Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: An In-Depth Look at the Flawed but Fun Performance SUV

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a vehicle that elicits strong reactions. Described by some as deeply flawed, it’s also paradoxically captivating, especially for driving enthusiasts. As the final model year approaches, we delve into why this performance SUV, despite its imperfections, deserves more than just a passing glance.

Design and Aesthetics: A Matter of Taste

Alfa Romeo’s design language is often polarizing, and the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is no exception. The signature triangle grille, while iconic, may appear unconventional to some. The Stelvio’s stance and curves, especially in the test vehicle’s candy-red hue, evoke mixed opinions, with comparisons ranging from distinctive to quirky. However, its visual presence is undeniable. It consistently draws attention, from casual glances to enthusiastic interactions with Alfa Romeo aficionados eager to discuss the vehicle.

For 2024, Alfa Romeo introduced subtle yet significant updates to the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s aesthetics and technology. These include the new “Trilobe” LED matrix headlights, offering improved illumination and a modern touch. Inside, a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen is a welcome addition, featuring a selectable retro theme that pays homage to Alfa Romeo’s rich heritage. This digital cluster, reminiscent of the Ford Mustang’s Fox Body-inspired gauges, allows drivers to personalize their driving experience with a classic Alfa Romeo look.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Front Design

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Side Profile

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Rear View

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Front Angle View

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Driving View

Interior and Build Quality: A Mixed Bag

Stepping inside the Stelvio Quadrifoglio reveals an interior that photographs well, but closer inspection reveals a dichotomy. While certain elements exude premium appeal – the Alcantara-clad steering wheel and substantial metal shift paddles provide tactile satisfaction – other areas betray a less refined execution. Knobs, switches, and dashboard brightwork sourced from the broader CDJR (now Stellantis) parts bin feel noticeably less upscale than expected in a vehicle of this price range. Material quality, while visually appealing in pictures, can feel less substantial to the touch, detracting from the overall premium ambiance one might anticipate.

Quirks and “Hilarious Alfa Things”: Embracing Italian Character

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio, in true Alfa Romeo fashion, comes with its share of eccentricities, or as some might call them, “Hilarious Alfa Things.” These quirks, while potentially frustrating, contribute to the vehicle’s unique character and charm. Here are a few notable examples:

Key Fob Slot Flaw: The key fob slot, located conveniently beside the shifter, features a rubber insert that can be easily removed, almost like a detachable souvenir. This minor detail highlights a build quality oversight that is both amusing and slightly concerning.
Sun Visor Design Defect: The sun visor’s shape is such that it fails to completely block sunlight, often leaving a gap that allows sunlight to directly hit the driver’s eyes, negating the visor’s primary function.
Touchscreen Alignment Issue: The 8.8-inch touchscreen, while functional, is not perfectly aligned within its bezel. This slight misalignment, once noticed, becomes a persistent visual imperfection.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Interior Touchscreen Detail

Parking Brake Service Light & Functionality: During testing, a parking brake service light illuminated, accompanied by the parking brake failing to disengage automatically when shifting into drive – a standard feature in most modern vehicles with electronic parking brakes.
Lights-On Warning Message: Upon turning off the vehicle in low-light conditions, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio keeps its lights on momentarily (as expected), but then annoyingly displays a warning message protesting that the lights are still illuminated, as if this were an unexpected malfunction rather than a designed feature.
Unusual Turn Signal Sound: The turn signals emit a peculiar sound, described by one passenger as “creepy,” adding an unexpected auditory element to the driving experience.
Column-Mounted Shift Paddles Controversy: The column-mounted shift paddles are a point of contention. While some argue for their ergonomic benefits, particularly in performance driving, others find them less intuitive than steering wheel-mounted paddles. The argument that Ferrari utilizes column-mounted paddles is countered by the fact that even in Formula 1, only Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari race car currently employs them.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Steering Wheel and Paddle Shifters

Volume and Track Control Inconsistency: The steering wheel controls are configured with buttons for volume adjustment and a scroll wheel for track/channel changes, an arrangement that many find counterintuitive and less user-friendly than the reverse setup. Interestingly, this configuration appears to be a 2024 model year change, as earlier models reportedly had these controls reversed.
Wired Apple CarPlay in a Premium Vehicle: Despite its premium price point, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio only offers wired Apple CarPlay, a surprising omission in a vehicle competing in the luxury performance SUV segment where wireless connectivity is increasingly standard.
Annoying Wireless Charging Pop-Up: Placing a phone on the wireless charging pad triggers a large, distracting pop-up message on the touchscreen confirming that the phone is charging – an unnecessary and intrusive notification.
Lack of Heads-Up Display: Another surprising omission, given the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s price and performance positioning, is the absence of a heads-up display, a feature commonly found in competitors and often appreciated for enhancing driver focus and convenience.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Dashboard and Center Console Detail

