Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio 2019 review

Alfa Romeo is as Italian as Michelangelo's David, but owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which brings American brands like Dodge and Jeep under one corporate umbrella.

So it's no surprise if you experience automotive déjà vu when looking at the Alfa Stelvio Quadrifoglio.

Just as Jeep took the mega Hemi V8 from a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and shoved it up the nose of its Grand Cherokee to create a cranky Trackhawk, Alfa pulled off an equally daring car-to-SUV graft.

Of course, the absolute power figures are not in the same stratospheric region, but the intent is the same.

Take the huge 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine from the beefy and obscenely fast Giulia Quadrifoglio sedan and pair it with the high-riding five-seat Stelvio to create a version of the Quadrifoglio that can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than four seconds.

Will Alfa's family speed formula allow enthusiastic drivers to get their practicality pie and eat it with an extra order of magnitude in performance? We got behind the wheel to find out.

Alpha Romeo Stelvio 2019: Quadrifoglio
Safety Rating
engine's type	2.9 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	10.2l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$87,700

Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10

Alessandro Maccolini has been a full-time employee of the Alfa Romeo Style Center for 25 years. As Head of Exterior Design, he oversaw the creation of the brand's increasingly sophisticated look, up to the latest Giulia and Stelvio models, as well as the beautiful concept of the Tonale compact SUV and the upcoming GTV coupe, further expanding the brand's reach.

A gorgeous intense Competizione Red, our Stelvio Quadrifoglio is very similar to its Giulia sibling (they rely on the same Giorgio platform). all the way to the nose thanks to the offset front license plate.

Long, angular (adaptive bi-xenon) headlights curve around every front corner, and a wide, two-level splitter with black mesh air intakes at the top adds aerodynamic spice. Dual hood vents add another hint of performance.

A subtle mix of soft curves and stiffer lines on the sides of the car merge with aggressively inflated guards filled with 20-inch five-ring forged alloy wheels.

With the turret tilted sharply back, the Stelvio looks like an off-road coupe, like the BMW X4 and Merc GLC Coupe. The glossy black side window surrounds and roof rails look serious, and Alfa watchers will love the iconic Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover) badges at the top of the front grilles.

The quad tailpipes emphasize the car's masculine character.

The LED taillights follow the overall shape of the headlights, with clearly defined horizontal sections forming a relatively vertical rear end. Quad tailpipes and a five-channel (functional) diffuser enhance the car's masculine character.

The interior is as gorgeous to look at as it is to occupy. A combination of leather, Alcantara, brushed alloy and carbon fiber adorns a stylish and sophisticated design that combines echoes of Alfa's past with the latest technology the brand has to offer.

  The interior combines leather, Alcantara, brushed alloy and carbon fiber.

Our car was particularly rich in carbon thanks to optional Sparco carbon fiber front seats ($7150) and a leather, Alcantara, and carbon sports steering wheel ($4550).

The double-shrouded dash, complete with accentuated dash brows above each gauge, is an Alfa hallmark, as are the eye vents at either end of the dash.

An 8.8-inch color multimedia screen is seamlessly integrated into the top of the B-pillar, while contrasting red stitching on the seats, doors and instrument panel, as well as discreet use of premium original materials, underline the quality of the interior and attention to design. detail.

Eight colors are offered, including the only free shade (solid) "Alfa Red". There are five additional metallic shades - Vulcano Black, Silverstone Grey, Vesuvio Grey, Montecarlo Blue and Misano Blue (+$1690) with two Tri-Coats (different base and base colors) ). sheer-top coat colors), "Competizione Red" and "Trofeo White" ($4550).

How practical is the interior space? 8/10

Despite the fire and brimstone lurking under its hood, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio should still function as a premium five-seat SUV. And at 4.7m long, 1.95m wide and just under 1.7m high, its exterior dimensions are almost exactly the same as Alfa's main competitors in the premium midsize category, such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace, Lexus RX and Merc GLC. .

The price, features and performance of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio changes this competitive set somewhat, but we'll get to that in the (next) value for money segment.

There are no problems with head and shoulder room for the driver and front seat passenger, although trimming the protruding side bolsters on the front seat cushions requires some effort when getting in and out. Be prepared for premature wear to the exterior trim.

Storage is provided in two cupholders (under a sliding carbon cover) on the center console, as well as decent bins and bottle holders in the doors.

There's also a medium-sized glovebox, as well as a lighted basket between the front seats that houses a pair of USB ports and an aux-in jack. A third USB port and a 12-volt socket are hidden in the lower part of the dashboard.

Sitting behind the driver's seat, set for my height of 183 cm, I had ample legroom for rear passengers, although headroom is best described as ample.

The three big adults in the back should be good friends, and the short straw holder in the center will not only handle a stiffer, smaller seat, but also fight for legroom thanks to the wide and rather tall center tunnel.

