are nearly identical: the Alpine charges from 15% to 80% in 30 minutes, while the Mini takes 31 minutes, starting from 10%.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Mini Aceman SE opts for restraint. Its large circular display is highly configurable, but the head-up display feels less inspired. The Alpine A290 GTS, on the other hand, brings its playful character inside: a flat-bottomed steering wheel, rotary mode selector, and a Formula 1-style recovery level adjuster all add to the sense of occasion. Animated graphics accompany spirited driving, and the seats offer more lateral support, seating the driver lower and more connected to the car’s dynamics.

Comfort, however, tilts in the Mini’s favor. Its seats are more generously padded, and the cabin is better insulated from noise. Rear passengers fare better in the Aceman, with more space for longer journeys, while adults will find the back seats of the A290 GTS cramped.

Verdict

The Alpine A290 GTS is the sharper, more agile performer—quicker off the line and more engaging, but also pricier and less efficient. For pure driving fun, it’s the standout. The Mini Aceman SE, meanwhile, is the all-rounder: more comfortable, more practical, and only marginally slower, making it the more versatile choice for daily life.

For those considering other electrified options, the Mitsubishi ASX 180 HEV offers a different take on urban efficiency, blending hybrid technology with SUV practicality.

Both the Alpine and Mini show how far small electric cars have come, each carving out a distinct identity. The choice comes down to what matters more: raw excitement or everyday comfort.