Alfa Romeo unveiled the new Tonale, a car that represents the brand’s evolution while maintaining faithful to its Italian sportiness DNA since 1910. Alfa Romeo is undergoing a drastic transformation with the all-new Tonale, as it prepares for a new age of connection and electrification.

A true Alfa Romeo for the new automotive era

Because of the outstanding work done at the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, the Tonale’s final design stays loyal to the concept vehicle from which it gets its inspiration.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale features a distinct, sensual, and forward-thinking design that extols new stylistic canons that will serve as points of reference in the future Alfa Romeo line-up: five-hole alloy wheels, the cluster in the ‘telescopic’ instrument panel, the three-spoke sports steering wheel, and the sine-curve headlights.

Its modest proportions – length 4.53m, width 1.84m, and height 1.6m – capture the essence of Italian design as well as Alfa Romeo’s own, modern flair.

Performance and state of the art EV features

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is equipped with a variety of fuel-efficient hybrid engines, demonstrating the company’s firm commitment to a future-focused on sustainable transportation. The Tonale isn’t just adapting to new requirements; it’s reinterpreting its DNA in the direction of energy, environmental harmony, efficiency, and intuitiveness when it comes to regulating driving modes.

The Tonale can now provide a true hybrid experience thanks to this innovative technology. The Alfa Romeo line-up will be electrified in two levels: hybrid and plug-in hybrid. This is the first stage in the process of electrifying the Alfa Romeo lineup.

The Tonale is the first car to include a hybrid Variable-Geometry Turbo (VGT) engine with 160 horsepower. Front-wheel drive and new hybrid technology are standard on this model.

Its variable-geometry turbocharger, in conjunction with a seven-speed Alfa Romeo TCT dual-clutch gearbox and the 48-volt 15kW 55Nm P2 electric motor, allows the 1.5-liter petrol engine to drive the wheels even when the internal combustion engine is switched off. Alfa Romeo chose this technological approach in order to provide a genuine electrified experience.

The transmission allows for electric start-up and travels at low speeds, as well as when parking and cruising, ensuring typical petrol engine performance with consumption (petrol and electric combined) comparable to a diesel engine, as well as the extremely linear power delivery and consistent acceleration.

The new four-cylinder 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine with 130hp and 240Nm of torque, along with the distinctive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and built-in 48-volt 15kW and 55Nm ‘P2’ electric motor, is the entry point into the Tonale universe.

The special 275hp plug-in hybrid Q4, the most powerful version in the line-up in terms of performance and amount of electrification, ensures top performance. The sophisticated hybrid system uses a 1.3-liter MultiAir turbo petrol engine from the Global Small Engine family to provide front-wheel traction, while the electric motor drives the back wheels.

The system features a 15.5kWh battery and produces 275hp in total. With a time of 6.2 seconds from zero to 62 mph, it is the sportiest vehicle in its class. Q4 all-wheel drive is standard on the plug-in hybrid variant, providing unrivaled safety and driving enjoyment.

With an electric range of up to 80km on the city cycle and over 60km on the combined cycle, the Tonale Q4 is also the most efficient plug-in hybrid C-SUV. When utilizing the 7.4kW fast charger, a full battery charge takes 2.5 hours for optimal efficiency.

The exterior expresses true Italian style

The new Tonale is a development of the concept vehicle that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019. The Centro Stile Alfa Romeo has guaranteed that the concept car’s specification is carried over into the production car, resulting in a vehicle that blends historic Alfa Romeo aesthetic aspects, reinvented in the name of modernity, with Italian design qualities.

The sides are distinguished by an extended curve below the waist rail called as the ‘GT Line,’ which extends from the back to the headlights, giving the car’s body and profile distinction. Special surface modeling in the lower half of the sides expresses sensuality and athleticism in the car’s body.

All of these distinguishing characteristics are profoundly embedded in the brand’s DNA. Its rich volumes and sensuality are evocative of models like the 8C Competizione in terms of modeling.

The new floating ‘Scudetto’ shield, which is no longer a part of the bumper but rather a distinguishing feature, stands out on the front. The bottom section has two primary side air intakes that, when combined with the shield, form the Trilobo. The ‘3+3’ headlights inspired by the SZ Zagato and the Proteo concept vehicle are prominent in the top half of the front.

The ‘3+3’ headlights were created in collaboration with Marelli and include a novel full-LED adaptable matrix. The three modules form a distinctive face for the automobile and concurrently give daylight, dynamic turn signals, and a ‘hello and farewell’ function (activated when the driver turns the car on or off).

The Tonale features new lighting technology such as Adaptive Driving Beam, which adjusts the dipped headlights based on speed and driving conditions; Glare-Free High Beam Segmented Technology, which automatically detects traffic in front and travels in the opposite direction to avoid glare from other cars; and a third module that is automatically activated when turning corners to ensure the best lateral lighting.

These technologies provide enhanced efficiency in terms of longevity and energy savings, with double the light intensity of traditional halogen lights and reduced emissions, as well as improved safety, with less eye strain and improved driving comfort.

At the back, the light unit is once again the star. It reworks the concept car’s suggestion into a type of sine curve that passes from each side of the rear and creates the car’s unmistakable light signature.

The car’s upper rear volume is defined by the roundness and now-classic fold in the lower centerline shape of the rear window, in a sporty yet elegant manner, evoking iconic cars like the 8C Competizione where the daylight opening (DLO), the edges of the side windows, and the top of the rear window meet.

The production vehicle now has the new teledial alloy wheels, which were popular on the concept car. This is a reinterpretation of the perforated telephone dial motif, which debuted in the 1960s with classic vehicles like the 33 Stradale.

