Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio Quadrifoglio is one of the most exciting SUVs on the market, bringing Italian flair and motorsport pedigree into the performance mid-size SUV space.
Powered by a Ferrari-derived 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, the Stelvio ‘QV’ delivers a massive 375kW and 600Nm, offering explosive performance that firmly places it among the most powerful and quickest in its class.
It remains as one of the only non-hybrid, non-electrified options in this specific space as well, which could mean good things for long-term reliability, due to reduced complexity. Although, the brand doesn’t exactly have the best track record on this topic.
2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: Specifications
Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6
Output: 375kW@6500rpm / 600Nm@2500-5000rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F: 20×9.0, 255/45 R: 20×10, 285/40
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1790kg
Power-to-weight: 4.77:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 10.2L/100km
Our consumption: 8.4L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 64L/98 RONPower efficiency: 36.76kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 1.95 seconds*
0-100km/h: 3.86 seconds*
0-200km/h: 14.73 seconds*
60-110km/h: 2.71 seconds*
1/4 mile: 12.20 seconds at 184.6km/h*
Max acceleration: 1.092g*
100-0km/h braking: 37.70m in 3.00 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.289g*
Decibel at idle (/Race mode): 46/54*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 92*
Starting price: $162,700
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: How much does it cost?
According to the local Alfa Romeo website, there are three main variants of the Stelvio currently on sale; the Ti, Veloce, and Quadrifoglio. But according to Redbook vehicle guide, filtering ‘current release only’, the only versions on sale are the QV and QV Super Sport.
Either way, variety isn’t a strong point for this nameplate. And that probably influences the sales charts. According to VFACTS new vehicle registration figures, Stelvio sales are almost non-existent in Australia, with just 118 units so far this year (through November). That’s down 23.9 per cent on the same period in 2023.
Prices start from $162,700 for the regular Quadrifoglio, and from $183,200 for the Super Sport version (same engine power). The price is about average for a high-performance offering in the mid-size SUV class: BMW X3 M (from $178,000), Jaguar F-PACE SVR (from $155,296), Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 (from $191,814), and Porsche Macan GTS (from $141,700).
2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: Interior & packaging
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s cabin is a showcase of Italian flair, blending premium materials with an unmistakable sporty edge. The overall design focuses on the driver, with a dashboard slightly angled to the driver and the key controls within easy reach. It feels intimate and purposeful, with lots of stylish trimmings and fixtures. It’s a bit like walking into an Italian furniture store.
At the heart of the cabin is Alfa Romeo’s updated infotainment system, displayed on an 8.8-inch touch-screen. While the system includes all the essentials, such as navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it prioritises simplicity over complexity, with big widgets and a natural menu flow. The interface is intuitive, if not class-leading in outright functionality and graphics (no surround-view camera, for example). A rotary controller complements the touch interface, offering a tactile alternative that works well while on the move.
Material quality throughout the cabin is high, with carbon fibre accents, Alcantara bits, and leather everywhere giving it a distinctly premium atmosphere. The optional Sparco carbon-fibre-backed bucket seats ($8350) further elevate a sense of occasion, while providing brick-wall-like lateral support for spirited driving.
The steering wheel is another standout, offering the perfect diameter and feel, and a racy start button that reinforces the SUV’s sporting intentions. You can’t miss the huge paddle shifters as well, which are mounted to the column rather than the wheel; it makes them easy to find while driving along a twisty road.
Despite its sloping roofline and sporty stance, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio offers decent rear seat space for its class. Adults in the back will find enough headroom and legroom for most trips, though the seating position may feel slightly upright for taller passengers and the centre tunnel is chunky for the middle passenger.
The boot offers 525L of space, which is enough for a weekend getaway or the weekly shop, but some rivals offer around 600L or more if that’s a priority. Split-folding (40:20:40) rear seats add versatility, with pull-tabs on the wall, tie-down hooks, and some under-floor storage and a tyre repair kit. No 12V socket, unfortunately (not as standard anyway).
