Alfa Romeo Milano: A Glimpse into the Brand's Electrified Future
Alfa Romeo, renowned for its legacy of performance and style, is embarking on a new era with its first all-electric model, the Milano. This small utility vehicle symbolises innovation and a tribute to the city where the iconic brand was born in 1910 - Milan. The Milano is set to make its grand entrance in April, and it promises to captivate enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike.
The Milano will mark Alfa Romeo's foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market. Initially, it will be offered with a full-electric drivetrain, ushering in the brand's new era of emissions-free driving. Subsequently, a mild-hybrid gasoline version will follow, offering consumers a choice that aligns with their preferences.
While the Milano is Alfa's first full-electric model, the brand already offers a plug-in hybrid version of the Tonale compact crossover. However, it's important to note that the Milano will be the last Alfa Romeo model to feature a combustion variant. Starting in 2025, all new Alfa models will be electric-only, and by 2027, the brand will exclusively sell full-electric vehicles, signalling a firm commitment to sustainability.
Interestingly, the Milano was initially rumoured to be named the Brennero, following the brand's tradition of naming models after Italian mountain passes. This change in terminology reflects Alfa Romeo's desire to connect with its roots and pay homage to its place of origin.
Jean-Philippe Imparato, the CEO of Alfa Romeo, refrained from providing specific volume predictions for the Milano and the expected share of full-electric sales. However, he expressed the brand's readiness to extend Milano's availability beyond Europe if there is demand for it. This hints at the possibility of Alfa Romeo's expansion into global markets.
While a final decision on bringing the Milano to the United States has not been made, Imparato is optimistic about the potential demand for "urban small electric SUVs" in some U.S. states. Alfa Romeo currently offers models like the Tonale, Giulia midsize sedan, and Stelvio midsize crossover in North America and has plans to introduce a large sedan by 2027.
The Milano will be manufactured at Stellantis' plant in Tychy, Poland, alongside sibling models such as the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600. All these models are based on the eCMP2 architecture, allowing for electric and combustion variants.
In terms of competition, the Milano will enter the fiercely competitive small SUV segment in Europe, which the Volkswagen T-Roc leads. The Milano will vie for attention alongside models like the Toyota Yaris Cross and the Peugeot 2008, in a segment that saw significant growth in overall sales in the first ten months.
The Milano represents a shift towards premium small SUVs among luxury brands. It joins the ranks of the DS 3, Audi Q2, and Mini Countryman, catering to consumers who seek both style and substance. Notable newcomers in this segment include the Volvo EX30, Smart #1, and Lexus LBX, indicating the growing interest in compact premium SUVs.
While the small SUV segment continues to expand, full-electric models face challenges in gaining traction. Although overall small SUV sales grew by 15 per cent, EV sales grew slower than 12 per cent in the first ten months. They currently account for only 5.6 per cent of the segment, with the Hyundai Kona leading the electric pack.
Alfa Romeo still needs to unveil specifications and pricing details for the Milano, leaving enthusiasts eager for more information. Nevertheless, Imparato assures that the Milano will not only compete with models like the Smart #1 and Volvo EX30 but surpass them in handling, staying true to the brand's heritage of delivering exhilarating driving experiences.
The Alfa Romeo Milano is not just a vehicle; it's a glimpse into the electrified future of a brand that has long symbolised passion and performance. The Milano carries Milan's legacy as it paves the way for Alfa's transition to electric mobility. In this city, it all began and promises an exciting chapter in the brand's storied history.
Also worth a look: the Alfa Romeo Mx 5 and the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
FAQ
Q: What does the Alfa Romeo Milano cost in South Africa?
Alfa Romeo hasn't released official South African pricing for the Milano yet, but expect it to start around R650,000 for the base electric model when it arrives, positioning it as a premium small SUV in the local market.
Q: Is the Alfa Romeo Milano worth buying?
The Milano could be worth buying if you want Alfa Romeo's distinctive style in an electric package, but wait for local pricing and availability confirmation before making any decisions since it's still unclear when it'll reach South African shores.
Q: What is the range and performance of the Alfa Romeo Milano electric?
Alfa Romeo hasn't revealed full technical specifications yet, but expect the Milano electric to deliver around 300km of real-world range with approximately 115kW of power, making it suitable for city driving and weekend getaways.
Q: When will the Alfa Romeo Milano be available in South Africa?
The Milano launches in Europe in April 2024, but South African availability hasn't been confirmed yet, so local buyers might have to wait until 2025 or later depending on Alfa Romeo's regional expansion plans.
Q: Will the Alfa Romeo Milano have a petrol engine option?
Yes, Alfa Romeo will offer a mild-hybrid petrol version of the Milano alongside the full electric model, but this will be the last Alfa to feature any combustion engine as the brand goes fully electric from 2025 onwards.
Should You Buy It?
Maybe, but hold your horses. The Alfa Romeo Milano represents an exciting glimpse into the brand's electric future, combining Italian flair with zero-emission driving in a compact package. However, with no confirmed South African launch date or local pricing, it's impossible to make a solid buying recommendation right now. If you're after the best electric SUV under R700,000 in SA today, you're better off looking at established options like the Volvo XC40 Recharge or waiting for more details on local Milano availability. The Milano could be brilliant when it eventually arrives, but patience is key until Alfa Romeo confirms their South African plans and pricing structure.
