It was already confirmed Alfa Romeo would launch new electric versions of the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV in 2026 and 2025 respectively, and the latter has now been spied testing for the first time.
Photographers in northern Sweden have captured a heavily camouflaged Stelvio prototype undergoing development testing, suggesting the Italian brand is getting the model ready to be unveiled later this year.
Built atop the Stellantis STLA Large platform, which also underpins the Jeep Wagoneer S, the Stelvio will have the capacity to be fitted with a range of different powertrains – though it’ll launch as an electric vehicle (EV) first and be followed by hybrid versions at a later date.
The Stelvio EV is expected to be one of the most important cars for Alfa Romeo, but official information on the model has been sparse. It’s also due to be launched as the brand celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Under the heavy camouflage, Alfa Romeo’s signature triangular grille can still be seen at the front. There are also horizontal struts for daytime running lights, while it looks like the brand is opting for a split headlight design.
Along the sides are flush door handles, while it appears the tail-lights adhere to a teaser image from a few months ago and mimic the shapes seen on cars from brands like Genesis.
While it’s still due to be unveiled this year, Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficilli has said the Stelvio’s production will be delayed, as the new facility in Hungary responsible for building the electric SUV will not be fully operational until early 2026.
The Stelvio will be the first car introduced in Europe to use the STLA Large Platform. The Wagoneer S, which uses a slightly different version of the platform but will be assembled in Mexico, was originally slated to start deliveries in North America in 2024, though a desire to launch a “perfect” EV has likely pushed it back.
Features of the platform include an 800V electric architecture, the ‘STLA Brain’ software system, and STLA SmartCockpit user interface.
While Alfa Romeo has yet to reveal any details about the drivetrains that will be offered in the new Stelvio and Giulia, Stellantis has previously confirmed the STLA Large architecture can house battery packs with between 85kWh and 118kWh of capacity.
It also supports single-motor rear-wheel drive and multi-motor all-wheel drive layouts.
The current Stelvio Quadrifoglio – fitted with a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 will reportedly exit production on April 30, 2025, while all other petrol variants with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder will exit production on May 31.
Alfa Romeo Australia says it has enough stock of the current Stelvio for the remainder of this year, but it seems likely it will then be without its flagship SUV until the new generation arrives, be it in electric or hybrid form.
-
Current Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio -
MORE: Electric Alfa Romeo Stelvio to launch in 2025, electric Giulia due 2026
MORE: End of an era: Alfa Romeo’s hot twin-turbo V6 Giulia, Stelvio ending production
MORE: Jeep won’t launch new EV until quality is ‘perfect’
MORE: Everything Alfa Romeo Stelvio
