Often overlooked in the crowded SUV market, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio possesses qualities that, if adorned with a German badge, would catapult it to the top of its class. Imagine if the Stelvio sported a Porsche crest or a BMW propeller; it would undoubtedly be hailed as a landmark vehicle, a triumphant return to form for the respective brand. Instead, discussions often revolve around reliability concerns, a narrative that overshadows its inherent strengths.
It seems many are unaware of the significant role Magneti Marelli (MM) plays in the automotive industry. This Italian giant, often working behind the scenes, develops core technologies used by premium brands. For instance, Magneti Marelli provides the base code for BMW’s iDrive infotainment system and their engine/drivetrain management systems. Even BMW’s X-drive system, while utilizing a similar center differential concept, is arguably less advanced and heavier than what MM offers.
Magneti Marelli’s innovation extends beyond software and control systems. They are the inventors of the sequential transmission, a technology widely adopted across the industry. The Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG), including Porsche, sources Dual-clutch transmissions (DSG) parts from MM. Furthermore, MM is a primary supplier of headlight modules for a vast majority of automotive manufacturers globally, notably excluding Japanese and American brands, but including prestigious names like Audi and Rolls Royce. Their expertise even reaches Subaru, for whom they develop engine and drivetrain management systems.
Alfa Romeo’s decision to prioritize reliability in the Stelvio’s design choices, such as opting out of sequential transmissions or overly complex infotainment systems, is a strategic one rooted in pragmatism. Sergio Marchionne, the late CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, recognized the immense value and wealth of knowledge residing within Magneti Marelli. MM’s extensive involvement in projects like the BMW i3 and i8, coupled with telemetry data gathered from Formula 1 teams over a decade, positioned them as an unsung hero of automotive innovation. Marchionne understood this and leveraged it for Alfa Romeo’s benefit.
Currently, Alfa Romeo operates with a palpable drive to prove its capabilities. Drawing a parallel to Volkswagen’s past endeavors, the author, a former owner of multiple B5 generation Passats and a launch edition Audi TT, argues that car manufacturers in this “proving” phase consistently produce their finest vehicles. This ambition to establish a strong reputation often translates to exceptional quality and engineering, as seen in the Stelvio.
However, history suggests a cyclical pattern. Once a brand successfully proves its point and establishes a reputation, there’s a tendency to shift towards more profitable, albeit less meticulously engineered, vehicles. This observation, pointedly directed at Volkswagen’s later models, highlights the opportune moment Alfa Romeo currently occupies – a sweet spot where ambition and the desire to impress result in genuinely outstanding automobiles like the Stelvio. For those seeking a genuinely engaging and technologically underpinned SUV, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio warrants serious consideration, moving beyond superficial reliability concerns and recognizing the depth of its engineering and componentry.
