New Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio review
To drive, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is as good as performance cars get, even if it’s not quite as plush inside as its best rivals
RRP £43,800
- New
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Best price from £43,800
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The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £45,900
RRP from: £43,800
Available now
From £45,900
Leasing deals
From £575
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
New Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 60 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £575.39 Initial payment £6,904.68
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£7,150 total upfront (£6,905 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 60 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Power
276 bhp
0-62 mph
5.7 s
Efficiency
39.2 mpg
Figures for 2.0T Veloce Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
Executive
Performance car
Saloon
Jump to:
Introduction
Performance & drive
Interior
Passenger & boot space
Buying & owning
Steve Huntingford
Updated: 12 March 2024
How we test cars
Few car makers have a performance motif as evocative as Alfa’s four-leaf clover. The Italian manufacturer puts it on only its most potent models, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio more than earns its right to wear it.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio (aka the Giulia QV) is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulia executive saloon, but gets a 512bhp turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine. That means it’s capable of 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 190mph.
New car deals
Best price from £43,800
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £45,900
RRP from: £43,800
Available now
From £45,900
Leasing deals
From £575
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
New Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 60 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £575.39 Initial payment £6,904.68
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£7,150 total upfront (£6,905 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 60 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
What's more, the Giulia Quadrifoglio gets bespoke suspension, quicker steering and larger brakes in an effort to make sure it corner and stops as well as it goes.
So, does the Giulia Quadrifoglio (Italian for four-leaf clover, in case you were wondering) have what it takes to beat the best performance cars? Read on to find out how we rate it against the likes of the Audi RS4 Avant and BMW M3...
Read more: Complete the What Car? Reliability Survey now and you could win a prize
What's new
- July 2020: Facelifted Giulia QV on sale with new LED rear lights, interior revisions (including a new steering wheel and gear selector) and the 8.8in display is now touch screen operated
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- July 2019: Alfa Romeo Racing special edition on sale; just 10 cars available in UK, each with a special livery, 513bhp, an Akrapovic exhaust and an aero kit
- July 2018: NRING edition on sale, mechanically identical as regular QV. Just 108 examples available across Europe, the Middle East and Africa
- October 2016: Giulia Quadrifoglio on sale in the UK with a 503bhp 2.9 V6 and an eight-speed automatic gearbox
Verdict
To drive, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is about as good as performance saloons get, yet it’s comfy enough to make life as enjoyable for passengers as for drivers. It’s pricey, though, and some performance car rivals beat it for interior plushness and practicality.
Best buy
2.0T Veloce Saloon 4dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (280 ps) review
RRP £48,800
Pros
- Wonderful engine
- Agile, involving handling
- Pliant ride
Cons
- Interior quality disappoints in places
- Inconsistent brake feel
- Race mode switches of stability control
Best buy
2.0T Veloce Saloon 4dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (280 ps) review
RRP £48,800
Trims available
Quadrifoglio
The Quadrifoglio gets 19in alloy wheels and bi-xenon headlights as standard, as well as electrically adjustable leather and Alcantara sports seats, sport suspension with adaptive dampers, uprated brakes and a torque vectoring active rear differential to enhance agility. Carbonfibre backed seats and carbon ceramic brakes are optional.
Veloce
Veloce is only a touch more expensive than entry-level Sprint but benefits from 19in wheels, heated, electrically adjustable leather seats, aluminium trim inserts, sportier exterior styling and a limited-slip differential.
Sprint
Entry-level Sprint comes with 18in alloy wheels, active cruise control, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, a leather steering wheel and gearstick, aluminium gearshift paddles and an 8.8in infotainment system.
New car deals
Available now
Leasing deals
Performance & drive
What it's like to drive, and how quiet it is
Strengths
- Blistering acceleration
- Accurate, perfectly weighted steering
Weaknesses
- Auto gearbox can hesitate when driven gently
- Brakes feel a touch vague
First and foremost, an expensive performance car has to be great to drive, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia QV absolutely ticks that box. Its 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine is one of the reasons why, delivering razor-sharp accelerator responses with hardly any lag, despite being heavily turbocharged.
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At our private test track, we clocked 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds. That’s quicker than the 4S version of the all-electric Porsche Taycan managed and just 0.1 seconds behind the BMW M4 (essentially a two-door version of the BMW M3).
The Giulia QV's eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox dithers a little at town speeds, but transforms once you start to press on, providing finger-click-fast manual changes via the tactile aluminium paddles mounted on the steering column.
The responses of the engine and gearbox get more relaxed in the Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency modes, so the car definitely feels at its best in Race mode (although that automatically switches off the stability control).
The car sounds best in Race, too, barking loudly as the revs rise and crackling violently when you change up through the gears. Its soundtrack is far more charismatic than the bassy but flat engine note of the six-cylinder BMW M3.
By contrast, the M3 and the Audi RS4 Avant have the advantage when it comes to braking. While the QV stops well enough (the optional ceramic brakes provide monumental retardation from high speed), they feel a tad vague when you first press the pedal.
