Alfa Romeo has revealed its long-awaited B-SUV, its second car since its rebirth and its first all-electric Milano – which embraces the Turin-based company’s Italian styling and traditional sports car dynamism.
According to Alfa, the Milano was designed both to satisfy classic Alfisti fans everywhere, and to inspire their next generation. Thanks to its high aerodynamic efficiency and low weight, the first pure electric Alfa Romeo achieves an average range of 410 km in the 156 HP version, while it reaches 240 HP in the flagship Veloce which has many mechanical improvements.
The Milano range also features a 48V hybrid version with 136 HP and a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, while a four-wheel drive option and the Q4 designation will follow.
Exuberantly dynamic, compact in size and Milanese in style, the Alfa Romeo Milano is the sportiest model ever presented in the B-SUV segment. It was unveiled today (10/4) at the historic headquarters of the Automobile Club Milano, in an impressive event with a dual purpose: on the one hand to highlight the most modern face of Alfa Romeo, on the other hand to underline the brand’s strong relationship with the city where it was founded in 1910 and since then it combines innovation with tradition.
Alfa Romeo Milano ALFA ROMEO MEDIA
With the most modern design identity of the famous Centro Stile, the Milano has 100% genuine Alfa Romeo DNA, and is the brand’s first purely electric model. In a compact body with a length of 4.17 m, a width of 1.78 m and a height of 1.5 m, all the special characteristics of the “Made in Italy” design, such as harmony in proportions and soft, dynamic lines, are found.
Thanks to the small overhangs, muscular fenders and distinctive “tail” that is a clear reference to the Giulia TZ, the proportions of the Milano are an ode to the simplicity of Italian style. Its strong identity is underlined by a set of classic and modern elements that make up one of the most recognizable signatures in the automotive world. The leading role in this signature is played by the front part, the personality of which is largely shaped by the “3+3” active Full LED Matrix headlights.
The sporty mood is also present in the interior of the Milano, where attention to detail, top-quality materials and the careful placement of all controls in the ideal position for perfect ergonomics stand out.
Alfa Romeo Milano ALFA ROMEO MEDIA
Important is the presence of the digital and fully configurable 10.25″ instrument panel. All the information and settings related to driving are displayed there, while the information is complemented by the infotainment screen which also has a diagonal of 10.25” and is placed on the dashboard. The interface is based on widgets and interactive graphics that are very easily configured through “Drag and Drop” logic so that each user can adjust the system to his own measurements and build his own homepage.
Adding their own touch are the air vents on the dashboard that have the shape of the most recognizable symbol of Alfa Romeo’s sporting entity, the four-leaf clover. At the same time, the sturdy and light Sabelt bucket seats with the integrated headrest perfectly support the body.
The driver is clearly the protagonist in the cabin of the Milano without the passengers feeling disadvantaged, since for Alfa Romeo comfort means that every journey is simple, pleasant and safe for everyone. The interior is immediately convincing for its attention to detail and overall high quality, so everyone feels in their “comfort zone” enjoying a sporty environment of high aesthetics with unsurpassed refinement.
Alfa Romeo Milano ALFA ROMEO MEDIA
Despite its compact dimensions, the Milano has comfortable passenger spaces and the one for luggage reaches 400 lt, having not only a large capacity but also very easy loading thanks to the electric door with the “hands-free” function. An important element is also the debuting “cable organizer”, a special space for easy storage of the charging cable of the electric versions.
The Milano also has a host of driver assistance systems. These include Level 2 autonomous driving as well as 360° parking sensors which together with the 180° rear camera monitor the surrounding area on behalf of the semi-automated parking system. Everyday convenience is also supported by elements such as proximity sensor automatic locking/unlocking, which means the car locks and unlocks without the driver having to do anything.
Thanks to its low weight and ideal mass distribution, the Milano enters the world of electric cars like a genuine Alfa Romeo. It is indicative that the coordination of the team that took care of the dynamic characteristics of the car was done by the people who developed the modern legend called Giulia GTA.
