Is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio a Flawed Masterpiece? An Expert Review

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is generating buzz, and for several reasons. Not all of them are flattering. As an automotive expert at cardiagnosticnearme.com, I’ve seen my share of vehicles, and the Stelvio Quadrifoglio definitely stands out. This performance SUV is slated to end its production run after this year, prompting the question: is it a vehicle to be mourned or celebrated for its departure? Let’s delve into a detailed examination.

Stelvio Quadrifoglio: The Initial Impression

Alfa Romeo’s design language has always been polarizing. Personally, the signature triangle grille has never resonated with me. This particular Stelvio, finished in a vibrant candy red, with its high-riding stance and flowing lines, brings to mind the whimsical apple car from children’s literature. However, aesthetics are subjective, and the Stelvio undeniably draws attention. During my time with it, the car garnered numerous glances and even sparked enthusiastic conversations with Alfa Romeo aficionados eager to share their appreciation. For 2024, Alfa Romeo introduces “Trilobe” LED matrix headlights and a customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, featuring a retro theme that harks back to classic Alfa designs.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio front view showcasing Trilobe LED matrix headlights and signature grille

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio side profile emphasizing its SUV stance and curvy design

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio rear view highlighting quad exhaust pipes and sporty diffuser

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio dashboard featuring 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in retro theme

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio interior showcasing Alcantara steering wheel and metal shift paddles

This retro digital gauge cluster concept, similar to what Ford has done with the new Mustang and its Fox Body-inspired displays, is a neat touch for enthusiasts. Stepping inside, the interior presents well in photographs. However, closer inspection reveals that material quality doesn’t quite live up to expectations for its price point. While key touchpoints like the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and substantial metal shift paddles offer a premium feel, many of the knobs, switches, and dashboard brightwork seem to be sourced from the more mainstream Stellantis parts bin. This is an area where a luxury performance vehicle should ideally excel, and the Stelvio falls slightly short.

Quirks and “Hilarious Alfa Things”: Diagnostic Observations

Beyond material choices, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio exhibits a collection of quirks that are, shall we say, characterful. From a car diagnostic perspective, some of these could even be seen as minor design or manufacturing flaws. Here’s a list of “Hilarious Alfa Things” encountered during my evaluation:

Fob Slot Flaw: A key fob slot next to the shifter includes a rubber insert that can be easily removed. While amusing, this detail suggests a potential for minor parts detachment, something to consider during long-term vehicle diagnostics.
Sun Visor Design Defect: The sun visor’s shape leaves a significant gap, allowing sunlight to directly hit the driver’s eyes. This is a functional oversight that compromises driver comfort and could be flagged during a pre-purchase inspection.
Touchscreen Misalignment: The 8.8-inch touchscreen isn’t perfectly aligned within its bezel. The misalignment is minimal, but noticeable upon close inspection. This cosmetic imperfection might not impact functionality but is indicative of less-than-perfect assembly quality.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio touchscreen showing slight misalignment within the bezel

Parking Brake Service Warning: During the test week, a “Service Parking Brake” warning light illuminated. This could indicate a sensor issue or a genuine fault in the electronic parking brake system, requiring diagnostic attention.
Parking Brake Disengagement Issue: The electronic parking brake failed to disengage automatically when shifting into drive, unlike most modern vehicles. This malfunction could be linked to the service warning and points to potential electronic control system anomalies.
Persistent Headlight Warning: When turning off the car at night, the automatic headlight delay function triggers a warning message on the dashboard, protesting that the lights are still on. This redundant warning is an unnecessary and slightly irritating software quirk.
Unusual Turn Signal Sound: The turn signals produce an odd sound, described by a passenger as “creepy.” While subjective, unusual noises can sometimes be indicators of underlying electrical or mechanical issues in other vehicle systems.
Column-Mounted Paddle Shifters: The column-mounted shift paddles are ergonomically debatable. While some high-performance cars like Ferraris use column-mounted paddles, their placement in an SUV is less intuitive for many drivers.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio steering wheel with column-mounted paddle shifters and button layout

Inverted Steering Wheel Controls: The steering wheel volume control is a button, while track/channel selection uses a scroll wheel, which is counterintuitive. This design choice, seemingly reversed from the 2023 model, is a curious ergonomic decision.
Wired Apple CarPlay in a Premium Vehicle: Despite its $90,000 starting price, Apple CarPlay is wired rather than wireless. In a vehicle of this class, wireless connectivity should be standard.
Annoying Wireless Charging Pop-up: Placing a phone on the wireless charger triggers a large, intrusive pop-up on the touchscreen confirming charging. This unnecessary notification disrupts the user experience.
Lack of Heads-Up Display: For a vehicle in this price bracket, the absence of a heads-up display is a notable omission.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio dashboard highlighting the absence of a heads-up display and wired Apple CarPlay connection

Such a collection of minor faults might be concerning in a less charismatic vehicle. However, like an endearing but slightly irritating coworker, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s flaws become forgivable once you experience it on the open road, especially on winding backroads. While the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT might be the most effective performance SUV, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio arguably offers a more engaging and enjoyable driving experience.

