Four-wheel drive, a single sporty attitude: 75 years of Alfa Romeo all-wheel drive

• From 1951's 1900M “Matta” to the latest models, Alfa Romeo continues its long tradition of all-wheel drive, ensuring an increasingly safe and engaging experience.
• Q4 technology currently covers the entire line-up, depending on market: Junior in the Ibrida version; Tonale in the Ibrida Plug-In and 2.0 GME turbo petrol variants; Giulia in the turbo diesel and petrol versions; finally, Stelvio in its turbo diesel and petrol configurations, as well as in the iconic Quadrifoglio version. 
• According to model, the Q4 system is available in two different architectures – electric or mechanical – which ensure the highest levels of traction, safety and driving pleasure on low-grip routes or in demanding weather conditions.
• In 2025, Q4 versions accounted for 26% of Alfa Romeos sold globally, confirming the importance of all-wheel drive technology in the brand's strategy.
   

Ensuring maximum sportiness and the best possible traction, even in the most demanding grip conditions, while preserving the dynamic precision that represents the brand’s very essence. This is the key principle of Q4, Alfa Romeo’s renowned all-wheel drive system as adopted by all models in the line-up, as part of two different architectures united by the same design philosophy: on the one hand, the mechanical technology applied to the Q4 system of the Giulia high-performance sedan and the Stelvio premium SUV; on the other, the innovation of the Q4 all-wheel drive offered in the hybrid versions of the Junior and Tonale.

This technological vision is rooted in a long, complex tradition. Indeed, all-wheel drive has formed part of Alfa Romeo's technical history for almost a century. Back in the 1920s, the brand experimented with prototypes that followed a 4x4 layout, although the first concrete application came in 1951 with the 1900M “Matta”, equipped with an off-road all-wheel drive system. In the 1980s, the spread of four-wheel drive sports cars brought this technology back into focus. Alfa Romeo made its debut in 1984 with the Alfa 33 4x4, initially in the Giardinetta version, then also in the sedan, evolving the system with the introduction of electromagnetic coupling. A turning point for this technology came in 1991, as demonstrated by the Protéo concept equipped with a new 4x4 system with viscous coupling, and by the announcement of the intention to introduce an all-wheel drive version in all models. In the same year, the 33 Permanent 4 was launched, fitted with permanent all-wheel drive with viscous coupling and positioned at the apex of the high-performance line-up. Subsequently, from 1992 onwards every Alfa Romeo all-wheel drive version took the name Q4, as adopted on the 33, 155 and 164 models; racing cars based on the 155 Q4 went on to win the 1992 Italian Superturismo Championship and the 1993 DTM. In the following years, Q4 technology continued to evolve and expand: on the 156, it also gave rise to the specific Crosswagon version, whereas with the 159, Brera and Spider models, all-wheel drive came to be offered across the line-up; the Q4 system also made its debut in a Biscione-brand spider.

We then come to the present day, when Alfa Romeo all-wheel drive is being taken ahead into a new technological generation, integrating electrification and innovation without losing its sporty DNA. Specifically, with the Junior and Tonale in their hybrid versions, the Q4 system is evolving towards a new frontier, where the intelligence of a dual motor makes all-wheel drive possible with no mechanical connection between the two axles. The combustion engine operates on the front axle, supported by electrification, with a dedicated electric unit intervening on the rear to distribute torque quickly and predictively. The absence of longitudinal transmission components reduces inertia and system weight, as well as ensuring instant traction management.

Giulia and Stelvio, on the other hand, represent the purest expression of Alfa Romeo's mechanical tradition applied to all-wheel drive. Their Q4 system adopts an Active Transfer Case (ATC), a compact, lightweight powertrain equipped with a new-generation active clutch that physically links the two axles and modulates the torque distribution in real time. In normal conditions, the cars favor rear-wheel drive, preserving balance and precision of entry; when conditions require, torque is transferred to the front axle progressively and continuously, ensuring superior traction, stability, and control. A refined solution that guarantees reliability, consistency of response, and a benchmark dynamic in their respective segments, confirming Giulia and Stelvio as authentic masterpieces of engineering.

The Alfa Romeo Q4 system remains consistent with its main mission, i.e. to ensure maximum traction without sacrificing sportiness, to preserve neutral and engaging dynamic behavior, as well as to ensure safety and control in all driving conditions. The relevance and customer appreciation of Q4 technology is clearly demonstrated by the sales results: in 2025, Q4 versions accounted for 26% of Alfa Romeos sold globally, with a significant spread on the Stelvio (90%) and Giulia (52%), while the Tonale stood at 28% and Junior – introduced last year – at 6%. At the end of the day, all-wheel drive has never been merely a technical solution for Alfa Romeo but rather a structural component of driving pleasure, created to meet the needs of a broad, all-encompassing customer base: from fans of winter and summer sports and vintage all-wheel drive enthusiasts to those looking for absolute versatility and the ability to tackle city traffic as well as low-grip routes or demanding weather conditions, naturally and with character.
 

