2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Challenges BMW X3: A Spirited Rival

Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, August 4th 2025 at 9:05 GMT by Philadelphia Inquirer
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The SUV from the storied Italian carmaker stories historically involving breakdowns and unrepairable troubles continues unabated since its 2018 model year debut.

2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: A Spirited Challenger to the BMW X3 in Acceleration, Handling, and Comfort

The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio emerges as a compelling entry in the luxury compact SUV segment, blending Italian flair with performance credentials that aim to rival established players like the BMW X3. This crossover, named after the famous Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps, embodies Alfa Romeo's heritage of driving passion, offering a mix of exhilarating dynamics and everyday usability. In this review, we delve into its key attributes—acceleration, handling, and comfort—while drawing direct comparisons to the BMW X3, a benchmark in the class known for its balanced refinement and sporty edge.

Starting with acceleration, the 2025 Stelvio doesn't disappoint those seeking a thrill behind the wheel. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio variant we tested propels from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 5.5 seconds, according to Alfa Romeo's estimates. This punchy performance is enhanced by an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and responsively, especially in Dynamic mode, where throttle response sharpens and gear changes become more aggressive. The all-wheel-drive system, dubbed Q4, ensures power is distributed efficiently, providing confident launches even on slick surfaces. In real-world driving, the Stelvio feels lively and eager, with a turbocharged surge that builds progressively, making overtaking on highways a joy rather than a chore.

Comparatively, the BMW X3, particularly in its xDrive30i guise with a similar 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder producing 248 horsepower, clocks in at around 6.0 seconds for the 0-60 sprint. While the X3 offers a more linear power delivery, the Stelvio's engine note—a throaty growl that echoes Alfa's racing lineage—adds an emotional layer that's often missing in the more clinical BMW. However, the Stelvio's turbo lag is slightly more noticeable at low speeds than the X3's, which could be a minor drawback for urban commuters. For those craving even more potency, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio ups the ante with a Ferrari-derived 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 churning out 505 horsepower, slashing the 0-60 time to 3.6 seconds. This positions it as a direct competitor to the high-performance X3 M, which boasts 473 horsepower and a 4.1-second sprint. In essence, the Stelvio edges out in raw excitement for acceleration enthusiasts, though the X3 might appeal more to those prioritizing seamless, everyday usability.

Shifting focus to handling, the Stelvio shines as a driver's SUV, leveraging its rear-wheel-drive-biased platform shared with the Giulia sedan. The chassis is tuned for agility, with a low center of gravity and precise steering that provides excellent feedback. On winding roads, the Stelvio corners with poise, minimizing body roll thanks to its adaptive suspension system, which adjusts damping in real time. The Q4 all-wheel-drive intelligently sends up to 50% of torque to the front wheels when needed, ensuring stability without dulling the fun. During our test drives on twisty backroads, the Stelvio felt planted and responsive, encouraging spirited driving with its quick turn-in and balanced weight distribution. The available 20-inch wheels and performance tires further enhance grip, making it feel more like a sport sedan than a tall SUV.

In contrast, the BMW X3 is renowned for its handling prowess, often described as the "ultimate driving machine" in crossover form. Its xDrive system and optional M Sport suspension deliver sharp, composed dynamics, with steering that's direct and communicative. However, the X3 leans toward a more comfort-oriented setup in standard trims, which can make it feel less engaging than the Stelvio on demanding routes. The Alfa's lighter curb weight—around 4,000 pounds versus the X3's 4,100—gives it a slight edge in nimbleness, allowing for quicker direction changes. That said, the X3's optional adaptive dampers provide a broader range of adjustability, from plush to firm, potentially making it more versatile for varied driving conditions. Where the Stelvio truly stands out is in its DNA mode selector, which alters steering weight, throttle mapping, and suspension firmness—Dynamic mode transforms it into a canyon carver, while Advanced Efficiency mode tames it for efficiency. Overall, if handling purity is your priority, the Stelvio offers a more visceral experience, though the X3's polish might win over those seeking a do-it-all daily driver.

Comfort is where the Stelvio makes significant strides for 2025, addressing past criticisms of Alfa Romeo's interiors. The cabin is a blend of premium materials, including soft-touch leather, aluminum accents, and optional carbon fiber trim that evoke a sense of Italian luxury. Front seats are supportive and heated, with ample adjustability, while the rear offers decent legroom for adults, though it's not as spacious as some rivals. The infotainment system features an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, displayed clearly and responsively. Noise insulation has improved, keeping wind and road noise at bay during highway cruises, and the ride quality, even on larger wheels, absorbs bumps effectively without feeling floaty.

When stacked against the BMW X3, the Stelvio's comfort level is competitive but falls short in a few areas. The X3 boasts a more refined cabin with higher-quality plastics and a larger 10.25-inch (or optional 12.3-inch) infotainment screen that's more intuitive via BMW's iDrive system. Rear passengers in the X3 enjoy more headroom and legroom, making it better suited for families. The BMW's suspension, especially with adaptive options, provides a smoother ride over imperfect pavement, filtering out harshness that the Stelvio sometimes transmits. Fuel efficiency also tips in the X3's favor, with EPA estimates of 23/29 mpg city/highway compared to the Stelvio's 22/28 mpg. However, the Stelvio counters with unique touches like its flat-bottom steering wheel and paddle shifters, which enhance the driver-centric feel. Safety features are robust in both, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, but the X3's suite feels more seamlessly integrated.

Pricing for the 2025 Stelvio starts at around $46,000 for the base Sprint trim, climbing to over $80,000 for the Quadrifoglio. This undercuts the X3's starting point of about $47,000, though fully loaded models even out. Cargo space is similar, with the Stelvio offering 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 56.5, versus the X3's 28.7/62.7. In terms of reliability, Alfa Romeo has made gains, but the X3's proven track record gives it an edge for long-term ownership.

Ultimately, the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a passionate alternative to the BMW X3, excelling in acceleration and handling for those who crave excitement. Its comfort improvements make it more livable, but it still prioritizes soul over outright practicality. If you're drawn to the romance of Italian engineering, the Stelvio delivers a driving experience that's hard to match. For a more rounded, dependable option, the X3 remains the safe bet. Test drives are essential to feel the difference—after all, in the world of luxury SUVs, emotion often trumps specs.

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2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Challenges BMW X3: A Spirited Rival

2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: A Spirited Challenger to the BMW X3 in Acceleration, Handling, and Comfort