Early Glimpse: Alfa Romeo's Redesigned Stelvio Set to Impress
Alfa Romeo's Stelvio Enters a New Era
After nearly ten years on the road, the Stelvio continues to be a sought-after model, maintaining its status as one of the most exhilarating SUVs in its competitive class. However, the time has come for a second generation as the current high-clearance model must transition towards electrification. The official launch is scheduled for later this year, but preliminary visuals have already surfaced.
Complete exterior renderings of the new Stelvio have been disclosed through trademark filings, aligning with the covert prototype revealed last month. These images showcase a comprehensive redesign, marking a significant shift from the previous version. Notably, the lack of visible exhausts suggests the introduction of an all-electric variant, although Alfa Romeo has indicated that more affordable internal combustion engine (ICE) options will also be available.
Distinctive Design Elements
The recognizable Alfa Romeo front grille, or scudetto, remains a key identifier, complemented by familiar wheel designs. However, the overall aesthetic diverges sharply from the brand's traditional look. For instance, the slender upper daytime running lights resemble those found on models like the BMW iX, while the main headlights feature separate LED clusters integrated into the bumper, reminiscent of the BMW X7 or XM.
Examining the side profile reveals a noticeable increase in size compared to the current Stelvio. The two-tone color scheme with a black roof hints at a premium variant. Modern flush door handles enhance aerodynamic efficiency, and the quarter glass has been repositioned behind the rear doors. Additionally, a battery pack appears to be mounted beneath the chassis.
Rear View and Functional Features
The taillights present an unconventional design, starting as oval shapes on the fenders and merging into a triangular form on the tailgate. Unlike some manufacturers like Land Rover and Hyundai, Alfa Romeo has placed the rear wiper in its traditional location rather than concealing it beneath a roof spoiler. The tailgate maintains a square shape, and there seems to be a sunroof integrated into the design.
It's important to note that initial patent images may not fully capture the final appearance of the vehicle. Nevertheless, Alfa Romeo is taking a bold approach with the Stelvio's second generation, opting for a more adventurous look that balances Italian elegance with striking features like split lighting.
Future Models and Platform Changes
Speculation arises whether the upcoming Giulia will mirror the Stelvio's design language without the elevated stance. Alfa Romeo has announced a shift away from the traditional sedan format, potentially adopting a five-door fastback configuration. The new SUV will debut later this year, preceding the Giulia’s introduction in 2026.
Both vehicles will be built on the STLA Large platform, moving away from the expensive Giorgio architecture of the FCA-PSA era. The current Stelvio measures 184.5 inches in length, but the new platform accommodates vehicles ranging from 187.6 to 201.8 inches, explaining the anticipated increase in size.
While it might be tempting to assume that the Stelvio and Giulia Quadrifoglio will utilize the Dodge Charger’s Hurricane inline-six engine, Alfa Romeo has assured that it will continue using its proprietary twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6. Former CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato indicated that relaxed Euro 7 regulations will allow the company to retain this engine. It remains to be seen whether Stellantis will maintain both this engine and Maserati’s Nettuno V6, which shares some components.
Enthusiasts should be patient, as the revamped Stelvio is not expected to receive immediate updates upon its initial release.