Despite these numerous quirks, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio manages to redeem itself where it truly counts: driving experience. While these issues might be deal-breakers for some, they become forgivable when the road opens up. Unlike vehicles with irredeemable flaws, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s driving dynamics are compelling enough to overshadow its shortcomings.

Driving Dynamics: Where the Stelvio Quadrifoglio Excels

Under the hood lies a Ferrari-derived 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering an impressive 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant propels the Stelvio Quadrifoglio from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 176 mph. However, the true highlight of the driving experience is the steering. Remarkably precise, quick, and communicative, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s steering feel is more akin to a sports car than an SUV, outperforming many sports sedans in terms of steering engagement and feedback.

Despite its size, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio feels surprisingly light on its feet. Weighing in at 4,313 pounds, it’s significantly lighter than competitors like the BMW X3 M, contributing to its agile and responsive handling. The chassis exhibits a visceral personality, feeling both fluid in corners and composed over varying road surfaces. It strikes a balance between spirited performance and everyday usability, avoiding the harshness or track-focused rigidity that can make some performance SUVs less enjoyable in daily driving.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Driving on Open Road

While the engine’s performance is undeniable, its exhaust note is a point of subjective debate. Despite its Ferrari lineage, the V6 sound is described as somewhat “farty” and less refined compared to competitors like the BMW X3 M’s straight-six. However, the exhaust volume is well-calibrated, striking a balance between audible excitement and avoiding excessive loudness. The transmission, an eight-speed ZF automatic found in a wide range of vehicles from Aston Martins to Jeep Gladiators, performs admirably, offering quick paddle-operated manual shifts and seamless automatic transitions. The brakes are powerful and effective, though the pedal feel is unremarkable, prioritizing function over feedback.

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s drive modes deserve special praise. Beyond the typical dynamic, natural, and advanced efficiency modes (sport, normal, and eco), the dedicated Race mode transforms the vehicle’s character. Race mode sharpens throttle response, holds gears longer, amplifies exhaust sound, and firms up the suspension, creating a dramatically more focused and aggressive driving experience. A separate damper adjustment button within the drive mode selector allows for quick and easy suspension softening while maintaining other sporty settings – an ideal feature for maximizing comfort without sacrificing performance on varied road surfaces. These thoughtfully engineered driving modes highlight the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s driver-centric design, appealing to those who appreciate nuanced control and engagement.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Drive Mode Selector Detail

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Driving in Mountain Roads

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Driving in Scenic Route

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Cornering View

However, even in its softest damper setting, the ride remains relatively firm, a trade-off for its exceptional handling prowess. Drivers primarily navigating rough roads might find the ride less forgiving than desired. Furthermore, the normal drive mode tends to keep the transmission in higher gears, sometimes leading to engine lugging. The front seats, while supportive and comfortable for longer drives, prioritize performance over outright plushness.

Verdict: A Glorious Piece of Automotive Character

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is undeniably a cool car. Its coolness stems not only from its performance and striking design but also from its imperfections. These flaws – misaligned screens, quirky controls, and minor build quality issues – are paradoxically part of its charm. They contribute to a sense of character rarely found in modern vehicles, especially within the often-homogenized luxury SUV segment.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Badge Detail

While it may lack the perceived granite reliability of German competitors like Porsche or BMW, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio offers something different: a more emotionally engaging and less serious driving experience. Its retro-inspired gauges, the Ferrari-derived engine (despite its less-than-perfect sound), and even the flawed sun visors all contribute to its unique personality. This character, often described as “Italian,” is what sets the Stelvio Quadrifoglio apart.

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s departure from the market is understandable. It faces stiff competition, and its quirks and perceived flaws may deter some buyers. Objectively, it is imperfect in several ways. However, on a winding road, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio reveals its true essence: a genuinely enjoyable and engaging performance SUV. Its existence, even briefly, is something to be celebrated by driving enthusiasts. In many ways, its blend of flaws and brilliance embodies the very spirit of Alfa Romeo.

2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Specs
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