Alfa Romeo Going After The BMW X5, Mercedes GLE With Large 7-Seater SUV

The introduction of the Stelvio has apparently opened Alfa Romeo’s appetite for yet another SUV, which will sit at the top of the range.

Rumored to be unveiled around 2020 – though, as with any FCA related future product, better take that date with a grain of salt, the brand’s flagship SUV is said to challenge the likes of the Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Audi Q7. It will likely be offered with a 7-seat layout in order to make it more competitive, says AutoExpress, quoting unnamed insiders with knowledge on the matter.

The Italians are looking to keep things simple, so the as-of-yet-unnamed SUV will use the same platform as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, albeit with a longer wheelbase and a larger body, which will make it some 200kg (441lbs) heavier than its smaller sibling. The weight penalty includes the addition of a 48-volt mild hybrid system, coupled to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

“I’m quite happy about the result we have obtained coupling a four-cylinder with the 48-volt e-turbo. I think next time we can also use it in production”, said the brand’s Chief Technical Officer Roberto Fedeli. “With a 2.0-liter turbo engine, you can achieve around 350 to 400hp. We are driving on a simulator a car like that, we are working on it, and the result is not so bad.”

Subsequently to the introduction of the large SUV, the FCA-owned brand is also planning the launch of a new compact hatchback, which will serve as a replacement for the aging Giulietta.

Further down the road, a possible successor of the 4C is also being weighed in by execs, and let’s not forget that their road map includes an executive saloon to take on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series, alongside another SUV, likely smaller than the Stelvio.

Alfa Romeo also has two “specialty” cars as well, which could debut before the turn of the decade, although nothing is known about them so far.

Note: Alfa Romeo Stelvio pictured