- From the 1951 Alfa Romeo 1900M “Matta” to the current Giulia, Stelvio and Tonale, Alfa Romeo continues its long tradition of all-wheel-drive performance
- Q4 all-wheel-drive technology covers the entire 2026 Alfa Romeo lineup: standard on Stelvio and Tonale SUVs and available on Giulia sedan
- In 2025, Q4 AWD versions accounted for 26% of Alfa Romeo global sales, confirming the importance of all-wheel-drive technology in the brand's strategy
March 13, 2026 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel-drive system is engineered to deliver maximum traction and confident performance in all conditions, without sacrificing the sharp, sporty driving dynamics that reflect the brand’s DNA. Today, every model in the Alfa Romeo lineup offers Q4 AWD capability.
All-wheel drive runs deep in Alfa Romeo's heritage, tracing back to the brand's earliest 4x4 prototypes of the 1920s and the first production application on the 1951 1900M "Matta," an off-road vehicle that set the foundation for future AWD development. The modern era began in 1984 with the Alfa 33 4x4, evolving the AWD system with the introduction of electromagnetic coupling that pushed the technology forward.
A turning point arrived in 1991 with the Protéo concept and the debut of the 33 Permanent 4, which showcased permanent AWD with viscous coupling and led directly to the first wave of Q4-badged models, including the 33, 155 and 164. These vehicles not only demonstrated engineering progress, but they also dominated touring-car racing, with the 155 Q4-based race cars securing the 1992 Italian Superturismo Championship and the 1993 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) title. Through the 1990s and 2000s, Q4 AWD continued to expand across the Alfa Romeo lineup, from the rugged 156 Crosswagon to the 159, Brera and Spider, ultimately cementing Q4 as a core pillar of Alfa Romeo performance, versatility and all-weather capability.
For 2026, Alfa Romeo Q4 continues that tradition while advancing all-wheel-drive technology. In the U.S., Tonale is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine delivering 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a standard mechanical Q4 all-wheel-drive system. This setup uses a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) to actively manage torque distribution between the front and rear axles, delivering up to 100% of torque to the rear axle when needed. The result is strong all-weather capability and confident acceleration.
Giulia y Stelvio, featuring a 280-horsepower, 306-lb.-ft. of torque, 2.0-liter, turbocharged I-4 mated to an eight-speed automatic, implement a rear-biased Q4 AWD system that uses a lightweight Active Transfer Case to send torque to the front axle when conditions require. Standard on Stelvio and available on Giulia, this setup preserves a rear-drive feel during everyday driving while adding stability in rain and snow, as well as spirited launches. Constant monitoring of wheel speed, steering angle and throttle input allows the system to deliver quick, seamless torque distribution, maintaining the agile, performance-focused dynamics that Alfa Romeo is known for.
In 2025, Q4 AWD variants represented more than a quarter of Alfa Romeo's global sales. For many owners, whether carving through winter weather, tackling mountain roads or braving the daily commute, Q4 AWD delivers the versatility, confidence and unmistakable dynamic character that define the Alfa Romeo driving experience.
Alfa Romeo
Nacido en 1910 en Milán, Italia, Alfa Romeo ha diseñado y fabricado algunos de los autos más elegantes y deportivos en la historia automotriz. La tradición se mantiene firme en la actualidad mientras Alfa Romeo sigue adoptando un enfoque único e innovador para diseñar automóviles. El Alfa Romeo Tonale, el primer SUV compacto de la marca, simboliza la metamorfosis de la legendaria marca Alfa Romeo, destacada por una nueva era de lujo y conectividad, con un motor turboalimentado de serie, tracción Q4 en todas las ruedas, Uconnect 5 y sistemas avanzados de asistencia al conductor. El Alfa Romeo Stelvio establece un referente en rendimiento, estilo y tecnología en el segmento de los SUV. El galardonado Alfa Romeo Giulia ofrece un desempeño inspirado en las carreras, tecnologías de avanzada y una experiencia de manejo apasionante en el segmento sedán premium de tamaño mediano. El Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale fabricado a mano, inspirado en el legendario Tipo 33 Stradale de 1967, combina la artesanía italiana personalizada y el rendimiento de 630 caballos de fuerza en una producción exclusiva de solo 33 unidades en todo el mundo.
Alfa Romeo forma parte de la cartera de marcas ofrecidas por el fabricante de automóviles y proveedor líder de movilidad Stellantis. Para obtener más información sobre Stellantis (NYSE: STLA),visite www.stellantis.com.
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