Item: Alfa Romeo Giulia
Rating: 4
Author: What Car? Team

This twin-turbo V6 performance model pumps out a ridiculous 503bhp and is a rival to the Mercedes C63 AMG. 0-62mph takes just 3.9 seconds and it makes a glorious noise while doing it. There’s virtually no turbo lag, so our only real complaint is that it likes to drink. A lot.


2.9 V6 BiTurbo

Saloon

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive and has performed very well in the annual What Car? Reliability Survey, while the closely related Stelvio competes in the booming SUV class.

Smaller and larger SUVs are planned, as is a two-door coupé version of the Giulia that will take on the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

GIULIA

The Quadrifoglio gets 19in wheels and bi-xenon headlights as standard, as well as LED rear lights, electrically adjustable leather/Alcantara sports seats, sport suspension with adaptive dampers, uprated brakes, a torque vectoring active rear differential and a fully switchable stability control system. Carbonfibre backed seats and carbon ceramic brakes are optional.


Quadrifoglio

2.9 V6 BiTurbo Quadrifoglio 4dr Auto [ACC]

29-v6-biturbo-quadrifoglio-4dr-auto-acc

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Audi A3 Saloon

Audi A4

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé

BMW 3 Series

DS 5

Genesis G70

Honda Civic Saloon

Hyundai i40

Infiniti Q50

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Kia Stinger

Lexus IS

Mazda 3 Saloon

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Mercedes A-Class Saloon

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Peugeot 508

Skoda Superb

Toyota Camry

Vauxhall Insignia

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

The Giulia undercuts its <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/review/n105">Audi A4</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/s60/saloon/review/n123">Volvo S60</a> rivals and generous discounts are available from dealers, as well as through our hassle-free <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/alfa-romeo/giulia/saloon/deals">New Car Buying Service</a>.&nbsp;

It is, though, not expected to hold onto its value as well as its German rivals, and, with no hybrid or plug-in hybrid in the range, none of the engines will prove especially cost-effective as a company car. Like its conventional petrol and diesel rivals, the Giulia will sit in the higher benefit-in-kind tax brackets. Its official fuel economy is also very similar to that of its rivals.

Historically, Alfa hasn't been known for its stellar reliability, but the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2020-what-car-reliability-survey-brands/n20069">2020 What Car? Reliability Survey</a> shows that Alfa has clearly made a massive step forward in recent years. As a brand, it finished 11th out of 31 manufacturers featured, with the Giulia slap-dab in the middle of the executive saloon table, beating the Audi A4 and Mercedes C Class. Alfa Romeo currently offers a five-year warranty (limited to 75,000 miles) on the Giulia, which is better than the cover offered on the vast majority of rivals.

]Equally commendable are the Giulia’s safety credentials. It scored five stars (out of five) in its<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/euro-ncap-safety-ratings-2019-%E2%80%93-how-safe-is-your-car/n17044"> Euro NCAP</a> tests, and a closer inspection of the scores shows that it outperformed the Volvo S60 in the adult occupant protection test, although its score in the child protection test was a slightly lower. All versions come with<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283"> </a>a wealth of clever safety tech, including <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">automatic emergency braking (AEB)</a>, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

Entry-level Super models have 17in alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel, the infotainment system mentioned earlier, cruise control and automatic lights and wipers.&nbsp;

You then have the choice to go for a racy-looking trim called Sprint, or the more luxury-focused Lusso Ti. Both get 18in alloy wheels, while the former has aluminium inserts, a sporty steering wheel and part-leather seats, while Lusso Ti adds wooden panels, leather on the dashboard and heated leather seats.&nbsp;

If you can stretch to it, though, and aren't overly concerned about <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/new-official-fuel-consumption-and-co2-tests-explained/n1213">fuel economy</a>, the Veloce is the pick of the range. It's available only with the 276bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine so it will out-accelerate most hot hatches, and comes with all the kit you get on Lusso Ti, plus bespoke 18in alloys, upgraded brakes and aluminium gearshift paddles.&nbsp;

It's still worth considering the optional Performance Pack, because this adds adaptive suspension for a smoother ride.&nbsp;

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The engine range is made up of two 2.2-litre diesels in 158bhp or 187bhp guides, plus two 2.0-litre turbocharged petrols with 197bhp and 276bhp, and a range-topping twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 with 503bhp, which you can read all about in our separate <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/giulia/saloon/review/n17264">Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio</a> review. All come with an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/which-type-of-automatic-gearbox-should-i-buy/n17022">eight-speed automatic gearbox</a> as standard – there’s no option of a manual ’box.

