Stellantis launches electric Alfa Romeo

Stellantis presented this Tuesday (8) the sport utility vehicle (SUV) Alfa Romeo Tonale, with the aim of expanding the group’s presence in the premium market and adding electrified and internet-connected vehicles to its portfolio.

The new model, named after an alpine pass in northern Italy, will compete in a segment populated by some of Europe’s most popular premium cars, such as the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA and Volkswagen’s Audi Q3.

Tonale includes Amazon’s built-in voice assistant Alexa features.

Owners will be able to choose their car as a parcel delivery location, allowing couriers to securely unlock the vehicle’s doors to leave a package inside.

“This marks a step in the direction of our group becoming a technology company,” brand boss Jean-Philippe Imparato said during the presentation.

The Tonale, to be assembled at the Italian factory in Pomigliano, is Alfa Romeo’s first electrified vehicle and is initially offered with a hybrid as well as a diesel engine.

A plug-in hybrid version, with a range of up to 80 kilometers in all-electric mode, will arrive later this year.

Some analysts say the Alfa Romeo brand could be part of Stellantis’ strategy in China, the world’s biggest auto market, where the group has lagged most competitors.

Imparato has promised a new Alfa Romeo launch every year until 2026, starting with the Tonale this year. This should include a smaller sized SUV, which is expected to be made in Poland.

From 2027, all new Alfa Romeo vehicles will be fully electric, he said.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is based on old Fiat Chrysler architecture, while the first Stellantis models built on a new shared platform are expected from next year.