► Hot Stelvio Quadrifoglio gets a tickle for ’24
► New lights, updated tech and a better diff
► Priced from £87,195
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio probably wasn’t what Alfa Romeo’s forefathers had in mind when the company took its first steps into motorsport over a hundred years ago, but like it or not, this aging performance SUV is still a serious option in an ever-growing market. Fast, pretty and usable enough to still be as practical as the regular model, it’s just been given a facelift to extend its lifespan by another few years.
What’s new for 2024?
The changes are subtle, but then anything more would likely be seen as a waste given Alfa’s upcoming switch to a full electric model range over the next few years. At the front, the Stelvio comes with new headlights with adaptive full-LED capability as standard and an update DRL graphic, while 20-inch 5-hole wheels also feature.
On the inside, the Stelvio gets a new telescopic design 12.3-inch digital instrument display with an exclusive race graphics configuration for the Quadrifoglio. Aesthetics aside, a mechanical limited-slip differential derived from the Giulia GTA replaces the old electronic locking diff on the back axle.
Have the chassis tweaks made a difference?
It has, but to feel the full effect of it you’re better off with the Stelvio’s sister car, the Giulia saloon. In this all-wheel drive SUV, traction is – and never was – an issue, yet there’s a touch more predictability to the car’s entry and exit from a tight corner. Rotation on the way in is more considered, while powering down hard on the way out can still deliver small, controlled slides.
Alfa’s also tweaked the suspension setup in line with the new differential and the Stelvio QV feels flatter in corners as a result, but not by much. These are minor changes and while this performance SUV is still heading into battle with much the same ammunition as it had from launch in 2017, there’s still a lot to like about the way it drives.
Ride comfort and refinement is well judged, with a firmness that’s still more liveable than what you’d find in a BMW X3 M, but it’s the relative poise and resistance to roll that impresses the most. Despite respectable pliancy, the Stelvio QV always feels taughter and lighter than its 1,800kg kerb weight would suggest, with quick steering and a keen front end showing off the natural talent within the chassis.
It’s just a shame that the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s brake pedal isn’t as consistent or feelsome as the body control. Often grabby and hard to modulate, it risks spoiling an otherwise intuitive drive and takes away some of the overall finesse.
What’s the engine and gearbox like?
Still using a 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio produces 514bhp and 443lb ft of torque, and while it doesn’t feel quite as quick as its Giulia sibling with the same engine, the straight-line speed is still hugely impressive.
0-62mph takes around four seconds and the eight-speed auto’ box plays its part – as do the wonderful metal gearshift paddles it’s attached to. Changes are quick and crisp while full-auto mode is still pleasingly predictable and smooth. Launch control is notable by its absence, making it trickier than you’d think to match Alfa’s figures from a standstill.
Happily, the sound of the V6 doesn’t feel overly augmented or fake. It’s not stupidly loud – even with the optional Akrapovic exhausts – yet there’s a subtle build up and rumble to its vocals that’s far more appealing than the four-pot AMG GLC 63. Power builds steadily and while traditionalists may like to see it peak higher than 6,500rpm, the delivery is spot on.
And the interior?
There’s plenty of nice design elements on show, from the tactile metal paddle shifters to the swathes of coarse-weave carbon and classy looking instrument binnacle, yet there’s no denying that the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s cabin is starting to look dated. The new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is a welcome addition, however the infotainment system now falls well behind offerings from rivals such as BMW and Audi. The graphics look dated, screen tiny and the responses are sluggish.
That said, it’s still a nice place to sit with comfortable seats and an excellent driving position. We also approve of having a proper gearlever and climate control dials that are easy to use even with gloves on. Small pleasures, but ones that are absent in almost all other luxury cars on sale today.
Is it practical?
Despite its sleek looks, the Stevlio Quadrifoglio is a practical SUV with a large 525-litre boot. Granted, some rivals do have slightly more space, but the unobstructed load bay, lack of a loading lip and electronic tailgate as standard make up for it. Inside the cabin, there’s space for five adults at a push, although both the GLC and X3 have more head and legroom. it’s also worth noting that the rear windows are a touch small and it can feel quite dark in the rear as a result.
Verdict
The 2023 facelift brings small but noticeable improvements to the dated but still desirable Stelvio Quadrifoglio. For those that want a dazzling display in tech and luxury there’s far more suitable rivals out there, yet even several years on from launch Alfa’s hot SUV still delivers a drive up there with the best of them.