Alfa Romeo’s first SUV is born, delivering a thrilling driving experience, outstanding performance and sporty style. For the first time in more than a century, these features of the genuine “Alfa spirit” have now come together in an SUV. It is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and it aims to upset the medium-sized premium SUV segment.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the perfect blend of heritage, speed and beauty; this alchemy forms an integral part of the brand’s history and achieves a mix of the three ingredients of Alfa Romeo design: proportion, simplicity and top-quality finishes. These same ingredients gave us the Giulia – the new brand benchmark and precursor of its future.
Exciting handling
The name itself tells us that this model will provide a thrilling driving experience, yet still excel in the comfort and versatility typical of the segment. The Stelvio Pass is Italy’s highest mountain pass and Highway 38, which crosses it, over 20 km in length and with more than 75 hairpin bends, has iconic status. There is now an Alfa Romeo SUV capable of offering an unrivalled combination of driving pleasure, Italian styling and versatility: the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
In true Alfa Romeo tradition, the Stelvio delivers impeccable handling, worthy of a real sports car, balanced weight distribution, the most direct steering ratio in the segment and state-of-the-art suspension with the exclusive Alfalink technology. Use of lightweight, hi-tech materials including carbon fibre for the drive shaft and aluminium for the engine, suspension systems, bonnet, fenders, doors and the tailgate provide the ultimate in road-holding. The Stelvio offers the Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel drive system, and can be optionally equipped with mechanical locking rear differential.
100% Alfa Romeo sporty design
Stelvio’s proportions, with a length of 4.7m, height of 1.7 m and width of 2.2 m, express strength, dynamism and compactness. Externally, it’s the perfect blend of tradition, design and performance, an integral part of the brand’s history.
Sporty style with stunningly sleek, glamorous lines
The Alfa Romeo styling also finds expression in the high-quality finishes, which involve creating rich, harmonious reflections across the bodywork. The end-result is a sculptural shape, which, on the flanks gives rise to contrasts between the surfaces that catch light and those that remain in the shadow. The rear-end shape accentuates its front and rear wings.
Stelvio has a strong identity, built around select features, like the legendary Cloverleaf front, perhaps the most famous and recognisable hallmark in automotive styling. The rear is eye-catching too, because of the dual sports exhaust tips, and from the “Kamm tail” styling that gives the car a unique, character, while also paying tribute to Alfa Romeo’s history.
- To underline this beauty, customers can choose from 11 body colours (pastel, metallic and tri-coated) that highlight the Alfa Romeo SUV’s sleek silhouette.
On-board comfort and wellbeing for driver and passengers
Alfa Romeo Stelvio brings Italian style into the world of the medium-sized premium SUV: its interior is exclusive, tasteful and elegant, with room for passengers to enjoy. But that’s not all, Stelvio gives the driver complete control thanks to the new Alfa DNA selector as well as the high driving position, which doesn’t detract from the driving pleasure expected of a genuine Alfa Romeo sports car. It also ensures a high level of on-board comfort with the dual zone climate control system, the sophisticated Alfa Connect infotainment system and a fine audio system, with 8, 10 or 14 speakers (in this case by Harman Kardon) depending on version. Last but not least, the 525l boot competes with the best in the segment and has a convenient electric tailgate that can be set with three different opening levels, directly from the Alfa Rotary selector. Stelvio is tailored in all respects to embody Italian comfort and taste.
- The same elegant sportiness is found in the interior; simple, stylish and tailored like a bespoke suit, with craftsmanship and premium materials: the leather, including full grain and real woods have all been chosen for their visual and tactile appeal and assembled to give a palpable sense of human artistry. The driver is central, the slightly undulating dashboard and the small, direct-ratio, leather-wrapped steering wheel that adapts to all driving styles. Also provided is a clear TFT colour information display cluster (with 7” display) which supplies all essential information, while the driver/car interface consists of two rotary controls for easy, immediate use of the Alfa DNA selector and Alfa Connect system. Alfa Connect has an 8.8” high resolution display, with integral 3D navigation function, developed in partnership with Magneti Marelli.
In keeping with Alfa Romeo’s technical traditions, electronic assistance must never be intrusive, but merely facilitate the exhilarating driving experience, thanks to the perfectly designed chassis and suspension system. Stelvio remains true to this philosophy: it is structurally unique and exciting.
- Innovative engineering for unbeatable safety
Stelvio features a number of sophisticated safety systems, available as standard or optional depending on the version. Key amongst them is the Integrated Brake System (IBS), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Brake with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross-Path Detection and Active Cruise Control.
