2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio release date, specs news: Exclusive First Edition model now available to order

Alfa Romeo is now taking orders for the First Edition â€” the initial, exclusive model of the Stelvio, which is the Italian automaker's all-new compact luxury crossover.

The all-new Alfa Romeo Stelvio features sporty and dynamic proportions with muscular sculpted lines across the body and distinct wheel arches. It is also very elegant and designed like a compact saloon car. The luxury vehicle also features the Italian automaker's iconic cloverleaf front fascia. Car enthusiasts will also appreciate the Stelvio's eye-catching rear design highlighted by four exhaust tips and "Kamm tail" styling.

The First Edition model comes standard with Bi-Xenon headlights, chrome-plated window frames, rear privacy windows, courtesy lights on door handles, 20-inch alloy rims and colored brake calipers.

Interiors are also comfortable and spacious. The cabin features a driver-centric cockpit with a contoured steering wheel that has an integrated start button and aluminum shift paddles. The full-grain leather seats are electrically adjustable and have heating functions. Next-generation technologies like a 3D navigation system, 8.8-inch dashboard display and 7-inch instrument display are also available.

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder all-aluminum turbo petrol engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with the Q4 all-wheel drive system. The crossover also provides best-in-class acceleration with its ability to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour (mph) in just 5.7 seconds. Top speed is 143 mph.

Available safety technologies include an Integrated Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Brake and Lane Departure Warning. The Stelvio also comes with a rear camera, parking sensors, a power-operated tailgate and automatic main beam headlights.

Aside from First Edition, other configurations of the Stelvio will be released including the range-topping Quadrifoglio model that is powered by a 2.9-liter V6 BiTurbo petrol engine that produces 510 horsepower.

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition is now available to order in Europe. The all-new crossover is expected to arrive in the United States in the second half of 2017.