Feast your eyes on the Alfa Romeo Milano. Featuring a new design for the famous Italian brand, it is aimed solely at the European compact segment, where you can have a hybrid or fully electric version filled with all the purity, passion and soul you expect from Alfa Romeo. With those obligatory Alfa superlatives out of the way, here’s what you need to know.
The company specifically states that this compact incorporates a new design language for Alfa Romeo. Short overhangs at the front and rear, wide fenders and a high beltline give it a muscular appearance. In addition to the absence of exhaust tips, the electric models will be identified by a modest grille on which the emblematic logo of the company is engraved. The hybrid models feature a traditional grille with classic Alfa Romeo script, but both are placed between a split-light design called “3+3” headlights. 18-inch wheels are standard, with 20-inches available on performance versions.
Measuring just over 13 feet long and nearly six feet wide, the Milano is firmly in the compact realm. The bulky proportions create 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, a figure that Alfa says is best in the compact class. Up front, you’ll find a cockpit with two 10.25-inch digital screens, one dedicated to the driver and the other serving as the central infotainment screen. You will also find numerous buttons for commonly used functionalities. The configuration is the same whether you choose hybrid or electric engines.
Speaking of motorization, the electric versions have a single motor with a 54 kWh battery. In standard form, it generates 156 horsepower and has a range of 255 miles on the WLTP cycle. The Veloce version increases power to 240 hp and you also get a mechanical self-locking differential with tweaked steering, upgraded suspension, big brakes and the aforementioned 20-inch wheels with performance tires. Alfa Romeo doesn’t mention the range tradeoff, but all electric versions can fast charge from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes with 100 kW DC fast chargers.
Opting for the Milano hybrid means a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a 21kW electric motor integrated into the six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Alfa Romeo displays a total power of 136 hp, driving either the front wheels or all four in the Ibrida Q4 version. Electric-only operation is available on the hybrid at speeds up to 93 mph, although there’s no mention of how far you can go without the gas engine kicking in.
If you’re hoping for a North American model, prepare to be disappointed. We spoke with an Alfa Romeo representative who confirmed that Milan is exclusive to Europe. For those on the other side of the Atlantic, the Milano Speciale will be the launch model, available in hybrid or electric form. This special edition benefits from unique trims and wheels and is equipped with a wide range of technological features, including Level 2 driver assistance systems. Pricing is not yet mentioned; hybrid all-wheel drive models will be available later this year.
