2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio price and features: BMW X3 M Competition, Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S and Porsche Macan Turbo-rivalling flagship Quadrifoglio SUV comes down in cost

Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio Quadrifoglio is now more affordable than ever, decreasing nearly $3000 in price as the rest of the 2021 Italian mid-size SUV line-up joins the already on-sale Sport in local showrooms.

Though the previously unnamed base grade was thought to have been dropped in the 2021 update, Alfa Romeo will continue offering this entry-level variant as a "customer order only" proposition at $64,950 before on-road costs.

The Stelvio line-up then moves up to the Sport grade, though the initial $69,450 asking price announced back in April has now crept up $500 to $69,950.

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Slotting in above the Sport is the Veloce, which rises a modest $50 to $78,950 when compared with its 2020 counterpart.

However, the big news is the price of the Quadrifoglio flagship, which drops $2950 from its sticker price and can now be had for $146,950, making it more attractive to budget-conscious buyers after a luxury performance mid-size SUV, and undercuts the $157,900 BMW X3 M Competition and $175,800 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S.

The Porsche Macan Turbo however, is still a more affordable – and less potent – contender at $145,200.

The unnamed base Stelvio, Sport and Veloce variants are powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, producing 148kW/330Nm for the two former grades, and 206kW/400Nm for the latter.

The top-tier Quadrifoglio meanwhile, is fitted with a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 for a colossal 375kW/600Nm punch.

All 2021 Stelvios engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends drive to all four wheels.

Of note, for the 2021 update, Alfa Romeo has dropped the 154kW/470Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine from its Stelvio line-up.

Standard equipment in the Sport includes 19-inch wheels, electronically adjustable front sports seats swathed in leather, Alfa’s DNA drive-mode selector, and an 8.8-inch multimedia touchscreen with satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.

Safety systems include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, revering camera, front and rear parking sensors, and lane-keep assist.

Moving up to the Sport adds a heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charger and aluminium interior accents, as well as adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.

Stepping up to the Veloce adds 20-inch blacked-out wheels, a powered tailgate, body-coloured wheelarches, blacked-out exterior badging, active suspension and a limited-slip differential.

The Quadrifoglio meanwhile adds racier elements like a bi-modal quad exhaust system, grippier tyres, beefed-up brakes and active torque vectoring.

Inside the flagship Italian SUV, buyers are also treated to a Harman/Kardon sound system, interior ambient lighting, and a leather and Alcantara interior.

2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio pricing before on-road costs

UPDATED: 18/06/21