2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Review: Still The One To Beat?
After its 2020 update, we called the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio a "real M3 beater" and the new benchmark for high-performance compact luxury sedans. Alfa clearly believes that the Giulia Quadrifoglio is fundamentally just right, as the sports sedan moves into 2022 with no major updates. Things can change in a short space of time, though, and the all-new BMW M3 has arrived to reclaim its crown. More than anything, the M3 must try to overcome the fact that the Alfa is one of the most emotionally-charged sedans ever, mixing sweet chassis dynamics with sharp steering and a phenomenal 505-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine that will see the Quadrifoglio reach 60 mph in under four seconds. Add in the Alfa's stunning styling, and it's a formidable package. Yes, it lacks the build integrity of the Germans and the trunk isn't that big, but in the context of what a sports sedan is meant to be, the Alfa's highs far outweigh its few flaws.
2022 Giulia Quadrifoglio Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
182.5 in | 111.0 in | 56.1 in | 73.7 in | 61.2 in | 63.3 in | 3,806.0 lbs |
2022 Giulia Quadrifoglio Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Alfa's talents don't begin and end with its powertrain. If you're going to conquer the BMW M3, you'd better engineer a car that knows its way around the twisties, and boy has Alfa Romeo done just that. With its Quadrifoglio-tuned active suspension and ideal weight distribution, the Alfa manages to achieve the best of both worlds. It's sharp without feeling nervous, exciting without being a chore to drive, and comfortable without ever feeling numb. Steering feel and feedback have been intentionally dialed out of many modern sedans, but the Alfa bucks this trend and communicates effectively, never leaving the driver in doubt as to what the front wheels are doing. If you have space to safely execute slides, this can be done so fluidly and with a high degree of control via the throttle. Body control is exceptional, while the four-mode Alfa DNA drive mode selector makes it easy to switch between Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficiency, and Race modes. When you run out of road or track, the Brembo braking system with six-piston front calipers will bring the sedan to a safe stop, although actual braking feel could be better.
Despite its sensational dynamic abilities, the Giulia proves to be an adept cruiser. Most bumps and surface changes are dispensed with calmly, so you can legitimately undertake long road trips in comfort. This car is a true triumph.
2022 Giulia Quadrifoglio Interior
2022 Giulia Quadrifoglio Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 1 Years / 10,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio A Good Car?
Despite the threat of the all-new BMW M3, the Alfa is so good that it just hangs onto its crown as the most thrilling compact high-performance sedan, despite the arrival of the new M3. A feast for all the senses, the Giulia Quadrifoglio sedan is an exciting vehicle whether you're gazing at it sitting in the driveway or when you're wringing its neck at high speeds. The twin-turbo V6 is a gem, the chassis playful and controllable, and the steering is a joy to operate. Remove the 'sport' aspect from the equation, and only then does the Alfa come across as more average. The quality is average rather than great, it doesn't have the most spacious trunk or interior, and there are question marks about its reliability. These flaws are more problematic for lesser Giulias, but as the ultimate Alfa Romeo performance sedan this side of the GTA, you could hardly ask for a more well-rounded package than the Quadrifoglio.
2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio vs BMW M3 Sedan
The all-new BMW M3 has arrived with the angriest face ever to be paired with that iconic badge, perhaps discontent that the Quadrifoglio successfully usurped its predecessor. With its turbocharged inline-six engine, it produces up to 503 hp in Competition guise and will match the Alfa from 0 to 60 mph. Crucially, the M3 comes with an available manual gearbox that will please purists, but the available all-wheel drive might not. While it is a devastatingly effective tool, the older Alfa still edges it for raw appeal and driver involvement. The M3 also has more space for passengers, a nicer cabin, and the edge on the tech front. It's an epic battle and it's most impressive that the aging Quadrifoglio can still go toe to toe with the M3 - and narrowly beats it in terms of the fun factor.
2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio vs Mercedes-AMG C63 Sedan
The Mercedes has been around for a good couple of years now, but then again, a 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 with 503 hp never really goes out of style. It's enough for the C63 S to post exactly the same 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds as the Quadrifoglio. Although it handles well, the Merc can't match the delicacy of the Alfa when the road starts to twist. The Italian's major controls are more harmonious and it provides greater driver feedback, making it the more engaging sedan of the two. The latest C-Class range, and the C63 S by extension, has an interior that has held up reasonably well, retaining the luxurious aura that is synonymous with the three-pointed star. However, both cars are a bit cramped at the back for taller passengers. Although the AMG is still a riot, the better-balanced Giulia Quadrifoglio still gets our vote.