Putting aside the stonking engine in the Quadrifoglio, our favourite engine is the 276bhp 2.0-litre petrol in the Veloce. It’s noticeably more powerful than the entry-level 197bhp 2.0-litre and is certainly a better match for the Giulia's sporty handling (more on which, later). In fact, its 5.7sec 0-62mph claim feels rather conservative from behind the wheel and there is a surprising lack of turbo lag for such a small engine, so it responds to the accelerator promptly. It’s also an absolute joy to flick up the gears using the fixed metal paddle shifters behind the wheel (these are an expensive option, but worth every penny).&nbsp;

However, while the petrol engines are undoubtedly more fun, the diesels do plenty to recommend themselves, too – not least in terms of running costs. They both pull well from low revs and their eagerness continues throughout the rev range, making motorway commutes a breeze. The eight-speed automatic gearbox suffers a slight delay to change gears when you put your foot down, which can hinder progress when you’re trying to accelerate sharply or go for a gap at a roundabout. Thankfully, though, it’s nowhere near as bad as the lag you get in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/alfa-romeo/giulia/saloon/deals">Audi A4</a>.

As for refinement, the petrol engines emit a satisfying rasp when pushed hard, while the diesel engines are a little coarse, but do quieten down at a cruise. The Giulia can't compete with the A4's whisper-quiet cruising manners, though, and there's more wind noise at speed than you’ll experience in many rivals. Road noise is subdued, though, making the Giulia a more peaceful companion than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/s60/saloon/review/n123">Volvo S60</a>.&nbsp;

The Giulia combines a smooth, fluent ride with wonderfully balanced handling – the latter really distinguishing it from the less-involving Audi A4 and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes C-Class</a>. Cheaper versions of the Giulia come with 16in alloy wheels, while the Veloce rides on 18in wheels.&nbsp; Although there's a noticeable difference in the driving experiences of entry-level and top-of-the-range models, all have sharp handling and are fun through corners, thanks largely to the Giulia's particularly quick and direct steering. Some might find the slightly heavier steering of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a> to be more reassuring at higher speeds, though.

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

The turbocharged petrol engine offers up a zesty 197bhp and 243lb ft of low rev pulling power. It sounds better than the diesel, is much smoother and revs more keenly. Fuel economy isn't anything to write home about, though.

http://example.com

2.0 Turbo 200

20-tb

This 276bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers near performance car acceleration – in our tests it managed to hit 60mph from a standstill in just 5.3 seconds. If you can afford it, this is the engine to go for.

2.0 Turbo 280

20-tb-280

OUR PICK

29-v6-biturbo

When perusing the options for your next company car, it may well involve a list that includes a number of German executive saloons. If you’re bored with that oh-so-familiar line-up, though, the Alfa Romeo Giulia was tailor-made for you.

History has illustrated that few car-making nations can offer a finer-looking four-wheeled breath of fresh air than the Italians, and this is one that can confidently take on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes-Benz C Class</a>. Unlike some of its predecessors, the Alfa Romeo Giulia shouldn’t be dismissed as an oddball or irrational choice among <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/executive">executive cars</a>, even if it’s far from an obvious one; it certainly has the substance to back up its style.

Unlike its front-wheel drive predecessors, the Giulia is available with rear or four-wheel drive. The switch from front to rear-wheel drive allows the car to sit more comfortably next to its driver-focussed German counterparts, while the use of lightweight aluminium in the car’s structure and bodywork should be good news for fuel efficiency and cornering poise. Remember, too, that as well as BMW and Mercedes, the Giulia also faces competition from the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/review/n105">Audi A4</a> – a former <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/">What Car? Car of the Year</a> – and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xe/saloon/review/n69">Jaguar XE</a>.

Since arriving in 2015 the Giulia has had some tweaks here and there to keep it fresh, most notably a facelift in late 2019 that greatly improved the interior quality. So now, aside from having a pretty face and a prettier interior, is the Giulia a more complete package than those illustrious rivals? Read on to find out how it drives, how spacious it is and which trim level we reckon gives you the best value for money.&nbsp;

Read the next few pages for everything you need to know about the Alfa Romeo Giulia, including which engine, trim level and options make the most sense. And if you decide you want to buy a Giulia, or indeed any other car, head over to our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/alfa-romeo/giulia/saloon/deals">New Car Buying</a> pages to find out how much you could save.

The Giulia’s driver’s seat is set low and allows you to adopt a sporty hunkered-down position in front of a steering wheel that has plenty of adjustment and a pleasingly slim rim. The only annoyance is that the steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles are unusually large and sit quite far back behind the wheel. That forces the indicator and windscreen wiper stalks to be set even further back, so you have to reach quite a long way with your fingers to access them. At least those paddles feel sturdy and high-quality.&nbsp;

Every Giulia has a 7.0in digital display between the analogue instrument dials; this can be configured to display information such as sat-nav instructions or driving information just below your line of sight, however it’s less customisable than Audi’s brilliant Virtual Cockpit.

