Alfa Romeo is considering a return to the luxury MPV market, possibly reviving the Autotutto/Romeo van, amidst rising demand, especially in China.
Alfa Romeo design chief Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos hints at the potential revival of the Autotutto/Romeo van.
MPVs are gaining traction once more, with China leading the charge valuing the space they provide as a luxury.
Alfa Romeo’s MPV might be based on the Stellantis’s STLA Large platform.
Autocar recently shared insights from Alfa Romeo’s design head, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, who hinted at the possibility of the brand making a luxury minivan comeback. The discussion, which initially centered on the 33 Stradale supercar, eventually shifted to Alfa’s famed Autotutto/Romeo van. Mesonero-Romanos nostalgically mentioned its beauty and subtly hinted at its potential return, suggesting it’s a viable consideration.
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale | Photo: Alfa Romeo
The renewed interest in MPVs, particularly in China, explains this contemplation. The Chinese market perceives the spaciousness of these vehicles as a luxury, on par with high-tech features and premium audio systems. Brands like Volvo, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Hyundai, and Lexus are already capitalizing on this trend with their respective offerings. Notably, many Chinese automakers, such as BYD, Geely, and SAIC, are also introducing their versions.
New Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio | Photo: Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo is no stranger to this segment. From 1954 to 1983, it offered the passenger van “Promiscuo”, which, due to its prolonged presence, holds the title of Alfa’s top-selling vehicle. Alfa Romeo’s CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato, pointed this out, underscoring the brand’s historical connection to vans.
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Review: The Best-Driving 4-Door Sedan
Should Alfa Romeo proceed, it’s unlikely they’ll simply rebrand an existing model. Speculations suggest that their MPV might be developed on the Stellantis’s STLA Large platform, incorporating additional luxury features. As Alfa Romeo aims to expand its global presence, a China-centric MPV could complement their future product lineup, which also includes a large SUV planned for 2027.
