Alfa Romeo Milano: entry-level SUV as an electric car and a small hybrid

When the first information about the new entry-level SUV from Alfa Romeo leaked, the main focus was on its name. The model name “Brennero” was rumored for a long time, which is the Italian name for the Brenner Pass. The manufacturer himself inspired this with various tips, some of which turned out to be smokescreens. It wasn’t until mid-December that we found out for sure: Alfa Romeo officially announced that the newcomer is called the Milano. Its name is like the hometown of the brand that was founded in Milan in 1910 as ALFA (“Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili”) and later called Alfa Romeo. This is exactly where it will celebrate its world premiere on Wednesday (April 10, 2024).

Design

The logo of the city of Milan even appears on the Alfa Romeo brand logo. The 4.17 meter long, 1.78 meter wide and 1.50 meter long Milano always carries this in a classic shape on the front tip of the front hood. And by choosing “Progresso” structure (progress) also stylized in a triangular styling element in the middle of the front, known as “Scudetto” (German: badge). Otherwise, in the version “Leggenda” (legend), it gives the writing of the historical stamp at this point. The original radiator grille sits as a horizontal air intake recessed into the front apron. There are more breaks on the sides. Lights with a unique signature sit on it. Four large and three small LED daytime running lights on each side make up the full LED matrix headlights.

The side view is characterized by a window line that rises slightly at the bottom, flared fenders including plastic-wrapped wheel arches and “Milano” lettering on the front fenders. The front doors are opened through the bow handles, the rear doors through the handles hidden in the window triangle on the C-pillar. At the back, the spoiler protects a narrow window, which goes completely into the sharp lip of the spoiler. The three-part headlights installed here are also smartly designed and narrow and are in a black style element, on which the Alfa Romeo logo is again decorated. The back gate has a unique bead. The apron – as part of the roof – is presented in an elegant black color.

Interior and infotainment

Behind the small multifunction steering wheel, which is slightly lowered, there is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster whose outer round shape mimics the usual round instruments. The central infotainment touchscreen, which is slightly tilted towards the driver’s seat, is also 10.25 inches in size and can be customized by arranging individual “widgets” separately using a drag-and-drop technique. The system can be controlled not only with your fingers, but also with voice. The AI ​​program “ChatGPT” and the previous command “Hey Alfa” help with this. Various car functions can be controlled remotely via the “My Alfa Connect” smartphone app and software updates are performed wirelessly “over the air”.

Compact Alfa Romeo Milano can accommodate up to five people. The optional sports seats in the first row are from specialist Sabelt and have the brand logo embroidered on the headrests. Four-leaf clovers (known as “quadrifoglio”) can be seen on the exterior air vents; We know this sign from brand racing cars and sports models. The center console holds the smartphone in an inductive charging slot in the front area. The electric version of the Alfa Romeo Milano offers a luggage compartment of almost 400 liters, with the charging cable taking its place in the front trunk (frunk).

Milano Elettrica – E Edition

Alfa Romeo Milano temporarily relies on the CMP and e-CMP platform (Common Platform), which will not be replaced by the new STLA modular system until 2026. Accordingly, the E version with the nickname “Elettrica” ​​- luckily The first electric Alfa Romeo ever – it has a 54 kilowatt-hour tension battery with lithium-ion cell chemistry, which should ensure a WLTP range of 410 km. Fast charging via direct current from ten percent up to 80 of its capacity should be possible with a maximum of 100 kW and less than 30 minutes. The electric car that drives the front wheels and works under the front hood produces 115 kW (156 hp).

Milano Elettrica Veloce – Elektrische Sportversion

However, the end of the electric performance flag has not yet been reached. At the premiere, Alfa Romeo immediately announced the “Veloce” version of the Milano Elettrica. Contrary to previous rumours, this sports version does not have an additional electric motor on the rear axle and therefore all-wheel drive, but instead reduces its power of 176 kW (240) from the electric motor at the front and transfers it to the ground through the wheels the front. Unfortunately, the Italians have not yet mentioned performance figures for either of the two electric versions.

Milano Ibrida – Hybrid Edition

As the third version of the model, Alfa Romeo is launching the Milano Ibrida with a limited hybrid. Here, the 136 hp 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine works together with an electric motor connected to a two-speed six-speed transmission, which produces 21 kW (29 hp) and enables the small SUV to drive electrically for a while short. periods. The electric machine gets its energy from a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. The hybrid Milano should come with an optional “electric all-wheel drive” towards the end of 2024; Milano Q4 is likely to receive another electric motor on the rear axle.

Is a sports version of the “Quadrifoglio Verde” coming?

It is still unclear whether the Stellantis brand will finally release a real sports version of the “Quadrifoglio Verde” – whether it will be purely electric or with a hybrid car. Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato has so far been vague on this topic. Whether a higher-end model is coming depends mainly on whether potential customers will be willing to pay a higher price for Alfa Romeo Milano’s QV.

Chassis and driving aids

The sports chassis is said to have been developed by the engineering team that was also responsible for modifying the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA/GTAm and 4C sportsters. In the Veloce it is reduced by 25 millimeters and supplemented by reinforced controls on both axles. There is also a sports brake system with four piston monobloc calipers and 380 mm discs on the front axle. Special compound tires mounted on 20-inch rims and a Torsen low-slip differential are intended to improve traction.

“Alfa DNA” driving dynamics control offers “Dynamic”, “Natural” and “High Efficiency” modes in each Milano. The all-wheel drive combination will also receive a special Q4 status. Electronic driving assistance systems are intended to enable the small SUV to achieve Level 2 autonomy and all-round parking sensors and a rear camera make parking easier. In the E version, the navigation has an “EV Routing” function, which calculates routes based on charging stations. There are currently more than 600,000 charging stations reserved across Europe.

Milano Speciale – introductory edition

Alfa Romeo’s third SUV after the Stelvio and Tonale has been coming off the assembly line in Tychy (Poland) since the first quarter of 2024, where the platform of the brothers Fiat 600e and Jeep Avenger is also built. The first models, which will reach dealers in September, belong to the introductory version “Speciale”, which should be available to order soon and can be combined with a 156 hp electric motor and a 136 hp hybrid motor. Exterior features include a Progresso-style Scudetto, matt black body detailing with red accents and 18-inch alloy wheels in the brand’s classic mesh design. Inside there is a leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with massage function and eight-color lighting. An electric gate with signal control and a keyless entry system and an engine start system are installed on board at no additional charge.

Market launch and pricing

Alfa Romeo has yet to announce prices for the special introductory model or the regular variants of the Milano. The fact that the new high-end Alfa will not be a bargain has perhaps been clear since the statement made by brand boss Imparato when the name was announced: “When I touch and feel the car, it must be the first, but at the same time more accessible to us customers.” The Milano will be the cheapest Alfa Romeo, but it will be well positioned above its platform siblings in terms of taxation. The Fiat 600e currently costs at least 24,990 euros as a hybrid (although only 100 hp) and, in the best case, 36,490 euros as an electric car. The Jeep Avenger, which has similar engines compared to the Fiat, costs 27,300 euros (hybrid) or 38,500 euros (electric). The cheapest Alfa Romeo Milano should be north of the 30,000 (hybrid) or 40,000 euro (electric) mark.