Alfa Romeo has finally lifted the veil on one of its most anticipated projects. After years of rumors, leaks, and speculation, the Italian brand’s upcoming C-SUV is officially making headlines with a first teaser shared by CEO Santo Ficili. It’s just a single image of the body, to be sure, but it’s accompanied by several details that already offer a better understanding of this future strategic model.
The A4U project is finally official
During a roundtable discussion on the automotive industry organized by the Italian Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Santo Ficili confirmed that Alfa Romeo’s upcoming C-SUV, announced at Stellantis’ 2026 Investor Day, will be unveiled in the fourth quarter of 2027.
For Italpassion readers, this model comes as no surprise. It’s the famous A4U project, which we’ve been discussing for several years. Now officially confirmed, it will be based on the STLA Medium platform, already used by the Peugeot 3008, Jeep Compass, Lancia Gamma, and the upcoming DS No. 7.
The executive also emphasized two important points: the SUV was designed by the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile in Turin and will be produced at the Melfi plant in Italy, where several other Stellantis Group models are also assembled.
A coupe-style SUV for the mainstream market
In his message, Santo Ficili states that this new model will compete in «the heart of the market» with a range of multi-energy powertrains. This phrasing most likely refers to a lineup that is already known.
As for the powertrain, we can reasonably expect the same engine options already available on other STLA Medium models, with power outputs of 213 ch, 230 ch, and up to 335 ch in all-wheel-drive configurations. For the hybrid versions, the new 1.6-liter HEV hybrid engine appears to be the most likely candidate.
With an estimated length of less than 4.7 meters, this SUV will be positioned between the Tonale (4.52 m) and the Stelvio (4.68 m). In reality, the difference between the two will be minimal: the current Stelvio measures 4.68 m, while the new DS No. 7 is already 4.66 m long. This new model could therefore gradually replace the two current SUVs in the lineup, the Tonale and the Stelvio, even though Alfa Romeo will likely continue to market it as a C-SUV.
A design that promises to stand out
The teaser released by Alfa Romeo shows only part of the rear wing and a taillight, but it already confirms a highly sculpted silhouette. Most importantly, several people who have already seen a preview of the vehicle describe it as a true SUV coupe with its own distinct identity. According to their initial feedback, it does not resemble the proportions or styling of the Peugeot, DS, or Lancia models—even though it shares the same platform. This is a key point for Alfa Romeo, whose design remains one of its main selling points against the premium competition.
As for pricing, it is still too early to discuss official prices. However, based on the upcoming DS No. 7, which is priced between €44,000 and €78,000, this upcoming Alfa Romeo SUV is expected to fall within a comparable price range.
A wait that still seems long
However, the announcement that the unveiling will not take place until the fourth quarter of 2027—more than a year from now—may leave some enthusiasts wanting more. A unveiling at the 2027 Paris Motor Show now appears to be a credible possibility.
In the meantime, Alfa Romeo will have to keep its current lineup going. The recently restyled Tonale is expected to remain in production for a while longer, while the Junior is also expected to receive an update before the end of the decade.
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I can't wait to find out! 🙂
Everything’s great… except that if it’s still based on the 3008 Grandland platform, that means it’ll still be 400V and have a very heavy chassis. In short, relying solely on style might not be enough, since Alfa’s loyal customer base is small, and it’s hard to win people over without cutting-edge technology…
Teslas run on 400V
The 400V system is well-suited for all charging stations and cables, unlike the 800V system, which is very rare and intended for the very high-end market—which Alfa is not. And it can’t be used just any old way. The 400V system has proven itself.
Apparently, the current project to »replace» the Guilla and Stelvio has been completely scrapped. Once again, they’ve got us all excited, and then—splash… What do they plan to do with this brand?
Exactly—that’s what I explained in yesterday’s article, and since the new A4U SUV will be about the same size as the Stelvio…
I just hope they weren't canceled for good, and that they'll come up with an idea soon.
Alfa Romeo needs continuity in its model lineup, and the cancellation of the Giulia and Stelvio is terrible news.
On the other hand, I'm happy that the Giulietta is coming back, and I hope its handling will be different from that of other cars based on the STLA platform.
It would be nice to have an Alfa Romeo touch with an engine that stands out from the Lancia Gama, DS 7, or 3008.
Then there's the matter of Stellantis's survival.
It would be nice to have an Alfa Romeo touch with an engine that stands out from the Lancia Gama, DS 7, or 3008.
Then there's the matter of Stellantis's survival.
At least Alfa Romeo still has its design—that’s better than nothing. But it needs specific engines and tuning; otherwise, it’ll be a flop.
