We recently just spoke about the new Mercedes-GLC Class Coupe and how it’s one of the few, if only, competitors to the BMW X4. However, the Bavarian Coupe-like SUV will soon have another competitor, this time from Italy.
Alfa Romeo is readying its Stelvio SUV, for a worldwide debut at the upcoming LA Auto Show, this November. The Stelvio name comes from the famous Stelvio Pass that runs through Italy and is considered by many to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest, driving roads in the world. So Alfa clearly has sport intentions for this SUV and we expect it to be a fantastic performer. We’ve seen spy shots of it before and know that it will be based on the current Alfa Romeo Giulia architecture. Being that the Giulia is a fantastic sport sedan, we have no question that the Stelvio should be at the top of its class, in terms of handling dynamics. However, Alfa claims that it will also be a functional and useful SUV.
The Stelvio’s size and shape will likely put it in competition with the likes of the Porsche Macan, Jaguar F-Pace and BMW X4. While, the X4 is a bit more coupe-like than the Stelvio, the latter’s sporty intentions put it more in line with the X4 than the X3. Especially considering that the Italian brand is looking to create a go-fast Quadrifoglio variant, as well. That car would likely pack a version of the Alfa Romeo’s 2.9 liter twin-turbocharged V6, the same unit used in the Giulia Quadrifoglio.
From the outside, expect to see quite a lot of similarities with its Giulia sibling. However, judging from some interior spy photos, we’ve noticed that there seems to be some Maserati bits on the inside. This leads us to believe that it will be a bit more upmarket than the Giulia sedan. This makes sense, though, as Alfa Romeo is looking to be in competition with the higher-end Germans and make its mark on the luxury and performance markets.
We don’t have any word on powertrains or options, but expect them to be similar to the Giulia’s. We will find out much more come November, though, as it makes its debut in LA.
[Source: Auto Express]
