Alfa Romeo finds itself in a transitional phase, with the Giulia and Stelvio models facing challenges as they age, struggling to achieve sales targets, with both aiming for just 5000 sales in 2023. As the brand navigates this period of change, the Tonale has emerged as its inaugural plug-in hybrid, marking a significant step toward an eventual all-electric vehicle (EV) lineup.
Alfa Romeo has outlined a strategic shift, planning to exclusively launch EVs from 2025 and sell only electric cars by 2027. The latest announcement reveals that the first EV in this new era will be the Milano, a subcompact SUV scheduled for debut in April 2024 in Milan, Italy, where the brand was founded in 1910.
Named after its birthplace, the Milano is set to be unveiled in April 2024, followed by deliveries commencing in September of the same year. The initial version will be fully electric, powered solely by electrons. However, a gas-powered variant, likely featuring a 48-volt hybrid system, is anticipated to roll out by November. Notably, this will mark the Milano as the final Alfa Romeo model to offer an internal combustion engine.
While Europe is identified as the primary market for the Milano, the decision on whether to introduce the subcompact SUV to the U.S. market remains pending. Alfa Romeo’s CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato, has expressed the readiness to expand sales beyond Europe if demand justifies it.
He anticipates that certain regions, particularly those demonstrating interest in “urban small electric SUVs,” could pave the way for Milano’s presence outside of Europe. The Milano is expected to be smaller than the already compact Tonale.
Production of the Milano is slated for Tychy, Poland, where Alfa Romeo’s parent company, Stellantis, also manufactures the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600e. Drawing from the powertrain options available for these models, the Milano is likely to inherit both electric and gas-fed variants. The electric versions are equipped with a 54.0-kWh battery, offering a 250-mile range based on Europe’s WLTP test cycle.
In terms of size, the Milano is expected to align with the dimensions of the Jeep and Fiat models, measuring between 160 and 164 inches in length with an approximately 100-inch wheelbase. In the U.S. market, the Milano will encounter limited competition in its segment, particularly among electric vehicles.
The Chevy Bolt, set to be replaced by a new version in 2025, and the upcoming Volvo EX30 are among the few contenders. The Volvo model is projected to hit the market next year with a starting price of $36,245. Further details about the Milano are anticipated to be revealed in the upcoming spring, providing a comprehensive look into Alfa Romeo’s innovative foray into the electric subcompact SUV market.