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There’s nothing wrong with the way the car handles though. It feels light, poised and nimble when you turn in to a bend, and the quick steering is alert but never nervous.
At the same time, the adaptive suspension can be made softer or stiffer to suit the bumpiness of the road independently of the drive mode selected, and its firmest setting all but eliminates body roll during quick cornering. If you want to chase lap times, an M3 is grippier and even faster through high-speed bends, but that doesn't make it more fun.
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When the Giulia Quadrifoglio was updated for 2024, Alfa Romeo replaced the previous electronic torque vectoring system with a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential. As a result, while it was possible to break traction at the rear and steer using the accelerator with the previous set-up, doing so feels more natural, predictable and enjoyable in the updated car.
Then there’s the ride. If you think a performance car will be too firm, think again. You can feel the QV's big tyres following road imperfections, but the adaptive suspension system that helps it stand bolt upright in corners can – at the press of a button – be made supple enough to take the sting out of potholes and cushion you from rough sections of road.
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What’s more, the 2024 tweaks lessened the car’s tendency to fidget over scruffy sections of road when the softer mode is selected. In fact, the only thing to blot its copybook as a cruiser is a bit of wind and road noise at motorway speeds – the RS4 is better in this regard.
Interior
The interior layout, fit and finish
Strengths
- Controls are simple to use
- Digital driver’s display looks good and works well
- Rotary controller aids infotainment use
Weaknesses
- Infotainment graphics are a little dated
- Material quality could be better
The Alfa Romeo Giulia QV’s standard-fit electrically adjustable driver’s seat is set low and allows you to adopt a sporty, hunkered-down position. What's more, it's matched with a highly adjustable steering wheel, which has a pleasingly slim rim and is placed nicely in line with the pedals and seat.
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It's also worth noting that – for a hefty premium – you can have carbon-fibre framed sports front seats, which are brilliantly supportive. They're worth the extra if you can find it, because otherwise the interior looks a little too similar to that of the significantly cheaper Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce.
As with the rest of the Giulia range, the QV places a crisp-looking 12.3in digital driver’s display behind the steering wheel. It's not as customisable as the display in the Audi RS4 Avant, but it adds a track-optimised QV mode to the usual Evolved, Relax and Heritage settings (Heritage hat-tips the analogue dials in the Giulia of the 1960s).
Raw woven carbon-fibre trim adds visual appeal, but while the material quality of the interior and its controls won’t have you feeling short-changed, they can’t match the classy feel of those of the Audi RS4 Avant or BMW M3, let alone the Porsche Taycan.
On the other hand, there's no faulting how easy the QV’s controls are to use, not least the central dials dedicated to the climate control system. Adjusting the settings is a breeze on the move.
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Plus, the infotainment system is far less distracting than the ones in the RS4 and Taycan because, in addition to an 8.8in touchscreen, you get a rotary controller located on the centre console.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring are included as standard, and we like the Performance Pages feature, which shows turbo pressure, power output, a track timer and the temperatures of the main mechanical components in real time (useful if you take your car on a track).
That said, the system is not perfect – the display is a bit dim and muddy, it’s not graphically rich and it’s slower to respond to inputs than the M3's.
Passenger & boot space
How it copes with people and clutter
Strengths
- Supportive and highly adjustable sports front seat
- Decent interior storage
- Slightly more rear leg room than in an M3
Weaknesses
- Taller occupants may struggle with rear space
- Narrow door aperture
- Low roof hampers access
The Giulia QV is just like a standard Alfa Romeo Giulia when it comes to space and practicality. That means it's not the easiest of saloons to climb into, with a fairly low roofline and low-set seats, but once you’re in, it caters fairly well for four adult occupants.
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The front sports seats are quite wide, and elbow and shoulder room are good. There are plenty of cubbyholes to stow your odds and ends, including a sizeable space under the centre armrest, plus a pair of cup-holders in front of the gear selector.
In the back, too, there’s a reasonable amount of leg room – fractionally more than in the BMW M3 – and there’s room for feet under the front seats. Head room is merely okay, so if you frequently carry six-footers, you might want to consider the Audi RS4 Avant (although it's nowhere near as exciting to drive).
We were able to fit six carry-on suitcases into the Giulia QV’s boot, whereas the RS4 and M3 will take seven cases each with room to spare.
Handily, though, Alfa Romeo gives you a 40/20/40 split folding rear seat as standard, with release levers in the boot. You’ll need to give the seats a bit of a shove to fold them down, but it’s still less of a faff than walking around to the rear doors to reach the catch.
Buying & owning
Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is
Strengths
- Likely to hold value as well as the BMW M3
Weaknesses
- Poor reliability
- Pricier to buy outright than direct rivals
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio costs a little more to buy outright than an Audi RS4 Avant or BMW M3, but at least it offers a comparable amount of standard equipment.
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As a result, there’s no need to go crazy on the options list: 19in alloy wheels, xenon headlights and cruise control are all included.
