A powered tailgate really isn't new in 2019 on a relatively high-cost SUV. However the benefits are not to be sniffed at. Basically I'm saying I went on holiday recently and being able to open the Stelvio's boot remotely was a lifesaver.
GRR Garage: When are powered tailgates not an absolute blessing?
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Not a literal lifesaver, obviously, but more an 'I'm carrying two massive suitcases and I really would like to just be able to throw them in the back without stopping' kind of lifesaver.
The joys of being able to double-tap the key fob and watch that cavernous boot open in front of you is strangely large. We had recently spent a week chugging round southern Italy with a small Fiat Panda, which barely had a boot let alone one that was power assisted. The humping in and out and slamming boot lids got tiring after ten days. So arriving at Stansted Airport car park with 40kg of luggage, the ability to just throw the bags in the back and walk off was lovely.
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It's a pretty big boot too. I was away for 10 days, so we had a decent whack of luggage, and then we returned to fill any extra space we had with essentials (olive oil, trinkets... wine). Also to have that massive heft of power under the bonnet so that an extra 40kg isn't going to make your airport drive a laggy hell is well received.
Sometimes a big booted, heavily powered Stelvio Quadrifoglio makes sense.
MPG this week: 24.6.
Main image by Pete Summers.
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