Alfa Romeo Milano EV unveiled: Italian brand's debut electric car is here and will cost around £34k

Views: | Time:2024-04-30 04:17:42

Alfa Romeo has revealed the new Milano - a sporty, compact car that it hopes will attract a fresh and greener generation of Alfisti fans.

That's because it's the first fully-electric model from the brand out of Turin. 

Aiming to bring Alfa Romeo sportiness to the compact SUV segment - the largest European market right now - the Milano offers Italian good looks and the promise of a thrilling drive, be it in near silence.

It's due to be delivered to the UK from the summer, and a hybrid version of the car is also available for those not yet willing to make the full leap to electrification. 

Alfa Romeo has launched its first fully-electric car: The new Milano which will be available to order early summer. It aims to bring sports performance to the compact market

Alfa Romeo has launched its first fully-electric car: The new Milano which will be available to order early summer. It aims to bring sports performance to the compact market

Drivers can expect the 54kWh battery to offer up to 250 miles of range, which should extend to 366 miles driving around town on the urban cycle

Drivers can expect the 54kWh battery to offer up to 250 miles of range, which should extend to 366 miles driving around town on the urban cycle

A hybrid version will also be available with a petrol 1.2-litre three cylinder turbo. The launch 'Speciale' model will be available as both electric and hybrid

A hybrid version will also be available with a petrol 1.2-litre three cylinder turbo. The launch 'Speciale' model will be available as both electric and hybrid 

In recent years Alfa fans have lamented the marque's absence from the smaller-size segment.

But for 2024, bosses have come through with an all-new compact car. 

Named after the northern Italian city - the founding place of Alfa Romeo in 1910 - the Milano should fill a hole in the dedicated hearts of fans of small Alfas like the Mito, Giulietta and earlier 146 and 147 hatchbacks.

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In fact, it's been six years since Alfa offered a car in this segment, following the demise of the Mito following fairly paltry sales.

In terms of rivals, the Milano is similar in size to the Volvo EX30 at 4.17 metres long, 1.78m wide, and 1.5m tall and shares the same battery to the Abarth 600e and Jeep Avenger - both Fiat and Jeep are also owned by parent company Stellantis.

As the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the manufacturer's line up, it has some proving itself to do, and Alfa have promised it will 'deliver best-in-class driving dynamics'.

READ MORE: Video tour of Gatwick's futuristic electric vehicle charging station - what is Gridserve's Electric Forecourt really like? 

The 'Elettrica' version will come in two power options: the launch edition 156hp or a 'Veloce' 240hp performance model.

Drivers can expect the 54kWh battery to offer up to 250 miles of range, which should extend to 366 miles driving around town on the urban cycle. Charging from 10 to 80 per cent with a 100kW rapid charger will take less than 30 minutes.

But Alfa Romeo is not targeting enormous single-charge driving distances like the longest-range EVs on sale in Britain. 

Instead, it's said to be focusing on what it has traditionally known best: driving thrills. 

The crossover has the most direct steering in its segment, which Alfa claims will deliver extremely precise handling and exceptional road holding qualities. 

Lower sports suspension, front and rear anti-roll bars to improve fast cornering grip, as well as a high-advanced braking system and high-performance 20-inch tyres promise 'pure, recognisably Alfa Romeo sportiness'. 

Alfa's D.N.A system will let you change between 'Natural' everyday use and 'Advanced Efficiency' maximum energy consumption. 

The small stylised proportions feature classic Alfa limited overhangs, muscular wheel arches and the iconic 'kamm tail' (from the legendary Giulia TZ sports car)

The small stylised proportions feature classic Alfa limited overhangs, muscular wheel arches and the iconic 'kamm tail' (from the legendary Giulia TZ sports car)

The 3+3 adaptive Full Led Matrix headlights are a key exterior design feature which combine crossover functionality and driving ease with bold design

The 3+3 adaptive Full Led Matrix headlights are a key exterior design feature which combine crossover functionality and driving ease with bold design

Don't panic: you can buy one with a petrol engine 

READ MORE: Best new EVs arriving in 2024: 10 electric cars we think will be standouts this year

While the Stellantis owned brand is putting down its first EV marker, there will also be a hybrid model, with a 1.2-litre three cylinder turbo. 

The UK market won't get the all-wheel drive version, but we might get a front wheel drive version. 

Looks are on-brand with Italian flare and heritage mixed with a level of functionality expected of a crossover. 

The small stylised proportions feature classic Alfa limited overhangs, muscular wheel arches, the iconic 'kamm tail' (from the legendary Giulia TZ sports car) and 3+3 adaptive Full Led Matrix headlights.

Inside the Milano is 'driver-oriented for an authentic and engaging driving experience'. The sporty theme continues, with Alfa implementing its historical ‘Cannocchiale’ design with the instrument panel which has a 10.25-inch digital driving screen.

In terms of new car tech there's a 10.25-inch customisable widget touchscreen in the middle of the dash, and every driver can create their own homepage for easy intuitive use.

A nice touch is the four-leaf clover air conditioning vent shape - the symbol of Alfa Romeo sportiness. 

Inside the Milano is 'driver-oriented for an authentic and engaging driving experience' with a continuing sporty theme and Italian flare

Inside the Milano is 'driver-oriented for an authentic and engaging driving experience' with a continuing sporty theme and Italian flare

Alfa's implemented its historical ‘Cannocchiale’ design with the instrument panel which has a 10.25-inch digital driving screen - part of Alfa Romeo's racing pedigree

Alfa's implemented its historical ‘Cannocchiale’ design with the instrument panel which has a 10.25-inch digital driving screen - part of Alfa Romeo's racing pedigree

It's not just sportiness, the Milano is practical for a small car: The boot is the largest of any electric car in its class with a load capacity of 400 litres

It's not just sportiness, the Milano is practical for a small car: The boot is the largest of any electric car in its class with a load capacity of 400 litres

Although its focused on being the sportiest crossover in its class, the Milano also prioritises practicality and ease of use. 

The boot is the largest on any electric car in its class with a load capacity of 400 litres and the Milano comes with drivers assists including a 360-defree parking sensors, 180-degree rear camera and semi-autonomous parking.

For easy charging the Milano comes with 'EV Routing' to navigate the driver to their charging needs, with real-time traffic, battery and driving style monitoring to ease range anxiety. 

Orders open early summer with prices yet to be confirmed, but Reuters reports the EV Milano will cost from around £33,785 (39,500 euros) and the hybrid from around £25,574. 

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