Alfa Romeo is backing away from an all-electric-only plan for the next Giulia and Stelvio, and that gives the brand more room to play the market instead of forcing every buyer into the same powertrain. The future lineup is now expected to include hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric versions.
For a premium brand like Alfa Romeo, that is less about ideology than practicality. Demand is not moving at the same pace in every market, and buyers are still making decisions based on real-world use, not just the direction of the industry.
A wider powertrain strategy gives Alfa more breathing room
Santo Ficili, Alfa Romeo’s CEO, spelled out the approach in an interview with Autocar. The brand wants to offer customers different powertrain choices, including BEV, ICE, and PHEV, rather than locking Giulia and Stelvio into a single formula.
That is a more flexible answer to a market that is still uneven across countries and buyer groups. Alfa’s challenge is straightforward: keep the cars desirable without making them too dependent on one tech path that may not fit every region.
STLA Large gives Alfa room to mix gas, plug-in, and EV tech
The next Giulia and Stelvio will ride on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform. It was originally designed with EVs in mind, but it can also support hybrid and plug-in hybrid layouts, which is what makes this broader strategy possible.
The catch is time. Reengineering the cars pushed the program back from its original timeline, and that matters in a premium segment where BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC already have established positions.
Bigger proportions could change how the cars fit the market
Both models are also expected to grow. Today, Giulia sits in the premium midsize sedan space, while Stelvio competes among midsize SUVs. A larger footprint would change not just the look, but also the way each model is positioned against its rivals.
That could help with interior space, cargo room, and road presence. It also raises the bar on what Alfa has to preserve: the quick steering, sharp chassis tuning, and agile feel that have always been part of the brand’s appeal.
Turbo engines, mild hybrids, and plug-ins are all on the table
Based on what is known so far, entry versions are expected to use four-cylinder turbo engines with mild-hybrid assistance. Plug-in hybrid versions could pair a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor on the rear axle, a setup already being discussed within the STLA family.
That gives buyers more than one path, and it gives Alfa more cover if electrification continues at different speeds in different markets. The brand is trying to stay relevant for drivers who want a more practical daily setup without giving up the appeal of a combustion engine.
Quadrifoglio performance models are still part of the plan
Performance fans do not appear to be getting left behind. Quadrifoglio versions are still expected to survive the transition, and they are also expected to incorporate electrified and plug-in hybrid systems.
The figures mentioned go beyond 670 hp, or about 493 kW. There are even rumors of versions close to 1,000 hp, but that remains speculation for now. The key point is that Alfa still wants a flagship performance halo, even as electrification becomes more central.
What this means for buyers
For Alfa Romeo fans, the takeaway is simple: Giulia and Stelvio are not headed toward a one-size-fits-all EV future. Buyers who want electrified powertrains should have options, and drivers who still prefer combustion power should not be shut out right away.
The biggest questions are price, final size, and how the new cars are ultimately positioned against German rivals. If Alfa can keep the driving dynamics and style that define the brand while staying competitive, the next Giulia and Stelvio could land with a broader audience. Current timing points to a 2027 arrival as 2028 model-year vehicles.
- Alfa Romeo is no longer treating a full-EV future as the only path for Giulia and Stelvio.
- The next lineup is expected to include hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric versions.
- STLA Large makes that flexibility possible, but it also delayed the project.
- Both models are expected to grow and move higher in the premium market.
- Quadrifoglio versions remain in the plan, with performance still a priority.
- Launch timing is currently expected around 2027 for the 2028 model year.