2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: Powertrain & handling
The heart of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is its exceptional engine. The twin-turbo V6 feels razor-sharp, with minimal lag and a relentless surge of power that builds all the way to its 6500rpm peak. Acceleration is nothing short of exhilarating, with Alfa Romeo claiming a 0–100km/h sprint time of just 3.8 seconds.
During our tests on a private road, we saw 0-100km/h done n 3.86 seconds, 0-200km/h in 14.73 seconds, and the quarter mile crossed in 12.20 seconds at 184.6km/h. This is an SUV that feels genuinely fast, rivalling some of the best sports cars on the market for outright pace and momentum. And check out the 0-60km/h time of just 1.95 seconds.
What truly sets this apart, however, is the engine character. The V6 has a distinctive, throaty roar, complemented by cracks and pops from the quad-outlet exhaust system. It’s as much an auditory experience as it is a physical one, especially in Dynamic or Race mode, where everything is turned up to 11.
Handling is equally impressive, with Alfa Romeo’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system offering superb grip and confidence, whether carving through a winding mountain road or navigating slippery conditions. It is slightly rear-biased in torque distribution, at least in Race mode, because during our test we found it easy to kick the tail out a bit under power, with momentum, requiring a small degree of opposite-lock. Brilliant.
The steering is direct and communicative in a way few SUVs can replicate. It can feel too touchy and sensitive for regular driving in my opinion, but makes total sense when you’re tackling a spirited road with enthusiasm. There is heaps of feel so you always know what the tyres are doing and can predict what they will do next and how they will react to your inputs.
With pin-sharp agility, you’d think the suspension has to be rock-hard. But it’s actually not. It is comfortable and pretty normal in suburban conditions, in Normal mode, absorbing imperfections well, making it suitable for everyday use.
Switch to Race mode and the adaptive dampers stiffen up, reducing body roll and sharpening responses. But even still, some rivals are much firmer than this (there is a separate damper mode option to revert to comfort while in Race mode as well). It’s worth noting the Stelvio QV once held the lap record at the Nurburgring for a production SUV – a track that is renowned for having bumps and jumps.
One of the standout aspects of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is its ability to feel smaller and more agile than its dimensions suggest. The lightweight construction, achieved through the use of aluminium and carbon fibre (driveshaft, intake system) plays a crucial role.
The tare mass is 1790kg, making it one of the lightest weight vehicles in this class. The torque-vectoring differential further enhances precision in the normal modes, but in Race mode the stability program is deactivated so you can really through it around.
2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Characterful powertrain: The Ferrari-derived twin-turbo V6 offers exceptional performance and animalistic emotions and reactions to your demands. It is a masterpiece.
- Quintessential Italian design: While many SUVs in this space look pretty similar, this stands out with proper style and unmistakable road presence.
- Last non-hybrid: This is one of the last remaining packages that offers a raw and unfiltered driving experience. From the crackling and barking exhaust to the authentic and direct steering, this is as natural as it gets right now.
- Price: Yeah, it’s not cheap but it does compare well against equivalent rivals when you weigh in performance credentials.
2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: Key considerations before you buy
- Resale value: Being an Italian car in a country on the other side of the world, the value is probably going to drop quicker than a Japanese or Korean car. Although the Quadrifoglio will probably do better than the regular Stelvio variants.
- Reliability reputation: Regardless of how reliable this specific model is, there is always an overarching cloud of doubt hovering over any Alfa Romeo vehicle. Big surveys conducted by owners in America often place Alfa near the bottom of the list. But, maybe the QV is a different thing?
- Expensive servicing: Like any BMW M model or Mercedes AMG model, or Porsche for that matter, the price of parts and servicing on a high-performance SUV like this is going to high – bespoke brakes mean big pads and expensive discs, for example. It’s just the way it is.
2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
It remains as one of the most exciting and desirable SUVs outright, and certainly in its class. But if you’re not a fan of driving then probably don’t bother. Technology and infotainment fans might prefer something else as well.