If it's a 3008 bis with the same engines, it'll be sickening.
If it’s the «new» 1.6L for a full hybrid, if there are more powerful electric versions (up to about 400ch), and if, of course, the 1.2L stays waaaay under the hood, well, that could work. With specific chassis tuning, of course.
Could it be called the Stelvio 2? If Stellantis were to cancel the future Stelvio, would that be possible? Just to maintain continuity in the lineup...
What do you think?
It could be… The original plan was for a new Tonale that’s bigger than the current one, and a new Stelvio that’s bigger than the current one. If this new Tonale is almost as big as a Stelvio, they could call it a Tonale, a Stelvio, or something else. Come on, I’m dreaming that the D-segment car will be a GTV shared with a Granturismo.
Honestly, that wouldn't do the Stelvio justice. We're talking about an SUV that sets the standard in its segment, with a V6 engine of Ferrari heritage… It would be very pretentious for the new model to be named that…
On the other hand, the Tonale 2—yes, that could work.
But in my opinion, it won't be either one—at least, that would make the most sense if we want to stand out. It will be a new chapter, a new name.
I'd heard about the return of the Brera name a while back…
In my opinion, that would be more plausible, especially with that shapely shoulder…
In my opinion, the name «Tonale» is a bust. The model was/is a failure—they need to scrap the Tonale and give it a different name.
That's funny—it reminds me of the rear window on the Cayenne Coupé.
On the other hand, it looks like nothing else at Stellantoc, and THAT, in itself, is already a good thing. Especially since you can see some fluidity in it—it’s not half bad. If they’ve given themselves the resources (meaning they’ve let the Centro Stile teams take the lead), it could work. Here’s hoping the design differentiation is just as thorough under the bodywork. Stellantoc OWES it to itself to design a truly stylish SUV.
In any case, I like the design I see. I hope they’ll offer a Veloce or even a Quadrifoglio version right from the start. I’m giving this model a chance.
P.S.: To Stellantis. Stop with the «Veloce» package—get rid of that nonsense. Seeing Stelvios and Giulia 160 diesels labeled «Veloce» devalues the real Veloce models.
Aren't you being a little contradictory here? You're hoping to see a Véloce version, yet you're asking Stellantis to discontinue the Véloce package.
Getting back to the article, let's not forget that these four magnificent illustrations are the work of Italpassion. I'm afraid the final version will be much less appealing.
There is no contradiction—quite the contrary; things are crystal clear:
– Yes to a REAL Veloce version, like the Giulia and Stelvio 208, for example. It’s a trim level BUT ALSO a power level, just like the Quadrifoglio versions.
– not to allow the «Veloce» name to be used on 160ch diesel models, for example. Or to distinguish between «Veloce» and “Veloce Line,” for example.
There is no C43 AMG with a 160 diesel engine, no M318d, no S4 TDI 160…
It seems to me that it's really very simple…
We certainly agree
It will be a flop like the Gamma DS8, DS7, and other clones. No engine, no RWD, no mechanical AWD; an electric version based on a 400V architecture, with a peak power output of 160 kW and 350 HP. Weight: 1.8 metric tons for the gasoline version and 2.2 metric tons for the electric version.
To avoid a flop, Stellantis will have to take things a step further…
No, Zafira. The second image is indeed an official one.
Yes, that's right—I saw it on another website.
In any case, I get the impression that Filosa’s strategy is «volume, volume.» It makes more sense now why they’re prioritizing this C-SUV and the Giulietta over the Giulia and Stelvio. But that doesn’t mean the D-segment should be neglected either...
If the Giulia and Stelvio (starting in 2028?) don’t get successor models: what will be left? 4 (?) models: (Junior, the new model—presumably as a «quiet » replacement for the Tonale—plus—perhaps—a «bottega fuori» «model» and the 33 stradale… (both as technology and design »demonstrators» with minuscule production runs and in the «astronomical » price segment for a vanishingly small customer base). Ergo: 2 «bread-and-butter» models for the «mass» market and—alongside or above them—2 «exotic» models. .
The two models mentioned first must therefore generate the—urgently needed—sales volume………effectively making it a two-model brand…..
Alfa Romeo's problem is that it is no longer an independent brand. Although many new ideas are proposed, most of them are rejected by corporate headquarters.
If the published photos are accurate, I’m very much afraid that this new “Tonale“ will spell the end of the current model—which is clunky and high-riding, and therefore not at all sporty or elegant as a true Alfa should be—and, to top it off, it’s equipped with PSA’s 3- and 4-cylinder engines! 😔😔
Alfa's biggest mistake: the takeover by Fiat