- Jean-Philippe Imparato, Alfa Romeo CEO prefers a larger SUV for their next model launch in 2027
- The design of the new model is already done but the final decision will depend on market trends
- The yet-unnamed SUV is described as “striking” and will most likely ride on the STLA Large platform
Alfa Romeo boss, Jean-Philippe Imparato, hinted that their next new model could be a flagship SUV, slotting above the Stelvio. The yet-unnamed model could arrive in 2027, aiming to compete against the likes of the Porsche Cayenne, BMW iX, and Mercedes EQE SUV.
Following up on his earlier comments from last year, Imparato revealed that the final decision for Alfa Romeo’s fifth model line will be taken before the end of 2024. Still, the CEO admitted he would prefer a larger SUV over the alternative option of a compact hatchback reviving the spirit of the discontinued Giulietta.
More: Alfa Romeo Ditches Side-Mounted License Plates, Embraces Closed Grille
Imparato said: “The question is do we go up in size? And for me the answer is yes: we have to go up. We have everything – the platform, the engines, the software. We can push the limit to the max and I have some design sketches that are very good….If I’m premium and I’m not in the E-segment, then what do I do?”
As reported by Autocar, the approval for a larger SUV depends on the progress of electrification in North America, the potential of the Asian market, and the sales volume of rival offerings in Europe. Such a model would be classified as large (E-Segment) in Europe and as a premium midsize offering in North America.
Alfa Romeo Junior
The new model will most likely ride on the STLA Large architecture from Stellantis‘ parts bin. This could provide the base for a high-performance rapid-charging electric SUV. At the same time, the Alfa Romeo styling and chassis setup could help it stand out among a crowded segment where Stellantis is currently present only through the Jeep and Maserati brands.
Imparato took a step further saying that the model for 2027 is already “done”, describing the exterior design as “striking”. What we know for sure based on earlier comments by design chief Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, is that all new Alfas will feature centrally-mounted front license plates and adopt a new style for the iconic Scudetto grille. The latter will be largely blocked, featuring 3D graphics similar to the fully electric Junior.
What about the rest of the lineup?
The Alfa Romeo lineup currently includes three SUV models in the form of the Junior, Tonale, and Stelvio – alongside the Giulia sedan. The Stelvio and Giulia duo will be replaced in 2025 and 2026 respectively, dropping the highly-acclaimed Giorgio architecture for the electrified STLA underpinnings. Furthermore, the Italian brand will launch more limited-production specials like the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale supercar which is based on the Maserati MC20.
Imparato added that when each of the brand’s current models nears the end of its lifecycle, they will “either renew or change the concept, depending on the evolution of the market or the global evolution of Stellantis.” The Alfa Romeo boss added that the company’s plans for 2028 or 2029 will also depend on what the “future of SUVs in terms of business potential” will be.
The CEO still wants to bring back models from their illustrious past like the GTV sportscar or the Duetto roadster, but their return is highly dependent on future trends. On the other hand, based on his comments, a sexy wagon is off the menu due to limited sales potential: “You could decide to do a station wagon with the Giulia. Tomorrow morning, we could do that, but what is the market? It would be super-cool, an Alfa shooting brake, but what is the volume?”
Note: The renderings in this story are not related to nor endorsed by Alfa Romeo
