- Alfa Romeo’s new CEO confirms the next-gen Giulia will adopt a completely new bodystyle.
- The sedan will morph into a crossover, sharing its STLA Large platform with the next Stelvio.
- The Giulia will feature advanced infotainment, AI integration, and a more sophisticated ADAS suite.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is set for a major transformation, shifting from its classic sedan form to an all-new crossover design. Sharing its platform with the new Stelvio SUV that’s expected later this year, the next-generation Giulia will feature a more advanced interior, AI-powered tech, and upgraded driver-assistance systems. With the designs for both models now finalized, Alfa Romeo’s CEO has confirmed the Giulia’s new direction.
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Santo Ficili, Alfa Romeo’s new CEO (also overseeing Maserati), spilled the beans in an interview with French outlet L’Argus. Ficili confirmed that the Giulia will embrace “a new design and a new type of bodywork.” While he kept the details vague, he said that the next Giulia will continue to share its platform with the Stelvio, leaving the rest to our imaginations. “So you can imagine what kind of vehicle we will offer,” Ficili added, subtly pointing toward a more elevated and SUV-like stance for the future Giulia.
Fastback Crossover Vibes
Don’t expect a traditional crossover, though. Instead, imagine the sleeker fastback designs we’ve recently seen from other Stellantis brands in Europe. Yes, it’s a bit confusing—welcome to the ever-expanding multiverse of crossovers and SUVs we live in.
According to sources, the Giulia will follow suit with a streamlined silhouette reminiscent of the DS No8, Peugeot 408, Citroen C5 X, and the upcoming Lancia Gamma. Essentially, Alfa Romeo isn’t abandoning its signature style, but it is swapping its sharp-edged sedan roots for something more aligned with today’s crossover-loving crowd.
Meanwhile, Alfa’s design evolution will keep moving forward. Design boss Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos previously revealed that all future models will forgo the quirky, off-center license plate placement, courtesy of modern pedestrian safety regulations.
Additionally, the Giulia and Stelvio will sport an updated version of the iconic scudetto grille, which now doubles as an EV-friendly canvas for showcasing the Alfa Romeo emblem’s graphics, as seen on the Junior. The automaker has previously teased the taillight signature of the Stelvio, which echoes the triangular shape of the scudetto, tying the front and rear aesthetics together.
Both the Stelvio and Giulia are set to embrace more cutting-edge interiors, featuring an advanced AI-infused infotainment system and a more refined ADAS suite to boost their autonomous driving capabilities.
STLA Large Underpinnings, EV And Hybrid Options
Unlike the DS No8 and Lancia Gamma crossover fastbacks, which are built on the STLA Medium platform, the new Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio will upgrade to the larger STLA Large architecture, also used in the latest Dodge Charger. However, Alfa Romeo’s CEO has assured that the Italian models will feature a unique setup, noting that the brand’s engineers have “changed things” to distinguish them from the American muscle car.
The 2026 Alfa Romeo Stelvio will be the first European model to utilize the STLA Large platform. Discussing the powertrain lineup for the upcoming SUV, CEO Santo Ficili stated, “To date, the new Stelvio is only planned to be 100% electric. But we are also working on hybrid versions.” While Ficili didn’t provide details about the Giulia, it’s reasonable to expect that the crossover will follow suit with both EV and hybrid options.
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This multi-energy strategy aligns with recent news that Alfa Romeo has abandoned its plans to transition into an EV-only automaker. The decision follows a similar shift by other Stellantis brands, including Lancia, signaling a broader move toward flexibility in powertrain offerings.
The Cassino plant in Italy will continue to serve as the production hub for both the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. The first units of the Stelvio SUV are expected to roll off the assembly line in July 2025, following its rumored spring debut and ahead of its market launch later that year. Meanwhile, the Giulia crossover is likely to make its debut sometime in 2026.
