The Alfa Romeo
Giulia and Stelvio were designed to compete with the likes of BMW and Mercedes,
but there’s no denying they are a little rough around the edges when it comes
to quality, especially perceived quality. Aside from technical and mechanical
problems, the vehicles have a cabin that just isn’t up to snuff. However, it
appears the company is acknowledging this as the 2020 models will bring a host
of upgrades.
According to what looks
like an official FCA North America document posted on Autopareri, the 2020
Giulia and Stelvio will come with a revised interior that features a new
steering wheel (not that there was anything wrong with the current one), center
console, shifter and switchgear.
Te
cheap plastic gearshift surround has been jettisoned. The console has also been
redesigned and it looks slimmer than before. We can also see new controls for
the infotainment system and trimmings and a subtle Italian flag accent. In
addition, the electronic parking brake button has been moved up next to the
gear lever while the center console arm rest has been reshaped.
Besides those
updates, the vehicles will now come standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen
infotainment system. That doesn’t sound too unusual, but the current model uses
an old school 6.5-inch display which isn’t even a touchscreen.
Speaking of the
infotainment system, it promises “enhanced graphics, new functionality and
enhanced adaptability.” That’s a little vague, but the document says drivers
can expect a one year subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio as well as one
year of access to connected services.
Speaking of
technology, the Giulia and Stelvio are slated to have the “most advanced”
Highway Assist system from FCA. The company goes onto say this semi-autonomous
Level 2 system will be comparable to Tesla’s autopilot. The models will also
have newly standard driver assistance systems including forward collision
alert.
Exterior changes
will apparently be minor, but include two new paint options called Anodized
Blue and Lunare White. Higher-end versions of the Stelvio are also slated to
ditch the black plastic body cladding for body-colored trim.
Besides the
aforementioned changes, the various trim levels will feature greater
differentiation. The number of options will also be reduced as the documents
says the number of buildable configurations will be cut by over 90%.
The document
doesn’t mention any performance changes, so it’s possible engine options will
carryover. As a result, US-spec models could be equipped with a turbocharged
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 280 hp and 415 Nm of torque. The Quadrifoglio variants should also retain their
twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 which develops 505 hp and 600 Nm of torque.