Interior finish has always been a bit of a sticking point with Alfa Romeo, but the Giulia’s impresses. This is particularly the case since its 2019 facelift introduced a fully overhauled interior with more soft-touch surfaces, as well as the option of specifying real-wood inserts for prominent locations, such as around the leather-clad gear selector.&nbsp;

Best of all, though, the ergonomic and quality quibbles that blighted earlier Giulias were addressed. For example, the rotary infotainment controller, which used to feel a little loose, now has a solid click to it, while the cup holders are now located further back from the dashboard, allowing for a larger size of bottle. There’s even an Italian flag motif at the base of the gear shifter to remind you of the reputation for luxurious craftsmanship that Alfa Romeo’s home nation has always enjoyed – if not always where building saloon cars is concerned. However, even with these smart touches, the Giulia still can’t quite match the quality of its German rivals, such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes-Benz C Class</a>.

All Giulias get an 8.8in colour infotainment screen that’s controlled by the rotary dial mounted between the front seats. Using the controller is much simpler – not to mention safer – than taking your eyes off the road to prod a touchscreen as you have to in most rivals. The system itself has quite a simple setup with a home screen that features a widget-style layout. However, the graphics are quite grainy and it’s not quite sophisticated enough to pull you away from plugging in your smartphone to use its apps via <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a>, which are included as standard. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">The BMW 3 Series</a>&nbsp; – which also uses a rotary dial controller, but has much sharper graphics – remains the class leader here.

Alfa Romeo also provides a smartphone app that allows you to remotely operate features such as the central locking, and helps you easily locate your car in a car park. You can even access its features through a smart speaker at home, using a smart assistant such as Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa.&nbsp;

When it comes to visibility, seeing out of the front of the Giulia could be easier: its thick windscreen pillars and high-set door mirrors can restrict your view at junctions and roundabouts. Thankfully front and rear parking sensors as well as a reversing camera are standard on all trims.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is great to drive and a fine alternative to the usual German suspects. Interior quality is below par, though

Due to its fairly low roofline and low-set seats, the Alfa Romeo Giulia isn’t the easiest of executive saloons to get into. Once you’re in, though, it caters for larger adults fairly well in both the front and the back with a surprising amount of head room unless you’re considerably more than six feet tall.&nbsp;

The front seats are quite wide, adjustable and comfortable, even if they could use a little more under-thigh support. Higher trims include leather and Alcantara-upholstered sport seats for an even snugger fit.&nbsp;

Shoulder room and elbow room are decent, and there’s an assortment of cubbyholes for stowing your odds and ends, including a sizeable space underneath the centre armrest and a standard fit wireless phone charger on Lusso Ti trim and above.&nbsp;

In the back, there’s a competitive amount of head and leg room for the class – more than you'll find in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/s60/saloon/review/n123">Volvo S60</a> but less than there is in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a>.

The Giulia's boot isn't too far behind those rivals for outright load capacity; we managed to fit six carry-on suitcases in the boot compared with seven in both the Volvo and BMW.&nbsp;40/20/40 split-folding rear seats are optional on entry-level Super trim and standard from Sprint or Ti trim and above.

We have yet to try this model.

Sprint

sprint

Our favourite trim is available only with the 276bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. You get plenty of standard kit, including everything that's standard on Speciale, plus keyless entry and front parking sensors and upgraded brakes. It's worth considering the optional Performance Pack, though, which adds adaptive suspension for a smoother ride.

Veloce

veloce

quadrifoglio

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is great to drive, with genuinely sporty performance and a selection of smooth engines. It makes a convincing alternative to the usual German suspects, especially after the latest interior upgrades. 

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.

And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.

Executive

Alfa Romeo Giulia review

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Read review covering Alfa Romeo Giulia boot space, size and dimensions, front and rear seat comfort by the expert What Car? test team.

Due to its fairly low roofline and low-set seats, the Alfa Romeo Giulia isn’t the easiest of executive saloons to get into. Once you’re in, though, it caters for larger adults fairly well in both the front and the back with a surprising amount of head room unless you’re considerably more than six feet tall. ,The front seats are quite wide, adjustable and comfortable, even if they could use a little more under-thigh support. Higher trims include leather and Alcantara-upholstered sport seats for an even snugger fit. ,Shoulder room and elbow room are decent, and there’s an assortment of cubbyholes for stowing your odds and ends, including a sizeable space underneath the centre armrest and a standard fit wireless phone charger on Lusso Ti trim and above. In the back, there’s a competitive amount of head and leg room for the class – more than you'll find in the Volvo S60 but less than there is in the BMW 3 Series.The Giulia's boot isn't too far behind those rivals for outright load capacity; we managed to fit six carry-on suitcases in the boot compared with seven in both the Volvo and BMW. 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats are optional on entry-level Super trim and standard from Sprint or Ti trim and above.,

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