Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 on test

In this regard, the Italians have already made a promise: “Improper design”. And if you look at the data sheet, everything seems clear. A four-cylinder combustion engine with 180 hp drives the front wheels. At the back is an electric motor with 122 hp, which is fed by a battery of 12.5 kWh (net) and can move the two-ton Tonale, according to AUTO-BILD measurements, only 53 kilometers on electricity.

Already from Tempo 160 actions and their residence of 1335 cc rather small four-ender overwhelmed. He also brings this tonally – here in minor – clear to hear. And around the bottom? The engine combination turns out not to be particularly sporty with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an incomplete electric. Unequal shift changes and the same type of power distribution between the electric motor and the combustion engine lead to tiresome interruptions in traction, especially when driving with a light foot on the gas pedal, making the exterior of the Tonale look very old. technical.

This also applies to high fuel consumption when the petrol engine has to move without electric support. Ten liters flow easily through the pipe over 100 km. To get the electric motor to work fully again, the petrol engine can take the place of charging in e-Save mode or, in the best case, a fast charger of 7.4 kW. But even there, a full charge of the battery takes two and a half hours.

So 280 hp is ultimately something of a beer mat on a regular table, but nothing to cause a sensation on the street. That’s a shame, because in all other respects the tonal plug-in hybrid Q4 is exactly what it should be. The interior is sporty and modern, like a Formula 1 racing car. There are powerful shift paddles made of aluminum, digital instruments that translate the design of Alfa’s legendary times into the modern era, beautiful materials that feel good in the hands and sports seats with leatherette upholstery that are worthy of their name.

The processing also makes a very good impression, except for very small glitches, which are not worth mentioning here. So it doesn’t bother that the convertible chassis always reacts a little wooden when stressed and the overall space does not live up to what the external dimensions promise.

This is most noticeable in the trunk. Here, the electric motor and battery take up around 115 liters and reduce the volume to 385 liters compared to the combustion engine powered by Tonale.