In news that will surprise absolutely no one, we’ve learnt that Alfa Romeo’s plans for a flagship sedan to rival the BMW 5-Series have been delayed.
Automotive News reports that the Italian automaker has pushed back the launch of the new sedan until around 2021, about three years later than when it was initially expected to hit the market.
The car, which could be dubbed the Alfetta, would have formed a crucial part of the brand’s current expansion plans. However, it’s delay isn’t at all shocking given Alfa’s and FCA chief Sergio Marchionne’s history of overpromising and underdelivering.
Unless plans change, it is thought that the sedan will share its RWB platform with the Giulia and Stelvio and likely receive the same family of engines, including the range-topping 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 used in Quadrifoglio guise. Additionally, it is likely that the Alfetta will be one of the first, if not the very first, Alfa Romeo to use an all-new hybrid powertrain.
Beyond rivalling the 5-Series, Alfa’s flagship sedan would need to compete with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Volvo S90, three seriously impressive cars.
Renderings courtesy of MalteseDesign, via Trazioneposteriore
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