The next generation Alfa Romeo Stelvio has more riding on its shoulders than just mere sales numbers. Alfa Romeo is in a full-blown sales crisis with the Italian sports and luxury car maker struggling to keep the proverbial lights on as the aging Giulia and Stelvio continue to lose ground to German rivals while the smaller Tonale is proving to be a dud in the compact CUV segment.
Newly leaked patent images suggest the second-generation Stelvio is going for broke with styling that’s a radical departure from the current generation Stelvio and for better or for worse this SUV is shaping up to be a key model launch for the company.
New styling is blander than before
Buyers hoping that the new Stelvio will find its styling mojo again will be in for an unwelcome surprise when they look at some of the leaked images that were released online. Three images in total were leaked with the front fascia getting reworked headlights that are sleeker than before with the lower front bumper appearing to phone it in when it comes to some of the aggressive details. The iconic triangular-shaped Alfa Romeo grille (aka the Scudetto) is still present and accounted for but while the longer hood and swoopy body elements are welcome improvements, we’re not fans of some of the plastic cladding that makes its home in the front bumper.
While the front end is about as bland as a block of cheese, things start to change when you look at the side profile with the rendered SUV featuring cool 4-spoke wheels suggesting that this might be a rendering of the Quadrifolglio model versus a lower-grade Stelvio. The rear end gets a full-width LED lightbar with the liftgate attempting to create the illusion of a double spoiler thanks to a prominent point in the middle of the liftgate. Sadly, the interior was not included in this leak, but prior reports have suggested the brand will give it a welcome upgrade with the chintzy electronics in the current Stelvio being replaced with sleeker software and a new infotainment screen.
New platform continues to hide mysterious powertrains
The second-generation Stelvio will be built on the new STLA Large architecture. The brand is not ready to drop its lineup of ICE-engines yet but the flexible underpinnings allow the Stelvio to also be equipped with hybrid and EV powertrains. The EV could easily push the Stelvio into uncharted territory when it comes to performance, but a version like this is not as certain as it appears at first glance.
In addition to the company’s ongoing sales woes, demand for EVs has also slowed with the sales of these EVs taking a slide downward as a result. As such, look for Alfa to focus on immediate results with the company potentially launching the new model with ICE and hybrid powertrains first before releasing an EV version later on. This potential strategy has some precedent within Stellantis itself with Alfa reps undoubtedly having courtside seats to the troubles Dodge has experienced moving the Charger Daytona EV which was launched first versus the ICE model. Demand for that model has been lukewarm at best and Dodge has not only been forced to unleash massive discounts but also fast-track the ICE-powered Six Pack versions. Unsurprisingly, Alfa would want to avoid this fate and is taking notes to make sure the Stelvio’s launch goes as smoothly as possible.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.