Launched in 2016, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio captivated car enthusiasts with its stunning design and impressive performance. Despite its years, does this sporty sedan still hold its appeal in the face of ever-innovative competition? We took the final 2024 version for a spin to assess its relevance in today’s market.
Exterior Design: Timeless Italian Elegance
From the first glance, the Giulia Quadrifoglio exudes dynamic and refined styling. Its flowing, aggressive lines, paired with distinctive features such as the sculpted hood and generous air intakes, give it undeniable road presence. The 19-inch alloy wheels housing Brembo brake calipers further emphasize its sporty character. While the design has seen little evolution since its launch, it remains undeniably modern and captivating.
Interior and Ergonomics: A Driver-Centric Cockpit
The Giulia Quadrifoglio’s interior is crafted for driving pleasure. The leather and Alcantara sport seats provide excellent support, while the low driving position and aluminum paddle shifters ensure direct interaction with the car. However, the infotainment system, with its modest screen size and somewhat outdated interface, betrays the model’s age. Despite this, the quality of materials and attention to detail uphold a premium ambiance.
Powertrain and Performance: The Heart of the Alfa
Under the hood, the Giulia Quadrifoglio houses a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 520 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine propels the sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 308 km/h. The engine’s sound, though subtle in normal mode, becomes more expressive in Dynamica mode, delivering an enthralling auditory experience. With an average fuel consumption of 10.6 l/100 km in the WLTP cycle, the Giulia Quadrifoglio offers reasonable efficiency given its impressive performance.
Driving Dynamics: Surprising Agility
The Giulia Quadrifoglio stands out with a balanced chassis and precise steering, offering an immersive driving experience. Dynamica mode sharpens throttle response and firms up the suspension, transforming the sedan into a track-ready machine. Rear-wheel drive, combined with an active differential, allows for dynamic corner exits while maintaining reassuring stability. In everyday driving, the normal mode provides appreciable comfort, effectively absorbing road imperfections.
Technology and Equipment: Between Tradition and Modernity
While the Giulia Quadrifoglio is not at the cutting edge of digital technology, it offers essential features such as automatic climate control, a quality audio system, and standard driver aids. However, the lack of modern features like a large touchscreen or advanced assistance systems might disappoint tech-savvy buyers.
Pricing in Belgium: A Competitive Positioning
In Belgium, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is priced from €93,500 (including VAT). This price includes a five-year warranty, providing peace of mind for buyers. By comparison, the BMW M3 Competition starts at €123,900, with a lengthy options list that can quickly increase costs. As such, the Giulia Quadrifoglio presents itself as an attractive alternative for enthusiasts seeking a sporty sedan with character.
Conclusion: A Still-Captivating Icon
Despite its age, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio continues to charm with its timeless design, exhilarating performance, and authentic driving pleasure. While it lags behind newer competitors in terms of technology, it compensates with pure driving enjoyment and an aesthetic that commands attention. For purists seeking emotional driving experiences, the Giulia Quadrifoglio remains a must-have.
Pros:
- Impressive performance
- Elegant and sporty design
- Authentic driving pleasure
Cons:
- Outdated onboard technology
- High fuel consumption in dynamic driving
- Less comprehensive standard equipment compared to competitors