Ways to buy
Cash from £43,800 Own the car outright. No monthly payments.
Lease from £575pm Drive a new car every few years. Lower upfront costs.
£6,905 initial payment , 60 month contract , 5000 miles p/a . Subject to status and conditions.
Available Now from £45,900 Choose a car from stock. Drive away today!
Expect high servicing costs and frightening fuel economy, though. The Giulia QV averaged just 23.5mpg in our Real MPG tests, and in our experience, the RS4 is more fuel efficient.
Looking further down the line, it's expected to depreciate at a similar rate to the M3, which helps keep PCP finance rates competitive. Make sure you check for the best prices on our New Car Deals pages.
As for safety, automatic emergency braking technology (AEB) with pedestrian detection is fitted as standard, along with blind-spot monitoring, a lane-departure warning system and rear cross-path detection to alert you to approaching cars when reversing.
In addition, Euro NCAP awarded the standard Alfa Romeo Giulia a full five-star safety rating back in 2016. It outperformed the Audi A4 in the adult occupant protection test, although there were a few issues noted that weakened child occupant protection. Note, though, that the Giulia's rating has expired and was done when safety tests were less stringent than today.
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We don’t have reliability data for the QV specifically, but the regular Giulia performed poorly in our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey coming 23rd out of 24 executive cars surveyed. Alfa Romeo as a brand finished 31st out of 32 manufacturers featured.
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Alfa Romeo Giulia owner reviews
Sort by: Most Recent Star rating
Gerald
Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 petrol
Likes: Value, Servicing
Dislikes: Reliability, Running costs
Jun 17, 2026 6:50 PM
Car is 12 years old. Still operating well but has needed a lot of repair work which is disappointing given it's only done 78,000 miles.
Anonymous
Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 petrol
Likes: Value, Servicing
Dislikes: Reliability
Apr 20, 2026 12:51 AM
It's a 2014 car with a low mileage. it's extremely comfortable and practical. It is highly speced.
Omar
Alfa Romeo Giulia petrol
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing
Nov 6, 2025 6:09 PM
Nothing else looks and drives like a Giulia in this segment. I've driven the big German brands, but their equivalent vehicles just don't match up to the flair and handling of this Italian beauty.
Peter
Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 petrol saloon
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing
Dislikes: Running costs
Jun 13, 2025 5:30 PM
Great fun car to drive, quiet and smooth
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If you're interested in finding a alfa-romeo Giulia, or any of the other performance car cars mentioned here, head over to our Cars available now pages to find new cars listed for sale at great prices.
Alfa Romeo Giulia specifications
Best buy
2.0T Veloce Saloon 4dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (280 ps) review
RRP £48,800
RRP price range
£43,800 - £87,055
MPG range across all versions
28 - 39.2
Available fuel types (which is best for you? )
Petrol
Available colours
Number of engines (see all)
2
Number of trims (see all)
9
Warranty
3 years
Company car tax at 20% (min/max)
£3,133 - £6,079
Company car tax at 40% (min/max)
£6,266 - £12,158
FAQs
Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio a V8?
No, the engine in the Giulia Quadrifoglio is a V6, but it's turbocharged, which helps it produce more than 500bhp.
Does the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio have a Ferrari engine?
The engine in the Giulia Quadrifoglio is derived from Ferrari’s F154 unit, which is found in models such as the F8 and SF90. However, in the Quadrifoglio it has two less cylinders.
How fast is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
The Giulia Quadrifoglio can officially accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.9sec, while at our test track we managed 0-60mph in just 3.7sec. Top speed is 190mph, so it's by far the quickest variant of the Alfa Romeo Giulia.
New car deals
Best price from £43,800
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £45,900
RRP from: £43,800
Available now
From £45,900
Leasing deals
From £575
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
New Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Expected annual mileage 5000 Term months 60 Deposit months 12 Monthly payment £575.39 Initial payment £6,904.68
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- Free returns within 30 days*
Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply. Subject to availability and credit status. 18+ T&Cs apply.
In partnership with
£7,150 total upfront (£6,905 initial rental plus £245 processing fee) | 5000 miles | 60 months
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Alfa Romeo Giulias available to buy
In partnership with
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2.0T Veloce Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
RRP £49,600
£44,999
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2.0T Sprint Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
RRP £49,650
£45,995
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2.0T Sprint Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
RRP £48,800
£46,850
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2.0T Veloce Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
RRP £50,050
£47,990
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2.0T Veloce Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
RRP £51,150
£48,150
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2.0T Veloce Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
RRP £49,650
£48,600
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2.0T Veloce Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£48,800
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2.0T Intensa Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
RRP £57,050
£49,990
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2.0T Intensa Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
RRP £56,950
£50,995
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: Steve Huntingford
Title: Editor
Follow Steve Huntingford on
Steve Huntingford is a motoring journalist with more than 20 years’ experience, and has been editor of What Car? since 2016.
This means Steve oversees all of What Car?'s editorial output, both online and in print.
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