Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2018 spec confirmed

Alfa Romeo Australia has handed down details on its three-tier Stelvio range, with the mid-size SUV to initially offer two engine options when it launches in the first quarter of next year, while the bahn-storming Quadrifoglio (QV) flagship will arrive at a later date.

Also found in the platform-sharing Giulia sedan, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit develops 149kW of power and 330Nm of torque under the Stelvio's bonnet.

This powerplant propels the SUV from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds while on the way to a terminal velocity of 215km/h.

Alternatively, a new-generation 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-pot make its debut in an Alfa Romeo model for the first time, with outputs of 154kW/470Nm resulting in a 6.6s triple-digit run and 215km/h top speed.

The oil-burner is an all-aluminium design featuring 'MultiJet II' fuel injection and an electrically operated variable geometry turbocharger with a segment-first speed sensor.

However, the range-topping QV will command attention with its 375kW/600Nm 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, which helps the Stelvio dart from standstill to 100km/h in a scant 3.9s and achieve a top speed of 275km/h.

Each local powerplant exclusively sends power to the ground via the Italian carmaker's rear-biased 'Q4' all-wheel drive system, which is paired to an eight-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission.

Thanks to best-in-class power-to-weight ratios and perfect 50/50 weight distribution, Alfa Romeo claims its newest model ''is the lightest, most dynamic mid-size SUV in the segment.''

All Stelvio variants will come loaded with safety and driver assistance technologies, such as autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, reversing camera, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert.

Two streamlined option packages will be on offer for the two four-potters, with the 'Super Lusso Package' focusing on luxury, while the 'Veloce Package' embodies sporting intent.

Specifically, the 'Super Lusso Package' includes 'Pieno Fiore' luxury leather front seats, a heated luxury steering wheel and 'walnut wax' interior trim.

Alternatively, the 'Veloce Package' features leather sports seats, sport steering wheel, red brake calipers and aluminium interior trim – including sports pedals.

When it arrives in early 2018, the Stelvio will go toe-to-toe with the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, Jaguar F-Pace and Range Rover Velar among others in the mid-size premium SUV segment.

Significantly, the Stelvio QV will be the sole direct competitor for the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S, which has a $164,900 before on-road costs asking price for its 375kW/700Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and 3.8s triple-figure sprint time. However, a BMW X3 M is said to be also waiting in the wings.

The Stelvio will become the fourth model in Alfa Romeo's local line-up, which currently consists of the Giulietta small hatch, Giulia mid-size sedan and 4C sportscar.

Australian pricing and full specification details will be released closer to the Stelvio's launch date.

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