Alfa Romeo Is Building A Larger SUV To Combat The Audi Q7

With the Stelvio selling well in key markets around the world, Alfa is looking to go one step larger with an SUV to steal the limelight from the big German flagships

 The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is getting a big brother, the company has confirmed. Based on the success of the brand’s first SUV, a larger version is being put together to rival the likes of the Audi Q7 and BMW X5.

According to a report in Auto Express it will be the largest car Alfa has ever made. It’s set to be based on the same platform as the Stelvio, pictured throughout this article because, well, we don’t have any pictures of the as-yet unnamed flagship SUV. You’ll have to use your imagination for now.

The report suggests that to meet emissions targets the Uber-Stelvio will use a mild hybrid 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol drivetrain with 48-volt electrics and up to 400bhp. The aim is to maintain “Alfa DNA,” says the firm. Chief technical officer Roberto Fedeli told the British weekly car magazine that:

“The Stelvio for sure is an example of Alfa DNA, why don’t we translate that in a car which is a little big bigger?

“We have to marry the new car with the right level of electrification. Plug-in hybrid could be a problem for the Alfa DNA point of view, but for instance a 48-volt mild hybrid solution is something that we can do without losing anything,”

On the other hand, it’s expected that around 200kg would need to be added to the Stelvio’s mass in a larger guise, serving up extra difficulties on the handling front. Just in case you’re wondering why Alfa is going down the large SUV route, it’s for profits. The margins are higher in larger cars and it would open up markets that Alfa can’t currently tap.

A replacement for the ageing Giulietta will follow the large SUV. Auto Express also reports that Alfa is considering whether to completely reinvent the slightly frustrating 4C with a new chassis and engine. The current car has failed to meet company targets.