2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio facelift spied almost undisguised

The long-awaited mid-life facelift for the 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio mid-size SUV has been spotted testing with nearly no camouflage, ahead of first Australian deliveries expected next year – alongside an updated Giulia.

An image published on the Autopareri forums (from @instalfisti) provides our first look at the updated Stelvio with minimal camouflage – and while the changes to Alfa Romeo's maiden SUV appear to be more subtle than a typical mid-life update, there's a new set of headlights, joining a lightly-restyled lower bumper.

Captured in more detail in a leaked image posted last week (below), the new headlights adopt a three-eye design similar to the new Tonale small SUV (and earlier SZ of the 1990s) – and are believed to adopt matrix LED technology, according to information found online, replacing the bi-xenon lights fitted to the current Stelvio.

The updated Stelvio's side profile and rear end can't be seen clearly in this initial image, however a new set of 19-inch or 20-inch wheels feature, with revised tail-light graphics also likely (given the headlight changes).

Expect these changes to carry over to the facelifted Giulia sedan, due for launch alongside the Stelvio as a Model Year (MY) 2023 vehicle – rather than MY22, as initially anticipated.

Trainspotters will notice a similarity between the leaked headlight design and teaser images of the reborn GTV coupe shown by Alfa's former parent company Fiat Chrysler in 2018 (above) – effectively a two-door version of the Giulia, riding on the same Giorgio platform also used under the Stelvio.

As reported previously, a "mid-cycle freshening" for the Giulia and Stelvio was confirmed in late 2019 for launch in 2021 – however this never eventuated, likely a result of COVID-19 challenges, semiconductor shortages, or a myriad of other factors.

Alfa Romeo has indicated plans to launch one new model each year to 2026. This will commence with the Tonale small SUV in 2022, with an even-smaller SUV to follow in 2024 – and while they're not considered brand-new models, it leaves space for facelifted Giulia and Stelvio mid-sizers next year.

Alfa Romeo Australia has previously confirmed a Model Year 2022 update for the Giulia and Stelvio is on track for launch in the second half of this year – however it is now understood this is not the cars' mid-life facelifts, which is instead tipped to arrive next year, as a Model Year 2023 vehicle.

"We will share information on the facelifts closer to launch, and we’re still on track for a second half of the year launch for the MY22 [update]," an Alfa Romeo Australia spokesperson told Drive.

The 2023 facelifts for the Giulia mid-size sedan and Stelvio mid-size SUV follow Model Year 2020 updates revealed overseas in late 2019, which focuses on interior upgrades with a new infotainment system, improved interior materials, and upgraded driver assistance technology.

Images have surfaced of what appears to be a digital instrument cluster fitted to the facelifted Stelvio, however these are yet to be verified.

The mid-life updates will keep the mid-size duo fresh until their replacements arrive no earlier than 2025 – rather than 2024 as initially rumoured – riding on parent company Stellantis' new STLA Large electric platform. Click here for more details on those models.

"Our strategy is to have either a new model launch or a significant product event each year until 2030 .... Next year we'll hold a big event supporting the business. We'll launch [an SUV below the Tonale] in 2024," Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato told Automotive News Europe last month.

"It will be Alfa's first full-electric vehicle, but it will also offer versions with combustion engines. We'll launch our first electric-only vehicle in 2025. Starting that year all new models will be 100 percent electric, worldwide," he added, reaffirming the Alfa Romeo brand's plan to switch its entire range to electric power by 2027.

The 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia facelifts are expected to be unveiled next year, as Model Year 2023 vehicles. Stay tuned to Drive for all the latest.