The holes have steadily grown in size over time, initially to accommodate technological solutions and ideas, then to meet the demands for brake cooling, lightness, and resistance. To complement the Tonale’s shape, alloy wheels in sizes of 17, 18, 19, and 20 inches are offered.

Racing inspired interior

The new SUV’s interior design is inspired by Alfa Romeo’s racing tradition, reflecting its enthusiasm via its dynamic and forceful shapes. The lines strike a balance between harmony and effort, giving the impression that the whole vehicle is constantly ready to move.

Even though the inside is meant for passenger comfort, everything is geared toward the driver. The diagonal tunnel, gently undulating dashboards, and instruments facing the driver have been made to seem like cloth. All of the controls, both tactile and digital, are within easy reach of the driver and may be accessed via the center display.

As a result, clients may enjoy a distraction-free driving experience where passion and safety coexist.

The telescopic instrument panel, with its distinct Alfa Romeo style matrix, and the small steering wheel, which offers a crisp and direct driving feel, are two of the new model’s distinguishing features. The distinctive aluminum shift paddles offer a touch of class to the steering wheel.

The new D.N.A. driving mode selection, small central air conditioning vents and exterior turbine-shaped vents, the center tunnel, and handles have a diamond texture inspired by precise mechanical processing with laser engraving.

The dashboard also contains a backlight insert that displays a graphic while the panel is turned off and disappears when the panel is turned on, revealing a fresh backdrop utilizing the multicolored backlight.

The seat textiles have the same 3D elements, from the most basic to the highest-spec variants, which include a gradient effect with contrasting backdrop color in Alcantara and vegan leather. The ergonomic chairs, which are upholstered in a neoprene fabric similar to that used in sports, are ideal for daily usage.

The Tonale’s interior is a unique, all-encompassing experience, made possible by an immersive, inviting passenger compartment with dynamic elements favored by car enthusiasts.

Level 2 autonomous driving

The new model comes with new Alfa Romeo Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for Level 2 autonomous driving, which includes automated acceleration, braking, and lane-keeping while retaining optimum driving safety and preserving the joy of sitting behind the wheel.

The forward-facing camera, which longitudinally and laterally monitors all of the car’s surroundings, and the Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) and Lane Centering (LC) technologies combine to provide Level 2 autonomous driving in the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which automatically changes the car’s speed to maintain a safe distance from cars ahead, as well as Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Control, are all part of the IACC system. The former makes use of the onboard camera to recognize traffic signs, show them on the screen, and notify the driver of the current speed limit.

The latter instructs the motorist to lower his or her speed to the detected limit. The cruise control settings are automatically modified if the driver allows it. The LC system, on the other hand, manages the car’s sideways movement to maintain it in the middle of the lane, even in heavy traffic.

Top safety systems, both active and passive

The new model has active and passive safety systems that are appropriate for daily driving. Innovative gadgets and systems that perfect the interaction between the driver, the car, and the road are standard throughout the range, in addition to the front, side, and curtain airbags.

Drowsy Driver Detection, which checks the vehicle’s movements to detect any driver fatigue, and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Vulnerable Road Users, which alerts the driver of danger and brings the vehicle to a complete stop to mitigate a collision with and recognize the presence of a pedestrian or cyclist.

The device generates alarms and/or visual alerts when a specific threshold is surpassed, advising the driver to take a rest. Rear Seat Reminder Alert, which detects an object put on the back seat via the tailgate, adds to the Tonale’s features.

The gadget notifies and reminds the driver that the item is there when the automobile is switched off. Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Path Detection, and a 360° View Camera are all available as options.

Driving modes

For the first time in the Alfa SUV, the Alfa D.N.A. driving mode selection includes special functions connected to the electric powertrain. The accelerator pedal in Dynamic mode has been calibrated to provide more effective braking and a more direct steering response.

Natural mode maintains the optimum performance optimization and controls the compromise between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine automatically. As a result, in regular usage, energy conservation and consumption do not come at the price of performance.

In the hybrid version, the Advanced Efficiency (AE) mode is tuned for maximum energy efficiency, while in the PHEV configuration, AE mode operates the model in full-electric mode.

Cutting-edge technology, including NFT

Tonale introduces non-fungible token (NFT) technology, a real breakthrough in the automobile industry, in a global first. The Italian brand is the first carmaker to connect a vehicle to a digital certificate issued by the NFT. The system is built on the notion of a ‘blockchain card,’ which is a secure and non-modifiable record of a vehicle’s essential phases of life.

Alfa Romeo’s inventive character is shown by its remarkable off-board innovation. The NFT will capture vehicle data with the customer’s permission, providing a certificate that may be used as a guarantee of the car’s overall condition, potentially increasing its residual value.

NFT accreditation adds another layer of trustworthiness to the pre-owned automobile industry for both owners and dealers. In the meanwhile, customers will feel more confident in their decision to purchase a used automobile.

One of the most notable new features in the Alfa Romeo Tonale is the built-in Amazon Alexa speech assistant, which allows you to feel at ease in your vehicle at all times, making daily life even easier and more convenient.

You may use the Secure Delivery Service to send Amazon items to the car by opening the doors and allowing the courier to leave them inside the vehicle, all while remaining entirely secure.

You may also get vehicle status updates from the comfort of your own home, check the charge and/or fuel level, search for areas of interest, locate your car’s current position, send remote locking and unlocking orders, and much more.

All while staying focused on the road, Alexa may be used to add items to your shopping list, search for a local restaurant, or change lighting or heating linked to your home automation system.