The Thrill of Driving the Stelvio Quadrifoglio

The heart of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is its Ferrari-derived 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant enables a 0-60 mph sprint in a mere 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 176 mph. However, the true highlight is the steering. Remarkably precise and communicative, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s steering feel is akin to a sports car elevated on stilts, outperforming many sports sedans in terms of sheer driving pleasure.

Despite its size, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio feels surprisingly light on its feet. Weighing in at 4,313 pounds, it’s approximately 300 pounds lighter than the BMW X3 M. This contributes to its agile and visceral driving character. The suspension strikes a balance between firmness and compliance, making it both engaging in corners and reasonably comfortable for daily driving. It’s sporty without being overly harsh, suitable for more than just weekend excursions.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio driving dynamically on a winding road showcasing its handling capabilities

The engine, while potent, doesn’t deliver the most sonorous soundtrack. Despite its Ferrari lineage, the V6 emits a somewhat generic “farty” sound, lacking the aural appeal of, for example, BMW’s S58 straight-six. However, the exhaust volume is well-judged, neither too loud nor too muted, and it produces satisfying ripping noises during upshifts.

The eight-speed automatic transmission, a ZF unit shared with vehicles ranging from Aston Martins to Jeep Gladiators, performs admirably. Manual shifts via the paddles are responsive, and the paddles themselves, despite their column mounting, are large, metallic, and tactile. The brakes are powerful and effective, though the pedal feel is unremarkable – they simply perform their function without offering exceptional feedback.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio brake caliper and ventilated disc, highlighting braking components

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s drive modes deserve special mention. “Dynamic,” “Natural,” “Advanced Efficiency,” and “Race” (essentially sport, normal, eco, and track) modes dramatically alter the vehicle’s character. “Natural” and “Race” modes transform the driving experience, with Race mode holding gears longer, increasing exhaust volume, and sharpening overall responses for maximum performance.

A dedicated damper adjustment button within the drive mode selector allows for independent suspension tuning. This enables drivers to soften the suspension while maintaining aggressive engine and transmission settings – ideal for maximizing handling on imperfect backroads. These thoughtful details reveal the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s engineering focus on driver engagement and a genuine understanding of driving enjoyment. For enthusiasts, this SUV is clearly designed with driving pleasure as a core priority.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio drive mode selector showcasing different driving modes

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio interior detail showing drive mode selector and surrounding trim

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio close-up of drive mode selector dial

However, even in its softest setting, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s suspension remains firm. While not track-car extreme, drivers frequently encountering rough roads might find the ride less comfortable than desired. This firmness is the trade-off for its class-leading handling prowess on twisty roads. Furthermore, the “normal” driving mode tends to keep the transmission in too high a gear, sometimes leading to engine lugging. The front seats, while not plush, offer sufficient comfort for longer drives without causing significant fatigue.

Final Verdict: A Lovable Imperfection

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is undeniably a cool vehicle. Its coolness manifests in both positive and negative ways – from its engaging driving dynamics to its quirky imperfections like misaligned screens and illogical controls. However, these flaws contribute to its unique character, setting it apart from more sterile competitors.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio front three-quarter view emphasizing its sporty stance and design

While the Stelvio Quadrifoglio may not possess the unwavering reliability of a Porsche or BMW, it compensates with a dose of Italian flair and a less serious demeanor. The retro gauges, the Ferrari-derived engine (despite its uninspiring sound), and even the flawed sun visors all contribute to what many would call “character.”

Ultimately, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s discontinuation is understandable. It’s a flawed vehicle, arguably overpriced for what it offers in terms of refinement, and faces stiff competition from German rivals. The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is, in many respects, objectively imperfect. Yet, on a deserted, winding road, with ample time and fuel, its existence is something to be genuinely appreciated. And perhaps, that blend of brilliance and imperfection is the very essence of a true Alfa Romeo.

2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Specs
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