Named after a famous winding pass in the Italian Alps, the Stelvio is perfect for carving up canyons. A turbo 2.0-liter four makes 280 hp and pairs with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. For more power, the Quadrifoglio flaunts a 505-hp 2.9-liter turbo V-6; an adaptive suspension is standard. Alfa claims a zero-to-60 time of 3.9 seconds. Inside, the Stelvio offers an optional 900-watt Harman/Kardon audio system, but we’re pretty sure that sweet engine is all you’ll want to hear. Assembled at Alfa’s Cassino plant in Frosinone, Italy, the Stelvio is built on the same platform as the Giulia and will be offered in three trim levels: Stelvio, Stelvio Ti, and the high-performance Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which has enough distinct features and tuning to be considered a separate model. While the Stelvio and Stelvio Ti both rely on a 280-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four for motivation, the high-performance Quadrifoglio utilizes the 505-hp 2.9-liter turbocharged V-6 from the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Aluminum is used extensively in the construction of every Stelvio, including the front and rear subframes, the suspension components (control arms in front, multilink in the rear), the doors, and the fenders; the rear crossmember is partly made of composite plastics to pare more weight.
If you want a crossover that sacrifices as little of the conventional-car driving experience as possible, then the Alfa Romeo Stelvio should be given serious consideration. It’s a great car in its own right, but given it is Alfa’s first SUV, it’s borderline brilliant on first acquaintance. All Stelvios ride on double wishbones at the front and multi-link at the rear (Alfa says it’s ‘four-and-a-half-link’), as well as what Alfa says is the most direct steering set-up in the segment. Q4 four-wheel-drive is standard, albeit with a rear-bias to the power distribution: 100% in normal driving conditions and up to 50% pushed to the front when circumstances demand it. You can also option in a mechanical LSD at the rear if you’re planning on hot laps (as if!).
Alfa Romeo has high hopes for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio; the model will even offer carbon fiber shell racing-style seats made by Sparco as well as carbon ceramic Brembo brakes. To save fuel, the Quadrifoglio's V-6 employs cylinder deactivation that allows it to run on just three cylinders during low load situations.
Pros Italian style Promise of serious performance Gorgeous interior Base model offers solid specs
Cons No RWD may be a lose in smile states Big gap between 4-cylinder and twin-turbo V-6 Too little, too late?
The 2020 BMW X6 is the crossover coupe that "nose" how to turn heads.
Pros Daring shape Imposing look Impressive performance Available V-8 power
Cons Light-up grille? You sure? Very expensive Not practical The X5 and X7 are very good
If the squareback BMW X5 isn't flashy enough for you, its coupe-like cousin—the X6—will be right up your alley. The 2020 model is all new; its sloping roofline and subtle ducktail rear end adds a shapely option to the lineup that looks sportier and more stylish than the X6 it replaces.The 2020 X6 will be offered with either a 335-hp turbocharged inline-six or a twin-turbocharged V-8 that makes a whopping 523 horsepower. The latter is a big bump versus the 2019 model's 445-hp unit. An all-new X6 M is likely but hasn't been announced yet; we review that model separately and expect an even more monstrous horsepower rating from that high-performance model.
The X6 is all-new for 2020.Receives tech and engines updates from the redesigned X5.Up to half a second quicker than last year's model.Launches the third X6 generation for 2020.
Pros Strong acceleration from both engines Comfortable and quiet ride High-quality interior
Cons Sloping roofline cuts down on cargo space Less-than-ideal rear visibility Limited rear-seat headroom