On the plus side, the doors open wide for relatively easy access, there are two bottle and cup holders in the fold-down center armrest, and there are small bins in the doors with a cutout for modest bottles.

There are also adjustable air vents at the rear of the front center console with a pair of USB charging sockets and a small storage cover underneath. But forget about the map pockets in the backs of the front seats, as far as the eye could see, in our car it was a cover made of professional carbon.

With the 40/20/40 vertical folding rear seatbacks, Alfa claims boot capacity is 525 liters, which is fair for the class and more than enough to swallow our three-pack of hard cases (35, 68 and 105 liters). ). or Cars Guide stroller, with a reserve of space.

A rail system recessed into both sides of the floor allows for stepless adjustment of the four fold-down load securing points, and an elastic storage net is included. Good.

The tailgate can be opened and closed remotely, which is always welcome. The release handles near the tailgate opening lower the rear seats with a simple movement, there are handy bag hooks on both sides of the trunk, as well as a 12V socket and helpful lighting. A small storage tray behind the wheel tub on the driver's side is a thoughtful inclusion, with a similar space on the opposite side chock-full of a subwoofer.

Don't bother looking for replacement parts of any description, a repair/inflation kit is your only option (although you do get a pair of gloves, which is civilized), and be aware that the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a no-towing zone.

A repair/inflatable kit is provided.

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

Priced at $149,900 before road expenses, the addition of the Quadrifoglio tag elevates this Alfa Stelvio from the midsize premium SUV segment to a more exclusive, exciting and expensive competitive package.

Family practicality coupled with blazingly high performance is also featured on the Jaguar F-Pace SVR V8 ($139,648) and Merc-AMG GLC 63 S ($165,395), while the $134,900 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk puts out 522 kW (700 hp) .s.) and 868 Nm.

That's right, the Jeep all-wheel-drive monster billed as the fastest gas-powered SUV on the planet (0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds) costs $15 less than this Italian bad guy.

But while you can give up a tenth of a second in a sprint to triple digits, you get a huge amount of standard equipment in return.

Features include a Quadrifoglio leather steering wheel with a red start button.

We'll cover safety and performance tech (of which there are many) in the following sections, but a rundown of other included features extends to premium leather and Alcantara upholstered seats, Quadrifoglio leather steering wheel (with red start button), leather-wrapped dashboard. , top door and center armrest, carbon fiber trim (lots), dual-zone climate control (with adjustable rear vents), and eight-way power front seats (with four-position power lumbar support). armrest for the driver).

The front seats and steering wheel are heated, and you can also expect keyless entry (including on the passenger side) and engine start, automatic adaptive headlights (with automatic high beams), rain sensors, privacy glass on the rear side windows (and rear glass). ), as well as a 14W Harman Kardon 'Sound Theater' audio system with 900 speakers (with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and digital radio) controlled via an 8.8-inch multimedia screen with 3D navigation.

Experience the 900W Harman Kardon Sound Theater audio system.

It's worth noting that the main media interface isn't a touchscreen, but a rotary switch on the console - the only means of navigating through modes and functions.

There is also a 7.0-inch TFT multi-function display in the center of the instrument cluster, exterior interior lighting, aluminum coated pedals, Quadrifoglio treadplates (with aluminum insert), illuminated exterior door handles, external power folding. mirrors, headlight washers (with heated jets), 20-inch forged alloy wheels and red brake calipers.

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio comes with 20" forged alloy wheels.

Ugh! Even at the $150 mid-range price point, that's a monumental amount of fruit and a big contributor to the Stelvio Quadrifoglio's solid value for money.

For reference, our test car also had Sparco carbon fiber trim seats ($7150), yellow brake calipers instead of the stock red items ($910), Tri-Coat paint ($4550), and leather, Alcantara, and carbon wrap. . steering wheel ($650) with a checked price of $163,160.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10

Developed in partnership with Ferrari, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged direct-injection V6 petrol is an all-alloy 90-degree engine with 375 kW (510 hp) at 6500 rpm and 600 Nm at 2500– 5000 rpm

It sends drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels via the Alfa Q4 all-wheel drive system. By default, torque is distributed 100% to the rear, and the active transfer case of the Q4 system can shift 50% to the front axle.

Equipped with a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine.

Alfa claims the transfer case's active clutch delivers fast response and precise torque distribution by receiving information from a range of sensors that measure lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering angle and yaw rate.

From there, active torque vectoring uses two electronically controlled clutches in the rear differential to transfer drive to the rear wheel that can best use it.

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

Claimed fuel economy in the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle of 10.2 l / 100 km, the twin-turbo V6 emits 233 g / km of CO2.

Despite the standard start/stop and CEM cylinder deactivation (deactivation of three cylinders where necessary) complete with the sailing function (in high efficiency mode), we recorded an average consumption 200 l/h. 17.1 km, with an instantaneous economy dash reading jumping into intimidating territory when the performance potential of the car was explored.

