The 115 kWh Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Intensa is a powerful statement. This model raises the Junior Elettrica class, providing a significant jump in power, range and refinement. It’s not simply the specifications on a sheet; it’s how you feel when you’re driving. The Intensa is a whole other beast, and this is easy to spot the moment you take the driver’s seat.

After a week of driving the Intensa hard, I have a much better idea of how the car takes the mundane act of driving and turns it into something remarkable. Tested in the real world – over school runs in heavy rain, and spirited jaunts along country roads. In this review, I will explain how it compares to other Junior Elettrica models in performance, practicality, technology and running costs. For you, upgrading or just staring at the peak of the market in premium EVs, this deep dive will give you the insights you want.

Quick Recap: Intensa (115 kWh) Highlights

• Exceptional Range: As much as 410 miles (WLTP) as opposed to 250 miles in the standard model.
• Thrilling Power: 280 hp for the Intensa vs. 156 hp in the base model.
• Luxurious Cabin: Leather seats, ambient lighting and a high-end infotainment system as the standard.
• Rapid Charging: 100kW fast charging (10–80% in 30 minutes) and 11kW AC home charging.
• Sharpened Handling: Adaptive damping and a sports-tuned suspension produce a more dynamic drive.
• Comprehensive Safety: Full ADAS package included free of charge.
• Exclusive Styling: Unique 20-inch alloys and special Intensa decors.

Urban Agility: How the Intensa Navigates City Life

Negotiating narrow, cramped streets in a bustling city centre is always a vehicle’s most demanding challenge, and the Intensa is no exception. Its dual-motor design delivers immediate torque, so it’s easy to feel like you’re tearing out of stoplights. There’s no delay, just a silky smooth, instantaneous reaction that inspires you to make that leap of faith and risk your life for a free lane of traffic. The adjustable regenerative braking is a real benefit in stop-and-go traffic. I discovered that when it was set up to a more aggressive level, I could drive with just one pedal, which considerably lessened fatigue during a lengthy crawl through traffic jams and at the same time, it was putting energy back into the battery.

The all-wheel drive system isn’t just good for performance; it offers real peace of mind on slick, wet city streets. Other cars struggled for traction on the oily roundabouts, but the Intensa was still and calm. The steering is another highlight, with that classic Alfa Romeo DNA, it’s precise, engaging and communicative. Unlike a lot of EVs, which can feel numb and detached when moving at low speeds, the Intensa delivers a level of feedback that keeps you engaged behind the wheel, turning even a slow trip through busy city streets into an unexpectedly enjoyable experience.

Practicality is a big part of its appeal in the city. Its compact SUV size makes parking easy, and a suite of cameras and sensors takes the guesswork out when backing into tight parallel spaces. Its raised driving position allows for a clear view of the road ahead, so you can better predict when pedestrians and oncoming drivers will move. One result of the peaceful electric powertrain is that the cabin becomes a quiet haven, shielding you from the clamour and madness outside. Following a busy day, the trip home is a breath of fresh air on your controls.

• Instant Torque from Dual Motors: Effortless acceleration when merging and pulling away from junctions.
• Customisable Regenerative Braking: Allows for intuitive one pedal driving in stop-and-go traffic, lessens fatigue and enhances efficiency.
• All-Wheel Drive Grip: When it comes to wet, icy city streets, it doesn’t get better than this.
• Precise Steering: Enjoy a responsive and engaging driving experience even in traffic jams.

Motorway Mastery: Long-Distance Cruising in the Intensa

Where the Intensa really turns it up a gear is in the broad daylight of the motorway. Touring trips, which tend to be nerve-wracking on the range front for EV owners, are transformed into leisurely, assured affairs. With a real-world range that easily exceeds 350 miles at sustained highway speeds, charging stops can be minimal on a round trip from London to Manchester. That ability fundamentally alters the ownership proposition and brings the Intensa in line with its petrol equivalents for grand touring.

The human cabin has a large bearing on long-haul comfort. At 70mph, the interior is surprisingly quiet, with wind and road noise subdued to a low buzz. This refinement, and the fantastic Harman Kardon sound system, make the car a great place to spend hours. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist feel like one cohesive system that diminishes the mental effort of driving in stop-and-go traffic. The system keeps a safe distance from the car ahead and applies light steering to keep you centred in your lane, so long stretches on the M1 are almost effortless.

