Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition Introduces Standard Version of Crossover

Alfa Romeo is beginning to take orders for its limited-edition Stelvio First Edition crossover, offering us a glimpse at what standard versions of the Stelvio will offer.

Alfa has only shown the high-performance Stelvio Quadrifoglio at this point, so the new First Edition is a look at what most Stelvio buyers can expect to bring home.

When the fire breathing 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 with 505 horsepower from the Quadrifoglio is not powering the crossover, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine does the job with 280 hp, sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The run from 0 to 62 mph will take about 5.7 seconds with the smaller engine.

The First Edition comes packing some special looks thanks to 20-inch allow wheels, colored brake calipers, bi-Xenon headlights, chrome-plated window frames, courtesy lights in the door handles and rear privacy windows. On the inside, a contoured steering wheel with integrated start button and paddle shifters is fitted for the driver, while all the passengers have full grain heated leather seats. Real wood inserts, an 8.8-inch display screen and a 7-inch screen for the instrument cluster are also fitted.

SEE ALSO: Alfa Romeo Could Go Back to F1, Provided It Never Outshines Ferrari

Alfa Romeo says that the four-cylinder equipped Stelvio will get 7.0L/100km (33.6 mpg) combined, though that is measured on the typically generous European cycle.

Alfa also detailed the all-wheel drive system that will be available on the Stelvio, saying that it will send all of its torque to the rear axle until the system detects slip. When the wheels do lose grip, the system can transfer 50 percent of the power to the front wheels.

Safety technology is also not in short supply, with the Stelvio packing an integrated braking system, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.

The First Edition will launch in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Stelvio is expected to launch sometime in 2017 as a 2018 model year in North America. Pricing for the First Edition in Italy will start at €57,300.

Discuss this story at our Alfa Romeo Forum