- Alfa Romeo is offering a Performance Pack in Europe for the non-Quadrifoglio Giulia and Stelvio.
- The sedan and SUV receive a Quadrifoglio-derived electronically controlled suspension system.
- Visual tweaks and an upgraded sound system boost their appeal.
Remember when Alfa Romeo said it would be purely electric by 2027? The EV pledge was made nearly five years ago, before the Italian brand changed its mind last year. That 180-degree turn came amid a slower-than-expected rise in demand for electric vehicles, catching the company off guard since the next-generation Giulia and Stelvio were supposed to be exclusively electric.
In light of this new reality, Alfa Romeo has delayed the new sedan and SUV to modify their underpinnings to support combustion engines. The Stelvio was initially due for its next-gen overhaul this year, with the Giulia to follow shortly after. However, their market launches have been pushed back, meaning the current models will soldier on until the end of 2027.
Rather than letting the existing Giulia and Stelvio linger without updates, Alfa Romeo is refreshing the Giorgio-based models developed during the Sergio Marchionne era. For the European market, the cars now offer a Performance Pack featuring a Quadrifoglio-derived Synaptic Dynamic Control electronic suspension.
Photo by: Alfa Romeo
This upgraded suspension for the non-Quadrifoglio Giulia and Stelvio uses electro-hydraulic valves to adjust the shock absorbers in real time. The system adapts based on the selected drive mode, allowing drivers to choose a stiffer setup for a more engaging drive or a softer calibration for greater comfort.
Beyond the sophisticated suspension, the Performance Pack adds a few other upgrades, although none affect performance. Most changes are noticeable inside, where the cars gain black leather upholstery with contrasting red stitching.
Elsewhere, carbon-fiber trim appears on the dashboard, door panels, and armrests, all accented in red. Alfa Romeo also sweetens the deal with a 900-watt Harman Kardon sound system and a subwoofer for added bass.
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Source: Alfa Romeo
Motor1’s Take: Although the Giulia is now 11 years old and the Stelvio only a year younger, both models remain highly desirable for driving enthusiasts. Yes, they’re among the oldest cars still on sale, but that isn’t necessarily a drawback. The exterior design has aged remarkably well, and the interior harks back to a time when screens didn’t dominate dashboards at the expense of physical buttons and knobs. If only prices had stayed at 2010s levels.
Another advantage of their age is improved reliability. Alfa Romeo has likely ironed out most major issues by now, given that the Giulia has been on sale since 2015 and the Stelvio since 2016. Stellantis isn’t exactly known for bulletproof reliability, nor is Alfa Romeo, but the brand has had plenty of time to address early teething problems.
