Patent images for what is purportedly the next Alfa Romeo Stelvio have surfaced online, potentially indicating a very different design direction for the Italian mid-size SUV.
Having been around since 2016, the current, Giorgio-based Stelvio is starting to get long in the tooth (though the 375kW Quadrifoglio version still hits just as right as always), while key rivals in the form of BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 have received several updates. Even Stellantis stablemate, Maserati, has launched the new Grecale on the same platform.
Expected to migrate to the STLA Large platform also utilised by Jeep, and Dodge for the latest Challenger, electrification is set to play a more central role in the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s range.
The car depicted in the patent images shows a vehicle which swaps the seductive curves of today’s model for harder, more robotic theme, with slit LED clusters that bookend the V-shaped central grille.
A coupe-ish silhouette indicates a growth in size. Two intersecting scalene triangles join the DLO and tailgate together via the D-pillar. The rear has an almost Prius-like split window tailgate design, with a heart-shaped LED motif spanning the width of the rear.
Expect hybrid and electric propulsion, but remarks from CEO Jean Phillipe Imparato recently indicate the Quadrofoglio twin-turbo V6 is here to stay – whether that is a revised version of the current unit, or an all-new powerplant remains to be seen but that would make the step backwards in the aesthetics department more forgivable. What do you think?
