Alfa Romeo may have a new sub-Tonale SUV in the works, but it’s also looking at filling out the other end of its model range.
Brand CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato told AutoWeek that Alfa Romeo is working on a large model, with an eye to the Chinese market.
According to Imparato, it’s due in 2027. That’s the year from which Alfa has said it will sell only electric vehicles.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
“We are aiming for models such as BMW’s X5, X6 and 7 Series,” he told the Dutch publication, though the X5-sized iX would also be a logical competitor.
“I haven’t told anyone that before, but since I want to be the global premium brand of Stellantis and because everyone in the world knows our brand, I want to bring a high-end SUV to the market,” he added (translated).
This would slot in above the next-generation Giulia and Stelvio, rivals for the BMW 3 Series and X3, respectively.
He called it an “E-segment car with very high performance”. E-segment is the term used in Europe for passenger cars like the BMW 5 Series, and SUVs like the BMW X5 and X6.
North American STLA Large-based models
In listing two SUVs and one passenger car, Imparato appears to be pointing towards something potentially “segment-busting”, or at the very least a sleek coupe SUV.
It’s likely the new Alfa would use the STLA Large architecture, which Stellantis says will offer 400V or 800V technology and batteries measuring 101-118kWh.
Also set to be used by a raft of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models, the STLA Large mechanicals will offer up to 800km of range, and feature both single- and dual-motor electric powertrains with motors producing between 150 and 330kW of power.
STLA Large cars will measure between roughly 4800mm and 5500mm long.
Alfa Romeo 166
The focus on the Chinese market comes after Alfa Romeo announced last year it’d focus on three “basecamps” – Europe, North America and China. It has, however, affirmed its commitment to the Australian market.
Sports cars aside, Alfa Romeo hasn’t had an E-segment flagship since the 166 flagship left production in 2007.
However, Alfa Romeo has confirmed and then scuppered plans for E-segment models in the interim.
Under Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) ownership, Alfa had planned an E-segment SUV but announced in an earnings call in 2019 development had been cancelled along with a reborn GTV coupe and a new 8C.
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Prior to that, Alfa Romeo had announced in 2014 it’d launch a BMW 5 Series rival in 2018. This also fell by the wayside.
Before the new flagship SUV lobs, Alfa Romeo will debut a new entry-level SUV.
Rumoured to be called Brennero, the light SUV will slot in under the Tonale and is set for a 2024 launch.
When FCA and PSA merged to become Stellantis in 2021, the newly formed entity announced how it’d be positioning its sprawling range of brands.
Maserati Grecale
Of its European marques, it listed Fiat and Citroen as Core brands, Opel/Vauxhall and Peugeot as Upper Mainstream, and Alfa Romeo, DS and Lancia as Premium brands.
It also committed to giving each of its brands a time window of 10 years and funding for this period to grow, with even ailing Lancia – down to one model in one market – announcing it’s launching three new models.
At the top of the Stellantis pyramid is Maserati, which the automotive giant is referring to as its Luxury brand.
In 2023, Maserati will introduce electric versions of its redesigned GranTurismo and GranCabrio and new Grecale, the latter of which will share the Giorgio platform with Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio and Giulia.
current Maserati Levante
By 2025, it’ll offer electric versions of the MC20 supercar and the redesigned Quattroporte and Levante.
It’s unclear how Stellantis will position the next Levante and the upcoming Alfa flagship SUV relative to each other, given both Maserati and Alfa Romeo have a sporty image.
Indeed, neither brand has been shy about tackling Porsche head-on – Alfa with its Macan-rivalling Stelvio, and Maserati with its Cayenne-battling Levante.
Keyword: Alfa Romeo planning X5-sized electric SUV - report