Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV leaked

Alfa Romeo's first SUV, the Stelvio, has broken cover ahead of its official launch at this week's Los Angeles motor show.

Leaked by US website Autonews.com, three images of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio show a smooth, sporty design that will be powered by one of two engine choices initially.

Both are reportedly turbo-petrol, the first is a four-cylinder 2.0-litre (206kW/415Nm), the second a thumping 2.9-litre V6 (375kW/600Nm) reserved for top-spec QV variants.

The leaked details make no mention of a diesel engine, but it's virtually guaranteed to eventuate for European markets.

Autonews.com reckons the V6-powered Alfa Romeo Stelvio can accelerate to 60mph (97km/h) in 3.9 seconds, and reports that the SUV will employ the brand's Q4 all wheel-drive system to enhance performance and safety.

It's not clear if the SUV will have the 305km/h top speed as its sedan cousin, the Giulia.

A special "torque vectoring differential" will "improve traction and stability" according to the Autonews.com story, and the Q4 system can also shunt up to 60 per cent torque to the front axle.

Aimed at vehicles such as the Porsche Macan and Jaguar F-PACE, the new mid-size SUV is based on the same platform as the upcoming 305km/h Giulia sedan and the company has high hopes it will be a big seller.

The Stelvio SUV will employ a similar interior finish as the Giulia, with a flat-bottom steering wheel and paddle shifters, not to mention an advanced infotainment system with connectivity galore along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality.

Built in Italy at the Cassino plant, Autonews.com says the new model will begin arriving in showrooms from 2017, offered in 13 different colours.

Stay tuned to motoring.com.au for the official details after the Alfa Romeo Stevlio makes its global debut at the 2016 Los Angeles motor early (5:00am) on November 17, Australian time.