Alfa Romeo Tonale Concept: The Brand’s First PHEV

Italian brand Alfa Romeo has just revealed a new concept SUV at the Geneva Auto Show, and it previews what could be its first plug-in hybrid model.

In the summer of 2018, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced that a small SUV would join Alfa Romeo’s lineup—in addition to a full-size utility vehicle—and the eventual production version of the Tonale will be positioned below the current Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

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The brand’s designers claim the Tonale Concept’s styling is inspired by “the beauty and nuances associated with human forms, and the organic movement of light resulted by pure lines and volumes.” It inevitably shares a family resemblance with Alfa Romeo’s other models.

The Tonale Concept’s cockpit “is designed comfortably for four passengers”, and rounds up aluminum, leather and Alcantara to create a warm and luxurious atmosphere. The driver gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, while the infotainment system boasts a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

The vehicle is said to be connected to the Alfa Romeo Lifestyle and Social communities; the Alfista feature provides a connected interface with Alfa Romeo clubs and community events in addition to news and updates about the brand. Customers will be able to order tickets online or confirm attendance to events and gatherings, and win VIP access to sponsored events. The Paddock feature is an in-vehicle garage and market for buying performance upgrades as well as interior and exterior equipment.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain will offer three drive modes through its Alfa D.N.A. system, including Dual Power that maximizes output from both the gasoline engine and electric motor, Natural that optimizes performance and efficiency for everyday driving as well as Advance E for driving under electric power alone. No technical details have been revealed so far regarding the PHEV powertrain, but last year, Alfa Romeo said its new technology would provide a fully electric driving range of more than 50 kilometres in addition to a 0-100 km/h time of about 4.5 seconds.

In the next few years, Alfa Romeo will also reveal a new 8C with a twin-turbo engine and a hybrid system for a combined output of more than 700 horsepower, along with a new GTV coupe that will feature an E-Boost powertrain with more than 600 horsepower.