TURIN, ITALY – Alfa Romeo, the renowned Italian car manufacturer, has been strategically expanding its mid-size crossover portfolio since it launched the Stelvio in 2016, its first high-riding vehicle. The Stelvio put forward a credible challenge to popular models like the Porsche Macan, BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, and Audi Q5. Alfa Romeo then introduced another model, the Tonale, also known as the Dodge Hornet in the United States.
While the landscape of automobile designs is rapidly changing with crossovers becoming more popular than ever, Alfa Romeo is capitalizing on the transition crafting another crossover. Dubbed the Milano, it is named after the Italian city where the automaker was founded in 1910; the small SUV is set to become the indirect successor to the MiTo supermini. It marks the company’s entry into the realm of electric vehicles (EVs).
The Alfa Romeo Milano will utilize the CMP/eCMP platform, offering compatibility with internal combustion units, mild-hybrid, and electric powertrains. Particular focus is on the confirmed pure electric power feature, which is expected to be a performance highlight of the series. Rumors suggest the development of dual-motor variants with electric all-wheel drive for top specifications, while lower variants would feature single-motor assemblies powering front wheels.
Fueling its status as an environmentally-friendly vehicle, at least one variant of the Milano is expected to offer a 239-mile range, aligning it with the Jeep Avenger’s WLTP autonomy. The Milano’s electric lineup would be perfectly complemented with a gasoline unit, facilitated by a 1.2-liter turbo with mild-hybrid assistance. However, Alfa Romeo’s commitment to become an electric vehicle-only brand by 2027 suggests it would be prudent not to anticipate additional fuel-consuming powertrains in the Milano’s lineup.
Despite the launch date being three years away, Alfa Romeo’s venture into EVs with the Milano garners significant attention. The company has confirmed that the official unveiling is set for April 2024, and the European market can expect to see the first units by September. Subsequent to the EV variants, the mild-hybrid model is anticipated to join the lineup towards the end of 2024.
Speculation is rife regarding a U.S. release. However, the U.S. market acceptance of both the Tonale and Stelvio suggests that the Milano, too, might join their ranks in the American showrooms possibly by 2025.
Joe Mcdermott is a journalist, reporter and writer for Auto Buyers Market as well as other independent news and media organizations in the United States. Joe works on a wide variety of topics and fields, has been featured in print and online in a variety of publications, from local to national, and helps keep a keen-eye on what’s happening in the automotive world for Auto Buyers Market.