2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Performance

There is only one powertrain on offer for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, so Alfa made sure that it gave us something special. The 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 unleashes a mega 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels, allowing the hot Stelvio to reach 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds before powering on to a top speed of 176 mph. That 0 to 60 sprint time is 0.3 seconds quicker than the base BMW X3 M and identical to that of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S. Using the Alfa DNA Pro system, you can evoke an even more absorbing soundtrack from the exhaust system. This, together with easily repeatable launches, makes the Stelvio Quadrifoglio one of the quickest and most thrilling super SUVs in the business. The Quadrifoglio is a beast on the track, too, having lapped the Nürburgring in a blistering seven minutes and 51.7 seconds.

The Alfa's Ferrari-derived engine is an absolute gem and one of the best powerplants available anywhere. With 2.9 liters of capacity boosted by two turbochargers, the V6 produces 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode and aluminum paddle shifters mounted on the steering column.

It's a joy to use this powertrain. The V6 not only boasts exceptional throttle response but the torque is spread over a broad band, making the performance instantly accessible. Rifling through the gears during aggressive driving is an absorbing experience, with smooth gear changes and a satisfying response when using the paddles. The exhaust system serves as a constant acoustic reminder of the power underfoot, with a series of pops as you accelerate, especially in the racier driving modes. Whether launching from a standing start or blasting past slower vehicles on the highway, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is almost unmatched in its ability to entertain in this segment.

As bad as the Stelvio Quadrifoglio's economy is, it's not nearly the worst gas guzzler in this segment. According to the EPA, the Alfa will return figures of 17/23/19 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles. By comparison, the BMW X3 M only manages 15/20/17 mpg while the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 isn't much better at 15/22/17 mpg. A 16.9-gallon gas tank capacity for the Alfa will see it travel in the region of 321 miles before needing a refill.