Minimum fuel requirement: 98 octane premium unleaded gasoline and you will need 64 liters of this fuel to fill the tank.

What is it like to drive? 7/10

Do you want good news or bad news? Okay, the good news is that the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is reasonably fast, incredibly responsive and sociable in fast corners, and has outstanding ergonomics.

The bad news is that it sounds like a diesel, the drivetrain and suspension lack polish at city speeds, and while the braking system is powerful, the initial bite is as subtle as a Great White with blood in its nostrils.

A 100-3.8 mph time of XNUMX seconds is exotic territory for sports cars, and fast enough to elicit the required amount of gasps and squeals from frightened passengers.

With eight gear ratios and 600 Nm of torque, the Stelvio Q is easy to keep running, and the maximum torque is available from 2500 to 5000 rpm.

But crank the throttle from low rpm and you'll be waiting for a couple of strokes for the turbos to perform at their best. Where Merc-AMG has tinkered with turbo placement and intake/exhaust manifold length to minimize lag, this engine delivers significant thrust in relative haste.

At the same time, the dual-mode quad exhaust system relies on the engine's rough note, but this car lacks the characteristic throbbing rhythm of its V8-powered rivals. A rougher, less syncopated sound comes from the engine bay and four exhaust pipes.

The good news is that the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is fast enough.

But flip the drive mode selector to D (dynamic), head for your favorite country road, and the Stelvio will corner more efficiently than any high-riding SUV.

The Stelvio (and Giulia) Quadrifoglio Alfa (Dynamic, Natural, Advanced efficiency) “DNA” system is complemented by a Race mode that allows you to deactivate the stabilization and traction control systems, and also increases the volume of the exhaust. It's meant for the race track and we didn't turn it on (apart from checking the exhaust note change).

However, the Dynamic setting modifies the engine management settings for faster power delivery, increases gearshift speed, and tunes the active suspension for faster dynamic response. Manual shifting with elegant alloy shift paddles is fast enough.

The electrically assisted variable ratio steering response is brilliantly linear and precise, and feels great on the road as well. Plus, the combination of a comfortable seat, grippy handlebars, perfectly placed controls and a clear display means you can get on with your work and enjoy stress-free driving.

Suspension is double wishbones at the front and multilink at the rear, and despite a hefty 1830kg curb weight, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio remains balanced and predictable, with body control well thought out.

Active all-wheel drive and torque vectoring systems work seamlessly to keep things moving in the right direction, traction with Pirelli P Zero (255/45 fr - 285/40 rr) high-performance tires is grippy, and power is transferred to the ground with full power.

Braking is handled by ventilated and perforated Brembo rotors (360mm front - 350mm rear) with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. Alfa is actually calling it the "Monster Braking System" and the stopping power is huge. But slow to a suburban pace and some flaws surface.

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio uses Brembo brakes.

First, the braking hardware is supported by an electromechanical braking system, which Alfa says is lighter, more compact and faster than a conventional setup. It could be, but the initial application is met with a sudden, shaky grip that's hard to avoid and very tiring.

Even when pulling away smoothly, the transmission feels like a joke, and there are also slight jerks when shifting from forward to reverse in tight corners and parking maneuvers.

Then there is the ride. Even in the most supple settings, the suspension is firm, and every bump, crack, and gouge makes its presence known through the body and seat of your pants.

There are so many things to love about the way this car drives, but these unfinished details make you think it took another six to nine months of engineering and testing to strike a balance between five-tenths and 10-tenths of driving.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / 150,000 km


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio boasts an impressive array of standard active safety technologies including ABS, EBD, ESC, EBA, traction control, forward collision warning with AEB at any speed, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic detection, active cruise -control. , active high beams, reversing camera (with dynamic grid lines), front and rear parking sensors, emergency stop signal and tire pressure monitoring system.

If an impact is unavoidable, there are six airbags on board (double front, double front side and double curtain).

The Stelvio received the highest ANCAP five-star rating in 2017.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 6/10

Alfa's standard warranty is three years/150,000 24 km with XNUMX/XNUMX roadside assistance during the same period. This is a far cry from the usual pace, with virtually all mainstream brands having five years/unlimited mileage, and some seven years/unlimited mileage.

The recommended service interval is 12 months / 15,000 894 km (whichever comes first), and Alfa's price-limited service scheme locks in prices for the first five services: $1346, $894, $2627, $883, and $1329; averaging $6644, and in just five years, $XNUMX. So, you pay the price for a thoroughbred engine and transmission.

Verdict

Fast but imperfect, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is an elegant and sophisticated high-performance SUV, well-equipped and outstanding in performance. But for now, drivetrain upgrades, brake tuning, and ride comfort are in the “can do better” column.

Would you prefer Alfa's Stelvio Quadrifoglio to conventional high performance SUVs? Tell us what you think in the comments below.