Integrated Brake System (IBS)
The new Alfa Romeo SUV is the first car in its segment to offer the new electromechanical system that combines stability control with a traditional servo brake. With its combination of electronics and mechanics, this system cuts weight, gives an excellent driving “feel” and eliminates all pedal vibration and guarantees instant brake response, resulting a shorter braking distance.
Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Brake with pedestrian detection
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) uses a radar sensor and a camera in the windscreen to detect obstacles or vehicles in the car’s path, warning the driver of the risk of an imminent collision. Should the driver fail to intervene, the Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB) system automatically brakes. Utilising the pedestrian detection function, which works by interpreting the radar and camera data, the AEB system can stop the car on its own at speeds up to 65 km/h.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
The system reads the lines on the road surface by means of the video sensor installed on the windscreen, and if the driver strays across the lane markings involuntarily or without using indicators, the driver is alerted at once with audio and visual warnings.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) continually monitors the rear blind spots on both sides of the vehicle, by means of two radar devices mounted in the rear fenders. In potential risk situations, lights on the external rear view mirrors alert the driver to obstacles on either side of the vehicle.
Rear Cross-Path Detection
The system checks the area behind the car when reversing, and warns of other vehicles approaching perpendicular to the car at speeds below about 35 km/h.
Active Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control (ACC) constantly monitors the gap to the vehicle in front, and reduces the car’s speed if it falls below the safety threshold. When the road is open, active cruise control automatically returns the car to the pre-set cruising speed.
Elegant interior and luxury materials
The sporty inspiration of the exterior also guided the Alfa Romeo stylists, who created an interior with simple, elegant lines that offers the very best in terms of quality, safety, equipment and comfort while retaining the Alfa Romeo psyche: the centrality of the driver. Driver-focus is reflected in clustering of all the controls on the steering-wheel, intentionally small and with a direct ratio to suit all driving styles. What’s more, the colour information display cluster supplies the driver all essential information, while the interface consists of two rotary controls for easy use of the Alfa DNA selector and Alfa Connect system.
Forged around the driver, Stelvio Super offers leather seats available in three colours (black, brown and red), a perfect combination with the dashboard and door panel options. This version can also be equipped with luxury seats upholstered in choice full grain leather (in black, brown or red), sill with metal inserts and two different steering wheels: luxury with superior leather and sports with specific grip and leather wrapping.
Alfa Romeo reasserts its tradition of finely crafted interiors, while using these material and colour combinations to underline the distinctive role of elegant colour schemes in its products’ identity.
Alfa UConnect 3D Nav 8.8”, the highest Infotainment level
Alfa Romeo Stelvio is equipped with the ground-breaking Alfa Connect system – developed in partnership with Magneti Marelli – with a sophisticated set of features, especially the latest-generation HMI interface, with the system controlled from the Rotary Pad and the 8.8”display incorporated in the dashboard design.
With a class-leading voice recognition system, the device allows full connectivity with all mobile devices (with Apple iOS and Android operating systems).
Stelvio’s latest-generation infotainment system controls the audio system and also provides Bluetooth for hands-free telephony and playing content from USB devices and smartphones.
The entire range is supplied as standard with the UConnect 3D Nav 8.8″, supplying navigation with high-resolution 3D maps and high-speed route calculation, also available without a GPS signal thanks to the Dead Reckoning technology, and functions for TomTom map updating from the USB port, driving style information display and indication of the current Alfa DNA mode selection.
Audio systems of outstanding quality for an exciting sound experience
The Stelvio Super is equipped as standard with a sophisticated audio system with eight speakers (four woofers and four tweeters) and the First Edition is equipped with ten speakers (four woofers, four tweeters, a mid-range and a subwoofer in the boot). The optional Harman Kardon system, features 14 speakers (four woofers, four tweeters, five midrange and a subwoofer).
Outstanding performance
Design, engineering and technology are all central to the new Stelvio, but, as tradition demands, its identity as a true Alfa Romeo derives from the beating heart under the bonnet.
Apart from its distinctive style and excellent handling, Stelvio reveals its character with a powerful 2.0l Turbocharged petrol engine featuring a power output of 206 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The 4-cylinder unit, built entirely from aluminium is combined with the 8-speed automatic transmission, driving a carbon drive shaft and Q4 all-wheel drive. Guaranteed to give even the most skilled driver unique thrills, especially on mixed terrain, this drivetrain is the peak of the Group’s technology and is built in Italy at the Termoli plant. In addition to MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve actuation, the engine features “2-in-1” turbo and 200-bar high-pressure direct fuel injection, delivering rapid accelerator response across the engine range in addition to first-class fuel-efficiency.