The aim for the Milano was to be the sporty benchmark among B-SUV models on the market, culminating in the Veloce version featuring special improvements in the mechanical sector: With a ratio of 14.6:1 its steering is the fastest in its class and the front system is designed with absolute precision in mind that accentuates the thrilling driving experience.
Alfa Romeo Milano ALFA ROMEO MEDIA
In addition, compared to the 156 HP version the suspension is lowered by 25 mm, the anti-roll bars have revised stiffness to ensure superior grip in cooperation with the 20-inch rims and specially developed tires, while the Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential takes care of the perfect torque distribution. As for the brakes, thanks to massive 380mm front ventilated discs and monobloc four-piston calipers, deceleration is consistently up to the task.
As an original Alfa Romeo, the Milano is also compatible with Alfa DNA, which configures the car’s subsystems according to the driver’s demands. In the “Dynamic” option, the mapping of steering assistance and throttle response prioritizes top performance and driving pleasure, without compromising everyday usability.
The “Natural” option is suitable for everyday use, combining sport with comfort and economy, while “Advanced Efficiency” means maximum efficiency. Another program called “Q4” is exclusive to the four-wheel drive hybrid versions and adjusts the drive system to maximize traction on slippery roads.
With both a pure electric and a hybrid option, the Milano covers all needs. The Elettrica version adopts the latest generation electrical system, with a modern “Hybrid Synchronous” technology electric motor and a new lithium-ion battery. Available in two versions with 156 and 240 HP, however the way power and torque are delivered ensures the enjoyable driving character that every Alfa Romeo owes to its history and driver.
Alfa Romeo Milano ALFA ROMEO MEDIA
In any case, the battery has a capacity of 54 kWh and is characterized by high energy density and a large ratio of exploitable to total capacity. For the 156 HP version, the average range is 410 km according to WLTP, while in an urban environment it can reach 590 km. Charging is also very fast, supporting up to 100 kW in direct current, which means less than 30 minutes to replenish from 10 to 80% of energy.
Two more versions of the Milano are available with a hybrid system: The first has front-wheel drive, while the second, named Q4, is four-wheel drive and will be launched in a second year. The hybrid system consists of a 1.2 lt turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 136 HP, adopting cutting-edge technology such as Variable Geometry Vane Turbo (VGT) and Miller thermodynamic cycle operation. It is worth noting that for top reliability a timing chain is used and not a belt.
The electrical part of the system consists of a 48V lithium-ion battery and a 21 kW electric motor mounted on the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, together with the inverter and central control unit. Thanks to its hybrid system architecture, the Milano Ibrida can drive purely electrically both during parking/unparking and in low-load conditions with the thermal engine being switched off as often as possible for maximum economy.
At its launch, the Milano will be available in the 156 HP electric version and the 136 HP hybrid with front-wheel drive. The range has been designed with the simplification of choice in mind, combining a total of four versions of the drive system (136 HP Ibrida, 136 HP Q4 Ibrida, 156 HP Elettrica and 240 HP Elettrica Veloce) with the equipment packages “Techno”, “Premium”, “Sport” as well as the “Speciale” which will be available exclusively at launch.
All Milanos will be richly equipped which may include items such as special sports body finishes and alloy wheels up to 20”, level 2 autonomous driving system, electric tailgate with handsfree function and automatic locking/unlocking. In the cabin, the sporty “Spiga” fabric and vinyl upholstery, the sporty leather steering wheel, the electrically adjustable driver’s seat with massage, but also the hidden lighting in the air ducts, the central console and the instrument panel will stand out.
The electric Milano will have an on-board charger of up to 11 kW for alternating current, while an important parameter is also the smart navigation system with EV Routing: Its software will plan the shortest route based on the available chargers, suggesting where and for how long it needs a top-up to a “tank” of 600.00 points across Europe.
Like every Alfa Romeo, the Milano will be covered by a 4-year warranty on mechanical parts and a corresponding duration of roadside assistance, with the first cars expected in Greece at the end of the summer.