Ride quality is also exceptional courtesy of the active suspension system. It skillfully glides over waves and bumps on Britain’s motorways without the jolts that can make long drives tiring. On even the famously lumpy stretches of the M25, the Intensa held firm, absorbing the shocks without rattling the peace of the cabin. The seats are leather and supportive, so the aches and pains never set in, making you feel as if you could go out for another hour (or four) when you arrive at your destination.

• 410-Mile WLTP Range: Instils peace of mind for long-distance travel without having to stop for charging often.
• Active Suspension System: The active suspension is able to compensate quickly and smoothly for road irregularities, providing you with comfort and stability on the motorway.
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Minimise driver fatigue by utilising effortless adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
• Quiet Cabin: Windscreen and road noise are virtually non-existent, resulting in a tranquil environment for the long runs.

Performance Edge: Why the Intensa Outpaces Other Variants

With 280 hp at its disposal, the Intensa offers a performance that clearly sets it apart from the base Junior derivatives. The rush from 0 to 60 mph is completed in just over six seconds, a number that pushes it into the performance car category. This acceleration isn’t just for show; it’s a real-world benefit in everyday driving. Passing slow traffic on a narrow road is quick and safe, and you can enter a rapidly moving motorway with complete confidence. The power delivery is immediate and linear and pins you to your seat with a sustained surge that is at once exhilarating and managed, controlled so you have a sense of command.

Switch the drive mode selector to Dynamic, and the Intensa is unleashed for real. The throttle response becomes crisper, the steering heavier, and the adaptive suspension stiffer, and the car becomes an agile, reactive beast. The battery’s position low in the chassis establishes a low centre of gravity that reduces body roll and lets the vehicle navigate corners with exceptional stability. On a twisty B-road, the Intensa is solid and willing, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system distributing power to grip maximising you out of bends. It provides a degree of agility that is a rare sight in the electric SUV category.

Yet it still doesn’t detract from daily usability. Switch back in ‘Comfort’ mode and the suspension softens, the steering lightens, and the powertrain becomes more docile. At this setting, the Intensa is ideal for family day trips or running daily errands, providing a comfortable and relaxed ride. The Intensa’s is this duality that makes it so strong. It is a comfortable, practical family SUV that, with the turn of a dial, is transformed into a truly engaging driver’s car – with a range of ability which few competitors can match.

• 280 Horsepower Dual Motors: Enjoy brisk acceleration (0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds) for assertive passing on the road.
• Dynamic Drive Mode: Enhances throttle, steering and suspension operation for an active involvement in sports driving.
• Low Centre of Gravity: Delivers minimal body roll and outstanding cornering stability.
• Intelligent All-Wheel Drive: Balances traction and torque delivery for best grip and performance.

Practicality and Polish: Daily Life with the Intensa

You can’t own a performance car for ten years if you don’t enjoy living with it every day, and the Intensa is one hell of a practical family car. The cabin is finished in excellent materials, and the supportive leather seats even make long journeys comfortable. The heated front seats are a welcome luxury on a cold morning, and a large panoramic sunroof bathes the interior with sunlight, giving it an open and spacious feel. It’s these thoughtful touches that transform the everyday driving experience.

The space for passengers is generous. In the rear, two adults can comfortably sit at least a couple on this journey that is a bit longer. Away for a weekend with the family, my two children in the rear had literally no complaints about feeling cramped, a rare achievement. Rear air vents and USB-C ports keep the back-seat occupants comfortable and their devices charged, staving off bickering before it can even begin. The cabin has a whole host of clever storage compartments, including a wireless charging pad up front and big door pockets that can hold drinks and other items.

The boot capacity is a roomy 400 litres, and we had more than enough space to chuck all our family bags for a weekend away in there, along with a folded buggy. When you need extra space, the rear seats recline for transporting larger things such as bicycles or flat-pack furniture. The inclusion of a 50-litre frunk (front trunk) is a nice touch, as this is the ideal spot to keep the charging cables apart from your luggage and within easy reach. It’s this combination of luxury, space and intelligent design that makes the Intensa such a pleasure to live with.

• 400-Litre Boot Capacity: You will get plenty of room for your luggage, shopping, or baby buggy.
• Spacious Rear Seats: Provide enough space for adult passengers to enjoy sufficient legroom and headroom.
• 50-Litre Frunk: Swipe your card on the frunk, where you’ll find separate storage for charging cables and other small items.
• Premium Cabin Materials: The luxury of leather seats, heated front seats and a panoramic sunroof to brighten up the day.

