Alfa Romeo Working on Audi Q7 Rival

Alfa Romeo has confirmed plans to produce a new large SUV entry. The new SUV is being benchmarked against rivals such as the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 and will be the first Alfa model to utilize an electrified powertrain.

Speaking to AutoExpress Alfa Romeo CTO Roberto Fedeli confirmed the brand is working on an SUV to slot above the recently-launched Stelvio. The new SUV will be built on the Giorgio platform that underpins both the Stelvio and Giulia, but this one will be stretched to accommodate seating for seven. The added wheelbase is expected to add about 400 pounds of mass over the Stelvio, but Alfa is confident it can maintain its performance DNA on what will be its largest-ever model.

Bound by the constraints of increasing emissions standards and its self-imposed DNA, Alfa is turning to electrification for this new SUV. Fedeli confirms the brand does not feel a plug-in hybrid would marry well with the Alfa DNA. Instead, the Italian automaker is leaning towards utilizing a mild hybrid setup that uses a 48-volt electrical architecture and e-turbo. The combination will likely set atop FCA’s 2.0-liter turbo four, which Fedeli says can easily generate 350 to 400 horsepower.

Although this new Alfa SUV is under development now, it is still about two years away. In addition to the new SUV, Alfa is also working on a new version of its Giulietta hatchback that will launch after the new SUV.

Given global consumer shifts to SUVs and the profit potential of large luxury SUVs, it comes as little surprise Alfa Romeo is chasing this segment next.