Alfa Romeo bosses have confirmed a large SUV will join the mid-size Stelvio, complete with seven seats and a hybrid powertrain.
The new BMW X5 and Audi Q7 rival will be built on the same platform as the Stelvio, according to a report in Auto Express.
“The Stelvio for sure is an example of Alfa DNA, why don’t we translate that in a car which is a little big bigger?” Roberto Fedeli, Alfa Romeo chief technical officer, told the British magazine.
“We have to marry the new car with the right level of electrification. Plug-in hybrid could be a problem for the Alfa DNA point of view, but for instance a 48-volt mild hybrid solution is something that we can do without losing anything.”
Above: The mid-size Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Although it’s likely to be heavier than the Stelvio – a longer wheelbase and bigger body will do that – but the extra power from an electrically-augmented turbocharger is likely to help offset the extra bulk.
“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,” Fedeli said.
“With a 2.0-litre turbo engine you can achieve around 350 to 400bhp (261 to 298kW). We are driving on a simulator a car like that, we are working on it, and the result is not so bad.”
The bigger Alfa SUV is likely to arrive in 2019, with a seven-seat option to rival the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90.
MORE: Alfa Romeo news, reviews, comparisons and videos