New Volvo S60 vs BMW 3 Series vs Alfa Romeo Giulia
Volvo is following its recent run of success with the new S60 saloon. But standing in its way are the Alfa Romeo Giulia and class-leading BMW 3 Series...
Our verdict
There’s no change at the top: the 3 Series remains the most complete executive saloon you can buy and, in this company, by quite a margin. It’s great fun to drive, smart inside, relatively spacious and, if you stump for the M Sport Plus package, reasonably comfy. Only high monthly PCP costs count against it.
The Giulia is the best Alfa for years and, in the form we tested it, both sharp to drive and surprisingly comfortable. It finishes second despite its mediocre interior quality.
Given Volvo’s recent good form, the new S60 is something of a disappointment. Our biggest gripe is its wearingly firm ride, which seems unnecessary given that it isn’t at all sporty to drive. However, it’s also the least roomy in the back and, compared with its rivals here, not especially quick. The S60 does impress for safety and interior quality, though, so we hope future versions with softer suspension will be easier to recommend
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1st – BMW 3 Series - 5 stars
For Great handling; best fuel economy; cheapest company car; superb infotainment
Against Adjustable lumbar support costs extra; very firm ride without optional adaptive dampers
Recommended options M Sport Plus Package (£2200)
Read our full BMW 3 Series review
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2nd – Alfa Romeo Giulia - 4 stars
For Sharp handling; hot hatch-beating acceleration; comfiest ride; Alfa’s much-improved reliability
Against Highest CO2 output; cheap-feeling interior; visibility at junctions isn’t great
Recommended options Performance Pack (£1950)
Read our full Alfa Romeo Giulia review
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3rd – Volvo S60 - 3 stars
For Impressive safety provisions; classy interior; comfy and supportive seats
Against Overly firm ride; not as much fun or as quick as rivals; tight rear head room; no folding rear seats
Recommended options Convenience Pack (£400)
Read our full Volvo S60 review
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Specifications: Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo 280 Veloce
- Engine size 4cyl, 1995cc, turbo, petrol
- List price £39,690
- Target Price £37,767
- Power 276bhp @ 5250rpm
- Torque 295lb ft @ 2250rpm
- Gearbox 8-spd automatic
- 0-60mph 5.3sec
- Top speed 149mph
- Gov't fuel economy 33.6mpg
- Test MPG 29.8mpg
- CO2 emissions 158g/km
Specifications: BMW 3 Series 330i M Sport auto
- Engine size 4cyl, 1998cc, turbo, petrol
- List price £39,165
- Target Price £36,906
- Power 255bhp @ 5000-6500rpm
- Torque 295lb ft @ 1550-4400rpm
- Gearbox 8-spd automatic
- 0-60mph 5.6sec
- Top speed 155mph
- Gov't fuel economy 41.5mpg
- Test MPG 32.8mpg
- CO2 emissions 134g/km
Specifications: Volvo S60 T5 R-Design Edition
- Engine size 4cyl, 1969cc, turbo, petrol
- List price £37,935
- Target Price £37,935
- Power 247bhp @ 5500rpm
- Torque 258lb ft @ 1800-4800rpm
- Gearbox 8-spd automatic
- 0-60mph 6.9sec
- Top speed 145mph
- Gov't fuel economy 39.8mpg
- Test MPG 30.5mph
- CO2 emissions 155g/km
Best executive cars 2023
A good executive car need to be comfortable, classy and well equipped, yet also cheap to run. So, which models hit all their targets, and which should be avoided?