The Tech Advantage: Inside the Intensa’s Digital Cockpit

The suite of technologies in the Intensa is a big jump, adding more convenience and safety features. At the centre of the dash is a bright 12.25-inch touchscreen, which is the control centre for the car’s infotainment system. The interface is snappy and user-friendly with a sensible menu system that makes it easy to find what you need on the move. Connecting my phone through Bluetooth was straightforward, and because there’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can access your apps and media right away without having to plug in. The premium Harman Kardon sound system produces clear, engaging audio, so you can turn any one of these drives into your own private concert.

The driver’s display is no less impressive, a fully digital screen that can be customised to display all sorts of information, including navigation instructions and energy use. The graphics are crisp and clear enough that you don’t have to pull your eyes away from the road. The system is integrated, so route guidance in the central screen is also delivered to the driver’s display, so you’ll never miss a turn. Combined, these suites of features deliver a connected, user-friendly experience that is wholly contemporary.

Safety-wise, the Intensa is well equipped with a full suite of Advanced Driver-assistance Systems (ADAS). With features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Blind-Spot Monitoring working in concert to help make driving safer and less stressful. During my testing, these aids were balanced, unobtrusive and non-alarming in their gentle proddings. Whether you’re in stop-and-go city traffic or cruising at speed on the motorway, the Intensa’s technology works as a constant co-pilot, helping you stay aware with an added layer of protection.

• 12.25-inch Touchscreen: Responsive and easy to use with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Harman Kardon Premium Sound: Provides a rich and exhilarating audio experience.
• Comprehensive ADAS Suite: Adds an extra layer of safety with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
• Configurable Digital Driver’s Display: Offers clear, tailored driving information straight in the driver’s line of sight.

Ownership Costs: The Intensa in the UK

Although the Intensa is priced at the top of its segment, its running costs are astonishingly low for a car with these performance figures. Considering the average UK electricity price, a full charge at home costs me about £23 after driving over 350 miles of real-world roads. It’s more costly to use public rapid chargers, as an 80% fill-up costs about £30, but the 100kW DC fast-charging capability allows you to charge for up to 200 miles of range in only 30 minutes. This makes long-distance travel, with quick fills, a reality. The 11kW AC on-board charger is also a nice bonus for those with a three-phase supply at home, as charging the beast overnight can fully charge your battery fully charged.

The Intensa is rated in insurance group 33, which is quite high but expected for an EV that focuses on performance. This is balanced by far less maintenance than that of a petrol engine. With no oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems to worry about, servicing is less complicated and less costly. The major consumables are tyres and brakes, and the regenerative braking system also extends the life of the brake pads. These lower-cost maintenance schedules further enhance the long-term value of the vehicle.

In addition, a full three-year warranty with an eight-year warranty on the battery will give you peace of mind. Alfa Romeo has a solid dealership network in the UK, so you can be sure expert help will be there when you need it. When you add the efficiency, low maintenance, and strong warranty into the mix, the Intensa’s total cost of ownership gets a lot more attractive, making its upfront cost easier to justify with long-term savings.

• Low Home Charging Costs: A full charge costs about £23 and provides you with more than 350 miles of range.
• 100kW DC Fast Charging: Adds up to 200 miles of range in around 30 minutes.
• Reduced Maintenance: Less long-term costs because there are no oil changes or engine-related services.
• Comprehensive Warranty: Enjoy peace of mind with three-year vehicle and eight-year battery coverage.

Why the Intensa Justifies Its Premium

The Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Intensa (115 kWh) is not just a top trim level; it is the final expression of the car. It deftly balances exciting performance, an actually usable long-range, and a cabin packed with luxury and technology. It raises the bar for what a high-end electric SUV can be, with a head-and-heart appealing package. Despite not being the cheapest car in the range, the Intensa is exceptional value for money for anyone who wants to get more out of their electric car.

It offers that classic Italian flair and driving fun, associated with the Alfa Romeo badge, but none of the usual compromises. It is a practical family car, a comfortable long-distance tourer, and a thrilling performance machine all combined in one sleek, efficient body. Intensa shows you don’t have to give up passion and engagement to go electric.

If you’re looking for a premium EV that provides an excellent mix of style, substance and soul, the Intensa is a must-visit. It meets the rigours of today’s family life and the aspirations of a keen driver so well you’d be hard-pressed to find a better package. 

Book your test drive at The.Car and experience why this is the Junior Elettrica line’s crowning model.