The Stelvio engine features best-in-class acceleration, powering from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 230 km/h.
Automatic 8-speed transmission
The 8-speed automatic transmission fitted to the Stelvio is specifically calibrated for fast, smooth gear shifts. The transmission has a lock-up clutch to give the driver a powerful feeling of in-gear acceleration. Depending on the mode chosen with the Alfa DNA selector, the automatic transmission optimises fluidity, comfort and ease of driving in all environments, including around town, and further improves fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Steering-column-mounted, aluminium paddle shifters are available as standard.
What’s more, thanks to the sophisticated Q4 all-wheel drive, Stelvio customers can rely on excellent road-holding even on low-grip terrain.
Alfa DNA
Alfa Romeo Stelvio features the new Alfa DNA selector, which modifies the car’s dynamic behaviour as selected by the driver: Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency.
Dynamic mode accentuates performance and handling with precise steering response and immediate braking; resulting in a sporty driving style. Natural mode is ideal for urban and highway driving with handling tailored for comfort and fuel economy. Finally, the new Advanced Efficiency maximises energy savings and minimises emissions levels.
- Perfect weight distribution
One of the primary design objectives of the Stelvio was to achieve maximum driving pleasure. One key factor was the perfect weight distribution between the two axles – an Alfa Romeo tradition –requiring management of the weights and materials involved, achieved by adjusting the car’s layout and by placing the heaviest units in the most central position.
Suspension system with exclusive Alfalink
A new double wishbone suspension with a semi-virtual steering axis guaranteeing rapid, accurate steering, was developed for the front suspension. This exclusive Alfa Romeo set-up allows high lateral acceleration thanks to its always-perfect footprint. The rear suspension uses a four-and-a-half link system – patented by Alfa Romeo – to deliver precise control of the wheel’s characteristic angles, for top class handling.
Most direct steering ratio in the segment
Regardless of speed and conditions, the Stelvio always delivers a natural, instinctive drive, thanks to the most direct steering ratio in its segment (12.0).
Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel drive
A mountain hairpin, a stony unpaved trail or a bend in the driving rain: all extreme situations and ideal places for putting the new Alfa Romeo’s agility and power to the test.
Thanks above all to the Q4 system, that gives all the benefits of all-wheel drive combined with the driving pleasure of a rear-wheel drive. Its architecture includes an active transfer case and front differential designed to meet the specific technical requirements of Alfa Romeo, with a compact, lightweight set-up. The Q4 system continuously monitors numerous parameters to optimise torque distribution between the two axles according to what the car is doing and how much grip the road surface offers. In normal grip conditions, the Stelvio with Q4 system acts like a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, with 100% of the torque sent to the rear axle. As the wheels approach their grip limit, the system transfers up to 50% of the torque to the front axle. This translates into top-in-class control in terms of traction and directional stability on corners.
The Cassino plant behind the new-generation Alfa Romeo models
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is manufactured at the FCA plant in Cassino (Frosinone, Italy). Constructed in 1972 near the historic Benedictine abbey, the plant has produced over 7.3 million cars to date and been expanded to occupy a site of 2,000,000m, including 530,000m of covered area. The plant has a production capacity of approximately 1,000 cars a day and employs around 4,300 people.
Renovated for the production of the Alfa Romeo Giulia (as well as Giulietta), the plant is an example of FCA’s global automotive manufacturing expertise. It has adopted and aligned all the technologies and best practices of the other FCA plants worldwide, updating them to build unique products.
Complete range to meet all customer requirements
At the time of launch, the Stelvio will be available in Super as well as the limited First Edition with the choice of eleven body colours and three alloy wheels (from 18″ to 20″).
The Super version features 18″ alloy wheels, leather seats in three colours (black, brown and red), and complimentary colours for the dashboard and door panels and sill with steel insert. The Stelvio Super can also be ordered with the optional Luxury Pack which includes seats with electrical adjustment and heating, as well as real wood inserts and aluminium inserts and steel pedal trims.
The First Edition features all the standard equipment of the Super, with the addition of 20″ alloy wheels, full grain leather upholstery, 10 speaker sound system, Active Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitoring electric sunroof and numerous other customer benefits.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is available immediately from dealerships countrywide. Pricing starts from R810,000.00 for the Super and the First Edition is priced at R946,000.00.
All Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s feature a three year or 100,000 km warranty and a six year or 100,000 km maintenance plan as standard.
In other motoring related news, Audi Sport recently launched the most powerful TT of all time, featuring a muscular body, newly developed five-cylinder engine and accompanied by its unmistakable sound.
