That Alfa Romeo specializes in creating truly beautiful cars is a widely held opinion, one with which the vast majority of automotive enthusiasts agree. But it's equally true that they are also capable of creating very fast, exciting, and sporty cars , as demonstrated by the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
This time we traveled to Barcelona, where the Italian brand invited us to discover the 2023 updates to the Giulia and Stelvio in their high-performance versions. These two Quadrifoglio models now boast 520 hp , emanating directly from their 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engines.
Alfa Romeo launched the Giulia in 2015 , making it their flagship model at the time. We were truly captivated by its design, but especially by its driving experience . This D-segment sedan , a rival to the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, and Volvo S60, offered a level of feel and precision behind the wheel rarely seen, all within a platform designed for longitudinal engines and rear-wheel drive.
In 2017, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio arrived , an SUV that uses the same platform and engines. Of course, with the high demand for SUVs, it quickly stole the spotlight from the sedan. Its strengths are the same, with fantastic handling and an elegant yet sporty design. Its rivals are its counterparts: the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, and Volvo XC60.
Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio news 2023
To be honest, the updates to these two models from the Italian brand for 2023 aren't huge compared to previous versions. The main changes are at the front, with new LED matrix headlights, dynamic turn signals, and a new daytime running light signature, as well as a revised grille mesh. At the rear, only the taillights have been internally updated.
Inside, we find a new 12,3-inch fully digital instrument cluster , identical to the one used in the Alfa Tonale, replacing the previous cluster with physical gauges. The Quadrifoglio also features a specific display theme that activates in Race mode, showing useful information for track driving.
Meanwhile, we mustn't forget that it's 2023, the year the Italian firm celebrates its centenary . They haven't missed the opportunity to create a commemorative limited edition . It features aesthetic details such as gold brake calipers, gold Quadrifoglio logo edges, multiple interior stitches in the same tone, and an inscription on the dashboard. It also boasts carbon fiber accents distributed throughout both the exterior and interior.
In terms of driving dynamics, both the SUV and the sedan incorporate subtle suspension improvements that make them even more effective and agile in corners. This improved handling is further enhanced by the new electronically controlled mechanical limited-slip rear differential , which improves traction and facilitates cornering.
At the wheel Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Needless to say, the most fun part of this presentation was the test drive, especially with the Giulia Quadrifoglio. First, let's review the specs. It has a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 520 hp and 600 Nm of torque from 2.500 rpm.
All the power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed ZF gearbox and the new electronically controlled mechanical limited-slip differential. Unfortunately, a manual transmission is no longer available ; a shame, although it's true that this automatic transmission is incredibly fast and addictive thanks to its large metal paddle shifters and the slight jolt it always delivers when upshifting at a good pace.
To add a few more details, we're talking about a sedan that reaches 308 km/h and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,9 seconds . Needless to say, the Alfa Romeo Giulia QV's main rivals are the Audi RS 5 Sportback and BMW M3.
Immediate, agile and fast, very fast
One of the most remarkable things about the Giulia is its steering. It's incredibly quick , more so than you might expect, and this even means you have to adapt to it for a few kilometers because at first you tend to turn the wheel more than necessary. In any case, I wish all cars had steering like this because the precision is also enviable.
On the other hand, we have several driving modes selectable via the famous DNA selector on the center console. There's an efficiency-focused mode, a well-balanced automatic mode offering excellent comfort at normal highway and city speeds, a Dynamic mode where everything becomes more intense, and even a Race mode , where the electronic aids are deactivated and the Quadrifoglio unleashes its full potential. Frankly, I wouldn't recommend activating it unless you're on a track and have exceptional driving skills.
As for the brakes, you can optionally choose a carbon-ceramic system that costs €10.000 . If you plan on taking it to the track, this is a highly recommended extra. But if you're buying the car for its looks, acceleration, and because you like to drive at a good pace from time to time, the standard system, with its perforated and ventilated discs gripped by six-piston calipers on the front axle, will be more than sufficient.
One thing that struck me was how agile and light it feels . These types of cars usually feel uncomfortable on narrow, winding roads , as they are very wide models that practically take up the entire lane and have a lot of power to put to the pavement. The Giulia Quadrifoglio feels better on faster curves, but in any case, it handles itself very, very well.
From a board to a comfortable car at the touch of a button
We also have a button next to the DNA selector with which we can stiffen the suspension even more. We have tested it and it becomes a completely rigid car, so much so that it is not advisable to activate it unless the asphalt is perfect, like on a good speed circuit, because if it is a little bumpy it bounces too much and is not effective.
Following on from that, I must admit I was also impressed by how well this car performs in automatic mode and under normal driving conditions. It feels like you're driving a regular Giulia, as the suspension is very well-balanced and absorbs most bumps perfectly. You can easily take a long trip. The only thing you'll notice is increased road noise from the sporty tires.
At the wheel Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
We spent most of our time driving the Giulia, but we also got behind the wheel of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio for a few kilometers. It's when you get out of one and immediately into the other that you can best appreciate the differences between the cars.
First of all, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV retains the 2.9 V6 engine with 520 hp and 600 Nm of torque , as well as the 8-speed ZF transmission. However, it features a Q4 all-wheel-drive system that prioritizes power delivery to the rear axle. In fact, it also includes the new limited-slip rear differential.
The maximum speed is 285 km/h and it steals a tenth from its brother in 0 to 100, being able to complete it in 3,8 seconds. Needless to say, its main rival is the BMW X3 M.
Behind the wheel of this car, you also feel a high level of precision, making it one of the most fun and effective sporty SUVs to drive on winding roads. However, it's also true that when you get out of the Giulia and into the Stelvio, you notice that it has greater inertia, a higher center of gravity, and doesn't feel quite as agile and precise as the sedan.
It's clear to me, I would buy the Giulia even knowing that the Stelvio is more comfortable and practical on a daily basis.
Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio QV prices
In terms of price, both the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio versions are somewhat cheaper than BMW's M3 and X3 M. In fact, both Italian models have seen a slight price reduction compared to last year, with starting prices now at €105.800 for the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and €115.900 for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
However, I highly recommend that if you buy it, you also get the Akrapovic exhaust system, which costs 6.000 euros and gives a very racing touch to the sound of its V6.