Junior
All-wheel drive is an essential factor for a premium brand like Alfa Romeo: it is always available in the Junior Ibrida Q4 – even at low battery – courtesy of Power Looping Technology. The system combines a 1.2 turbocharged engine with 136 hp and two 21-kW electric motors, for a total output of 145 hp. The architecture includes an electric motor in the front, integrated into the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a second motor mounted on the rear axle, resulting in all-wheel drive with no physical connection between the two axles. This configuration ensures optimal torque distribution and high levels of traction in all conditions. The Q4 system further improves the dynamic performance of the Junior Ibrida, with faster and more precise cornering than the front-wheel drive version. The result is greater agility and responsiveness, without compromising stability and control. To support this dynamic balance, the Q4 setup simultaneously reduces understeer, enabling the car to maintain a more natural and precise trajectory when cornering. The all-wheel drive enters into dialog with the DNA selector, making it possible to adapt the car’s behavior to different conditions: “Dynamic,” for a sporty driving experience with maximum power; “Natural,” ideal for everyday use; “Advanced Efficiency” to optimize fuel consumption and offer a smooth drive; “Q4,” for low-grip conditions, always ensuring the utmost safety and control. In “Natural” and “Advanced Efficiency” modes, the Q4 system operates automatically, prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing all-wheel drive when necessary. Up to 90 km/h, the car operates predominantly in front-wheel drive (FWD), to maximize energy efficiency. Conversely, In Dynamic mode, from 0 to 40 km/h the car always operates in AWD, distributing torque on both axles; over 40 km/h it automatically switches to front-wheel drive to reduce energy loss. When Q4 mode is selected, the all-wheel drive remains active up to 30 km/h, ensuring maximum traction when starting up and at low speeds. Beyond this threshold, Smart Q4 mode kicks in and keeps the rear electric motor active to ensure rapid engagement of all-wheel drive up to 90 km/h, with an optimal balance between performance and efficiency. Plus, courtesy of Power Looping Technology, rear-wheel drive remains operational even at low battery: the front electric motor acts as a generator, directly powering its counterpart in the rear. This architecture means the Junior Hybrid Q4 can maintain low fuel consumption and emissions, with CO₂ values below 120 g/km, an efficiency benchmark in its category. The picture is completed by MultiLink independent rear suspension, to guarantee comfort and driving pleasure in everyday use.
 

Tonale
Alfa Romeo Tonale Ibrida Plug-In Q4 offers safe, comfortable and engaging road handling, positioning it at the top of its category for agility and driving dynamics. The 270-hp plug-in hybrid system combines a 1.3 four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 150 hp and 270 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that transmits traction to the front wheels, with a 94-kW (128 hp) and 250-Nm rear electric motor. This architecture provides Q4 all-wheel drive with no mechanical connection between the two axles, by coordinating the propulsion systems electronically and ensuring stability, traction and particularly effective handling even on low-grip surfaces.
The functionality of the DNA selector has been redesigned to take into account the car’s specific characteristics, enhancing its efficiency and performance: the Q4 traction and the intervention of the control electronics can be managed, the action of the engines and gearbox optimally coordinated, and the sensitivity of the controls adjusted. A refined calibration system, to enable drivers to maintain their focus on the road, without the distraction of having to operate various controls. Advanced Efficiency mode is designed for full-electric driving; Natural mode automatically manages the balance between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, favoring efficiency; Dynamic mode maximizes performance with a prompter response on the accelerator, gearbox, and steering. On the Tonale Ibrida Plug-In Q4, the generous availability of torque at the rear actively contributes to its dynamics, by improving traction when exiting corners and limiting understeer.
Alongside guaranteeing all-wheel drive in all conditions, it boasts benchmark performance in its segment: A total output of 270 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h in hybrid mode.

In the Middle East and North America, the Alfa Romeo Tonale comes with the 2.0 GME turbo petrol engine with 268 hp and 400 Nm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive with mechanical technology applied to the Q4 system, based on the use of a PTU (Power Transfer Unit) that dynamically manages torque between the front and rear axles according to driving requirements, delivering up to 100% torque to the rear. This configuration ensures outstanding performance, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h.
 

Giulia & Stelvio
The Q4 all-wheel drive system adopted by the Giulia and Stelvio is one of Alfa Romeo's most distinctive technologies, developed to offer maximum control on any road surface without sacrificing the driving pleasure typical of rear-wheel drive. The system is based on a clear principle: always drive as if in a sports car, with all the safety of all-wheel drive when required. Designed to manage traction in real time, Q4 guarantees performance, efficiency and safety while maintaining low fuel consumption, responsiveness, and the dynamic behavior of a rear-wheel drive. This architecture is perfectly matched to the 210-hp 2.2 turbo diesel with 8-speed automatic transmission and the 280-hp 2.0 GME turbo petrol AT8; it is also included in the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which uses all-wheel drive to better manage the power of the 520-hp twin-turbo V6. Under normal conditions, Giulia and Stelvio act like rear-wheel drive cars, ensuring agility and driving precision. When conditions require – for example in the rain, snow or during the sharpest accelerations – the system instantly transfers some of the torque to the front axle, improving stability and traction. The technological heart of the system is the compact, lightweight Active Transfer Case (ATC) – the entire system weighs around 60 kg – equipped with a new-generation active clutch. Thanks to the Next-Generation Integrated Actuator, torque distribution is modulated very quickly and precisely, in line with the DNA selector settings. This ensures faster response times than traditional all-wheel drive systems, and high overall efficiency. Alongside the ATC comes the compact Front Axle Differential (FAD), designed to manage high torque. The interaction between ATC and FAD provides constant control of vehicle dynamics, monitoring parameters such as wheel speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering angle, and throttle position. The system can therefore prevent skidding before it even occurs, improving safety and driving fluidity. A unique Q4 feature is handling of up to 2.5% of the mechanical slippage between the front and rear axles, which helps to improve traction, directional stability, and cornering precision. All in all, the Giulia and Stelvio Q4 system combines sportiness, safety and engineering intelligence, enabling them to tackle all seasons and routes with the utmost effectiveness, control, and in line with Alfa Romeo's dynamic tradition.

Turin, March 11, 2026