Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio – There are a few other hot rod compact crossovers out there, but none are as exciting as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio 2021.
Fortunately, this beautiful Italian car is a pleasure to drive because of its curvy body, which has earned it an Editor’s Choice Award.
Alfa Romeo delivers the most exciting Stilfser Joch (the rest of the line-up will be discussed separately) with a 505 hp twin-turbo V-6 that slides from a standstill and sings in WOT (read: gas wide open).
It’s worth noting that Alfa is known for its reliability issues. However, the eye-catching six-cylinder sends the power to all wheels via a discreet, switchable eight-speed automatic with protruding pillar-mounted shift paddles.
What’s new for 2021?
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio starts the 2021 model year with fresh exterior colors and new wheel size options. The first four colors are included: Ocra GT Jr., Rosso GTA, Rosso Villa D’Este and Verde Montreal. The latter is a set of new optional 21-inch aluminum rims in the Alpha five-hole design, available in dark or silver.
The 505 hp Stelvio Quadrifoglio is more expensive than the 503 hp version of the BMW X3 M and the 503 hp Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S Coupé. The extra coins, however, reward the buyer with the most beautiful SUV in its class and the exclusivity made by Alfa Italia. The version we chose would have overlooked the optional Sparco racing seat due to its limited quality and lack of heating elements.
However, we’re going to add a carbon package that adorns the wing mirrors, V-shaped grille, and carbon fiber steering wheel and includes a leather-covered gear knob. We also opted for the Premium and Active Assist 2 packages, which together include a 115-volt socket, heated rear seats, wireless charging, and numerous driver assistance systems (adaptive cruise control, auto highlight, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, etc. ).
Engine, transmission and power
The only engine is a hypnotic 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. It is paired exclusively with a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission that transfers the power to all four wheels.
A version we tested shot from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs we have ever tested. The most impressive feature of this hot crossover – along with its stunning bodywork – is its sleek chassis that can drive and turn.
With a standard set of adaptive dampers, you can choose the firmness of the ride, but only the bumpiest roads will degrade ride quality. Otherwise, the Stelvio QF curve rewards the driver with an incredibly easy and communicative steering response.
The sticky performance tires and heavy brakes of our test vehicle helped get the QF from 70 mph to zero within 157 feet, an achievement that a sports car deserves.
Interior and comfort
The interior of the Stelvio QF has some quality flaws, but its leather-covered finishes and contrast stitching are much better than the materials of the regular Stelvio.
The supporting QF front seats, the almost perfect driving position, and the large column-mounted paddle shifters ensure that the driver never feels too far away from the race track. It also has many of the standard features requested, such as electrically adjustable 14-way front seats, ambient interior lighting, heated steering wheel and front seat cushions, and more.
The Stelvio has comfortable rear seats, but the headroom and storage space inside is mediocre. However, we managed to accommodate eight pieces of hand luggage behind the back row and another 11 bags with the seats folded down.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio for the Infotainment and connectivity
Each Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio has an 8.8-inch touchscreen, which is also operated via a practical rotary control on the center console. This includes the standard integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; WLAN hotspot and charging station for cordless telephones are optional.
The infotainment system offers razor-sharp graphics, intuitive menus, and a customizable layout. Unfortunately, some symbols and information are difficult to see and some navigation instructions are delayed. Audiophiles will appreciate the standard Harman/Kardon audio system with 12 speakers and 900 watts from Stelvio.
See also:
- 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- Alfa Romeo Giulia Accessories
- BMW M3 vs Alfa Romeo Giulia
- 2021 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
- 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Full Specs
| VEHICLE TYPE | front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon |
| PRICE AS TESTED | $94,095 (base price: $82,095) |
| ENGINE TYPE | twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port, and direct fuel injection |
| Displacement | 176 in3, 2891 cm3 |
| Power | 505 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 443 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 8-speed automatic |
| CHASSIS | Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilink Brakes (F/R): 15.4-invented, cross-drilled ceramic disc/14.2-invented, cross-drilled ceramic disc Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4, F: 255/45R-20 101Y AR R: 285/40R-20 104Y AR |
| DIMENSIONS | Wheelbase: 110.9 in Length: 185.1 in Width: 77.0 in Height: 66.3 in Passenger volume: 89 ft3 Cargo volume: 19 ft3 Curb weight: 4309 lb |
| C/D TEST RESULTS | Rollout, 1 ft: 0.2 sec 60 mph: 3.3 sec 100 mph: 8.5 sec 130 mph: 15.8 sec 150 mph: 23.9 sec Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.3 sec Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec ¼-mile: 11.8 sec @ 116 mph Top speed (mfr’s claim): 176 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 152 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 305 ft Road holding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.94 g |
| C/D FUEL ECONOMY | Observed: 13 mpg 75-mph highway driving: 21 mpg Highway range: 350 miles |
| EPA FUEL ECONOMY | Combined/city/highway: 19/17/23 mpg |
