Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio - long-term review
£87,195 / as tested £94,245
SPEC HIGHLIGHTS
- SPEC
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
- ENGINE
2891cc
- BHP
512.3bhp
- 0-62
3.8s
Living with an Alfa Romeo Stelvio: the Quadrifoglio’s V6 is worth savouring
One month in with the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and it’s clear that I am completely smitten. The first time I drove the Giulia Quadrifoglio some six years ago, it stuck with me. The powerplant is simply joyous, and it’s fantastic to be reacquainted with it, albeit in SUV guise. Yes, the Stelvio’s rivals boast impressive engines like the F-Pace SVR’s supercharged 5.0-litre V8 and the BMW X3 M Competition’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six, but there’s something about the allure of a Ferrari-derived V6 that tickles the senses. It’s fizzy, hyperactive, and sounds superb.
So, long live the V6! Or perhaps not for much longer... Alfa’s launch of the fully-electric Milano Junior a couple of months ago kicks off their journey towards a fully electric vehicle lineup by 2027. This shift means Alfa will soon be saying arrivederci to the V6 Quadrifoglio models, with Stelvio and Giulia replacements set to be based on the new Stellantis STLA Large platform in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
Last year, Alfa’s boss Jean-Philippe Imparato wooed us with suggestions of 1,000bhp, uncompromised all-electric Quadrifoglio models. However, manufacturers globally are still struggling to replicate the thrill of ICE-powered cars, and consumers are wiser to the ‘more power means more fun’ hyperbole.
Sure, Alfa’s move to all-electric is part of a broader goal to meet emissions targets and cater to the growing demand for EVs. But let’s not forget the loyal fans who’ve stuck with Alfa through thick and thin (and the occasional breakdown). Alfa Romeo has a storied history with V6 engines, the heart of many iconic models. Remember the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA? The legendary Busso V6 is up there with the all-time greats.
Today, the current 2.9-litre V6 makes the Stelvio Quadrifoglio one of the most charismatic hot SUVs on the market. However, there are some drawbacks to driving a 512bhp powerhouse. For instance, I’ve been averaging just 15mpg, which means a trip to the petrol station every 200-ish miles. With each tank costing nearly £100, the fuel bills add up quickly. But when you're hustling the Quadrifoglio in dynamic mode, using the exquisite aluminium paddles to shift up and down through the eight-speed transmission, you momentarily forget about the financial implications.
Fortunately, the silver lining is that Alfa has confirmed the V6 will be updated to meet Euro 7 emission regulations due to come into force next year. So, it’ll be here to enjoy for a little bit longer. At least for now, we know there’ll be a spiced-up 620bhp V6 in the 33 Stradale this year, serving as a fitting tribute to Alfa’s V6 legacy.
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