Alfa Romeo Milano: Entry-level SUV unveiled with hybrid, electric drivetrains

The new Alfa Romeo Milano is the company’s third crossover, and is said to be an indirect replacement for the long-gone MiTo and Giulietta hatchbacks.

It’s also the first model from the storied Italian brand to feature pure electric drivetrains. Alfa Romeo plans to go electric only by 2027.

Alfa Romeo Milano: Entry-level SUV unveiled with hybrid, electric drivetrains

The Milano’s styling isn’t a huge shock given it’s been leaked extensively over the past few months, although it is a departure from the recent Alfa Romeo design book.

Up front it has an iteration of the company’s shield grille that’s little wider and shorter than the type used on the Tonale, Stelvio and Giulia. In petrol-powered models the grille is adorned with classic Alfa Romeo script, while in electric variants there’s a shadowy take on the company’s snake and cross logo.

The tail-lights and truncated rear are said to be inspired by the Giulia TZ, while the contrasting black roof, distinctive wheel designs and aggressive front end are there to emphasise the car’s supposed sportiness. The hidden rear door handles are a clear throwback to the Giulietta and 156.

Under the skin the Milano is based on the Common Modular Architecture originally developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen half of Stellantis, and which forms the basis of the Jeep Avenger, Fiat/Abarth 600, Peugeot 2008, DS 3 Crossback, and many other vehicles.

To make it stand out against its stablemates, the Milano is said to have the “most direct steering in the segment”.

Measuring 4170mm long, 1780mm wide, and 1500mm tall, the Milano is 360mm shorter than the Tonale. Although its easily the smallest Alfa Romeo currently offered, the Milano is longer and taller than the 4.06m MiTo that was available until 2018.

At launch in Europe the Milano will be available with three drivetrains. Only one, the Ibrida — Italian for hybrid — features a petrol engine, while the other two, the Elettrica and Veloce, have pure electric powertrains.

The Ibrida mates a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Miller-cycle petrol engine featuring a variable-geometry turbo with a 48V lithium ion battery and a 21kW electric motor built into the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The mild hybrid Ibrida is driven on electric power alone primarily during parking and at low speeds, but if the conditions are right EV mode can be engaged at speeds up to 150km/h.

All together the Ibrida makes a total 101kW. Initial versions of the Ibrida will be front-wheel drive, but there will be a “Q4” all-wheel drive variant offered down the road.

The Milano Elettrica marks Alfa Romeo’s entry into the brave new world of electric vehicles. It has a 116kW motor driving the front wheels, and is paired to a 54kWh battery pack that, when fully charged, is good for a driving range of 410km under the WLTP standard.

If this setup sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve seen it on other Stellantis products, including the similarly-sized Fiat 600e and Jeep Avenger. Although Alfa Romeo has yet to confirm a torque figure, the Milano Elettrica should have 260Nm available.

Like other cars on this architecture, electric Milanos support DC fast charging up to 100kW, and AC charging up to 11kW.

For now the fastest member of the Milano family is the Veloce, which has a 179kW electric motor paired to the same 54kWh battery. This drivetrain seems to be identical to the one powering the Abarth 600e, which was revealed a few months back.

The Veloce sits 25mm closer to the ground and rides on a unique sports suspension setup that’s paired with a Torsen differential, “extra sporty” front and rear anti-roll bars, and “high performance” tyres wrapped around 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin, the Milano eschews the current trend for a sweeping panel across the top of the dash encompassing a bevy of screens. Instead there’s the brand’s signature dual-cowl instrumentation binnacle, although analogue dials have been junked in favour of a 10.25-inch digital display.

Below the central air vents is a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which is canted towards the driver.

Sports seats with chunky bolsters are available, as are copious quantities of faux suede trim and red stitching. The boot is said to hold up to 400L worth of stuff.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but Jean-Philippe Imparato told Autocar, “Alfa is the only brand that is able to sell a car at €2 million ($3.3 million) and €30,000 ($49,500)”.