The End of an Era for One of the Best Performance SUVs
One of the best performance SUVs will soon be gone, and it will be missed by enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio has provided an exhilarating driving experience that many are reluctant to let go of.
Ignoring the flashing amber warning light on the gauge cluster and drowning out safety bings with the stereo, I pushed the Stelvio Quadrifoglio to its limits on a twisty two-lane backroad. Eventually, I pulled over, restarted the car, and the warnings disappeared. This willingness to risk life or limb for one more good stretch of pavement encapsulates the Alfa Romeo experience.
Quick Specs of the 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
- Engine: Turbocharged 2.9-Liter V-6
- Output: 505 Horsepower / 443 Pound-Feet
- 0-60 MPH: 3.6 Seconds
- Weight: 4,313 Pounds
- Price / As Tested: $88,965 / $94,910
Alfa’s Quadrifoglio line faces a sad fate of being discontinued or possibly electrified. It’s a significant loss for performance enthusiasts who cherish this iconic name. Priced at $88,965 for the 2024 model, and $94,910 with a few options, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio stands out as the best performance SUV south of six figures.
A Masterpiece of Engineering
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is the brainchild of Sergio Marchionne, the CEO behind some of Fiat-Chrysler’s most iconic cars. Engineers from Maranello were tasked to build a twin-turbocharged, 2.9-liter V-6, resulting in a powerhouse delivering 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. It rockets to 60 miles per hour in just 3.6 seconds, competing closely with the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 and the Jaguar F-Pace SVR.
The difference lies in the application of power. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio delivers power brutally, emotionally, and effortlessly. It races to a top speed of 177 miles per hour, with a Ferrari-adjacent soundtrack from its quad exhaust tips. The eight-speed automatic transmission clunks into gear with purpose, providing a thrilling driving experience.
Handling and Performance
For its swan song, Alfa Romeo replaced the electric torque vectoring with a mechanical limited-slip differential, enhancing its handling. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio attacks turns with the precision of a tall hot hatchback. The steering feel is impeccable—quick, accurate, and highly communicative. The suspension is predictable, with minimal body roll, making it perfect for tackling curvy roads.
Everyday Driving
Living with the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is less fun. Despite a softer suspension and adaptive dampers, the ride remains stiff. The optional 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires, while great for engagement, offer no comfort. At highway speeds, the vehicle is loud, with significant wind and tire noise.
The transmission is clunky at low speeds, and the high-performance brakes are difficult to modulate, causing discomfort in everyday scenarios. However, the interior is luxurious, with materials like stitched leather and Alcantara. The 8.8-inch touchscreen is a notable improvement, and the bucket seats provide excellent support.
Practicality
As an SUV, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio falls short in practicality. The back seat is tight, and the cargo space is limited to 18.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 56.5 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Fuel economy is also a downside, with just 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway.
Conclusion
For those seeking performance, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio remains unmatched in its segment. The Ferrari-derived V-6 and sports car-like suspension prioritize performance over practicality. While it may not excel in cargo space or fuel economy, its exhilarating driving experience is well worth the trade-offs.
Final Specification
- Engine: Turbocharged 2.9-Liter V-6
- Output: 505 Horsepower / 443 Pound-Feet
- Transmission: Eight-Speed Automatic
- Drive Type: All-Wheel Drive
- 0-60 MPH: 3.6 Seconds
- Maximum Speed: 177 Miles Per Hour
- Weight: 4,313 Pounds
- Efficiency: 17 City / 23 Highway / 19 Combined
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Volume: 18.5 / 56.5 Cubic Feet
- Base Price: $88,965
- As-Tested Price: $94,910
- On Sale: Now
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a farewell to one of the best performance SUVs, leaving a lasting legacy of power, speed, and emotion.
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