The Milano is Alfa Romeo’s new entry-level model. It has a purely electric drive, but will also be available as a mild hybrid. And because the Alfisti like it sporty, there is also an extra-strong Veloce version.
Alfa Romeo Milano: The rear door handles are hidden in the C-pillars. Manufacturer
No mention of Brennero: Alfa Romeo actually uses to name its SUVs after Alpine passes. This is the case with the great Stelvio (Passo Stelvio, Stilfserjoch) and the same with the Tonale (Passo Tonale, Tonalepass). That’s why there was speculation for a long time that Alfa’s junior SUV could be called “Brennero” (Brenner Pass). But it is now clear: the new one is called “Milano” and refers to Alfa Romeo’s hometown in Lombardy.
Electric and Hybrid
If the Italians had decided on Brennero, then the association might have been wrong, at least for German-speaking ears – namely combustion engines. But the Milano is actually Alfa’s first electric car. “Elettrica” is the additional name for how much nicer everything sounds in Italian. “Ibrida” also flatters the ear canal more charmingly than the profane word “hybrid”: parallel to the fully electric version, the Milano will also only be available partially electrified.
But first things first: The Milano complements the Alfa portfolio, which previously consisted of the Tonale, Stelvio and the Giulia sports sedan, to form a quartet. With a length of 4.17 meters, it competes in the popular compact SUV market segment. In addition to DS and Lancia, Alfa Romeo is one of the premium brands of the Stellantis Group, which has Milano platform brothers such as Jeep Avenger, Opel Mokka Electric, Peugeot E-2008 and Fiat 600 Elektro.
Attractive compact SUV
The design will not only please the Alfisti. The Milano has become an extremely shapely representative of its genre, well-proportioned, sportily muscular, with short overhangs, a steeply sloping rear and of course the obligatory detail of the Scudetto radiator grille, which is available in a traditional version (Leggenda) or in a more modern version (Progresso). .
Milano cockpit: There is also a sporty impression here. Manufacturer
In the premium-worthy interior there is a small, flat-bottomed steering wheel and, in addition to a number of physical controls, a digital driver’s instrumentation in the “Cannochiale” telescope housing. A large touchscreen houses the infotainment, as is typical today. The AI software ChatGPT is used as a virtual passenger, which is useful for navigation, provides advice and information about destinations or interesting points along the route, but also knows how to explain technical functions of the vehicle and, if desired, provides the Milano passengers with stories or quiz questions.
It delivers a fast 240 PS
The electric drive has an output of 115 kW/156 hp, and a 54 kWh battery serves as energy storage, which should enable a range of up to 410 kilometers. The Milano draws alternating current from the wallbox with up to 11 kW, and it can handle fast charging with a rather average 100 kW. Ideally, the battery can be brought from 10 to 80 percent charge in less than half an hour. A little later in the year, Alfa introduced the dynamic Milano Elettrica 240 Veloce, lowered by 25 millimeters, equipped with a sports suspension and producing 176 kW/240 hp.
Beautiful back: Alfa calls the steeply sloping rear “Coda Tronca”. Manufacturer
At the market launch in September, the Milano will also be available with a conventional motor. The Ibrida gets a 100 kW/136 hp 1.2 l three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, which is integrated into a mild hybrid system with a 48-volt battery and electric motor (21 kW/29 hp). An Ibrida variant with all-wheel drive will follow at the end of the year. The Elettrica, on the other hand, leaves it with front-wheel drive.
Prices from 30,000 euros
It is said that orders will start “shortly” and only then will the exact prices be announced. Starting with the Milano Elettrica should be just under 40,000 euros and with the Ibrida just under 30,000 euros.
Incidentally, the Milano is not built in Milan nor anywhere else in Italy: together with the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600 Elektro, it rolls off the assembly line in Tychy, Poland.
Alfa Romeo Milano in brief:
When he comes: Orders start in spring 2024, from dealers in September 2024
What drives him: Electric drive with 115 kW/156 HP, battery capacity 54 kWh. Mild hybrid drive with 1.2 l three-cylinder turbo petrol engine (100 kW/136 hp) and electric motor (21 kW/29 hp).
What it costs: As Elettrica probably from around 40,000 euros, as Ibrida just under 30,000 euros
What else follows: Hybrid Milan with All-wheel drive, Fast Electric Milan with 176 kW/240 PS