The Stelvio is getting up there in years, having been around for nearly a decade. Nevertheless, Alfa Romeo’s first SUV remains a desirable car and one of the most exciting to drive in this challenging segment. However, a second generation is becoming increasingly necessary since the high-riding model can’t avoid electrification for much longer. An official reveal is happening later this year. Meanwhile, we already know how it’s going to look.
Fully revealing images of the Stelvio’s exterior design have emerged through the trademark office. The styling is in line with the camouflaged prototype we saw last month, revealing a complete overhaul compared to the outgoing model. The absence of visible exhaust tips strongly indicates we’re dealing with the purely electric version, but Alfa Romeo has confirmed there will be cheaper ICE flavors, too.
Photo by: Alfa Romeo
If it weren’t for the proprietary front grille (scudetto), we would’ve had a hard time identifying this SUV as an Alfa Romeo. Ok, the wheels also have a familiar design, but everything else is a stark departure from what we’ve come to expect from the Torino-based automaker. Take, for example, those slim upper daytime running lights, which wouldn’t look out of place on a BMW iX. A separate set of LEDs “hidden” in the bumper will serve as the main headlights, à la X7 or XM.
A closer look at the profile hints at a significant jump in size over the current Stelvio. Alfa Romeo must’ve trademarked a higher-end version judging by the two-tone look with a black roof. Flush door handles are all the rage these days since they help streamline airflow for better aerodynamic efficiency. The quarter glass now sits aft of the rear doors, and we think there’s a battery pack hanging from the underbody.
Moving to the back, the taillights have an odd shape, starting as ovals on the fenders and meeting on the tailgate where they form a triangle. Alfa Romeo is putting the rear wiper in the usual place instead of tucking it away underneath the roof spoiler like some other automakers are doing these days, including Land Rover and Hyundai. The tailgate appears to be perfectly square, and we think we see a sunroof.
Photo by: Alfa Romeo
Photo by: Alfa Romeo
It’s worth noting that future models always look worse in grainy images from the patent bureau compared to the real thing. Be that as it may, Alfa Romeo is certainly playing it less safe with the Stelvio’s design for the second generation. The luxury SUV looks far more daring than its predecessor, trading some of the Italian elegance for polarizing details such as the split lights.
We’re beginning to wonder whether the new Giulia will look like a Stelvio without the high heels. Alfa Romeo has said it’ll abandon the sedan body style in favor of something different, with reports stating it would be a five-door fastback. Before the Giulia debuts in 2026, its SUV counterpart will break cover later this year.
Both will sit on the STLA Large platform, therefore abandoning their pricey Giorgio bones from the FCA-PSA era. While today’s Stelvio is 184.5 inches long, the new architecture has been conceived for vehicles between 187.6 and 201.8 inches. It would explain why we’re getting the impression the future model will be visibly larger.
Although the temptation would be to think the Stelvio and Giulia Quadrifoglio will borrow the Dodge Charger’s Hurricane inline-six, Alfa Romeo promised in late 2023 it would keep its own twin-turbo, 2.9-liter V6. Former CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato mentioned watered-down Euro 7 regulations would allow the company to retain its proprietary engine. It’ll be interesting to see whether Stellantis is keeping both this engine and Maserati’s Nettuno V6, with which it actually shares some components.
We’re in for a long wait since the new Stelvio is unlikely to get the four-leaf clover treatment from day one.
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