Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio engines & performance

Alfa Romeo stole some limelight for the Giulia Quadrifoglio in 2016 by claiming sub-4.0sec 0-62mph potential for it. When we road tested it in 2017, it proved to be a 4.5sec real-world prospect with no formal launch control function.

Come 2019 we didn’t expect a closely related performance SUV with the same engine and carrying an extra 231kg (as weighed) to improve on that. How wrong we were.

I was amazed at how harshly the governing electronics let you treat its driveline during standing starts. No safeties here, it seems: this is a 4WD car with an unintended burnout mode.

Matt Saunders

Road test editor

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio doesn’t have a formal launch control, either – but even on a damp and chilly day at the test track, it didn’t much need one. Engaging Race mode on the Alfa DNA Pro drive mode selector switches out the traction control. Using manual mode on the gearbox prevents the car from shifting up preemptively when off and running. And building a full accelerator pedal’s worth of torque against a flattened brake pedal for just long enough that engine speed rises above 2000rpm forces just enough strain through the driveline to set the car rocketing away when you sidestep the brake. With a bit of initial wheelspin at the rear axle only, lift-off is achieved.

With well-timed paddle shifts, the hot Stelvio can crack 60mph in less than four seconds. Our fastest one way timed run, with two occupants on board, was a 3.9sec. 

It has a cracking engine in a genuinely fast performance car. It sounds soulful, tuneful and savage as only a big-hitting V6 can – especially if you specify the optional Akrapovic exhaust system.