Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 2020 Review
Alfa’s super-sedan is often overlooked and not for everyone, but is something special all the sameWhat is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio all about?
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is the mid-size sedan with more, way more.
To Alfa Romeo enthusiasts, or Alfisti (yes, with their own collective noun), the four-leaf clover badge denoting this as a Quadrifoglio model is as emotive as an AMG badge on a Mercedes-Benz or the M badge on a BMW. It makes everything better (faster and louder) – and more expensive.
In the case of the Giulia, the Quadrifoglio sits way up on top of the model range, which with the MY20 series arriving in showrooms next month has just three variants including the Sport and Veloce – both of which are about half the price of the high-performance Q.
With the formidable BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C 63 as rivals, Alfa Romeo cannot rest on its Italianate laurels. And it doesn’t – the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio boasts substance, soul and, of course, style.
With the incoming MY20 update, the Giulia will also bring a raft of improvements including more advanced driver assist features, improved infotainment system and detail changes in areas such as material quality and storage facilities.
The Italian performance sedan doesn’t scream practicality, but the MY19 series tested here did usher in an additional seatbelt, making it fit for five occupants! In theory, at least.
How much does the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio cost?
The MY20 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is priced from $138,950 plus on-road costs, and as you’d expect there are options if your budget extends that far.
Our test vehicle was fitted with Sparco carbon-fibre seats ($8250), 19-inch dark alloys ($1150), tri-coat paint in Competizione Red ($3650) and yellow brake callipers ($1000).
The exterior style is punctuated by adaptive bi-Xenon headlights, daytime running lights, a front splitter and quad exhaust pipes. Carbon-fibre for the bonnet, roof, rear spoiler and side skirts is also standard on the Giulia Quadrifoglio.
However, it’s the clover badge that says ‘I’m the rip-snorting performance variant’ that most admirers will notice.
The leather and Alcantara seats and carbon-fibre accents are fitting of this car’s sporting prowess, which is topped off by the red push-button start on the multifunction steering wheel (also clad in Alcantara, leather and carbon-fibre).
Dual-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats and a chilled glove box are standard.
Audio and connectivity comes to life through an 8.8-inch screen that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio and satellite navigation, while the 14-speaker 900W Harmon Kardon premium audio system delivers crystal-clear sound.
The best part about the Giulia Quadrifoglio is that it will not be mistaken for an Audi, Mercedes-Benz or BMW. It’s unique – a distinctly non-conforming Italian.
Why should I buy the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
From its disappointing DNF in Australia’s Best Driver’s Car of 2017 to taking out first place honours in 2018, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio performed an about-face of the best kind.
It has more than proved itself a potent performance package that, where feel behind the wheel is concerned, can take on the usual German suspects – and win!
Powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers 375kW of power at 6500rpm and a whopping 600Nm of torque from 2500-5000rpm, the rear-drive Giulia Quadrifoglio can move from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.9sec and reach a top speed of 307km/h. And it feels all that.
The eight-speed automatic transmission is fast to shift and the paddle shifters make it even better, giving you a heightened sense of involvement. It’s engaging and fun and delivers a surge of adrenalin, even at low speeds.
With warm Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres and a soft-touch foot, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio shines as it hugs the sweeping bends you’ll inevitably be hunting for.
Steering is crisp and offers great feedback. Even novice drivers will enjoy the engagement and novelty of a raw and involved drive. But they may tire of that.
Enthusiasts, however, will revel in the ‘drive it like you stole it’ temptation that brews with every launch. Resisting is a test of willpower.
If you like to lay low, look elsewhere.
Who will the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio appeal to?
The performance enthusiast who dares to stray from the German trio of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi will be naturally drawn to the Italian flair of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.
It’s a head-turning, smile-inducing, aural delight that sees strangers young and old giving the Giulia Q a nod of approval.
The ergonomically sound monoform carbon-fibre seats (as optioned in our test car) give you the hip-hugging experience this car demands, but they’re a bit of a challenge to get in and out of. With the seat pulled well forward (so I can reach the pedals), it was hard to wedge my body in.
My elderly mother found solace in the back seat – the real benefit here being I couldn’t see her flinch every time the Giulia’s exhaust note opened up. As you do.
The second row amenity (or lack thereof) confirms this car’s focus is on the driver. Although the second row now offers seatbelts for three, it’s best for two.
There are two air vents and one USB point but no arm rest, no cup-holders and the carbon-fibre seats feel intrusive on the second row occupants. They will, however, be robust enough to withstand kids’ feet.
Six airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and a reversing camera round out a well-sorted driver assist technology suite. The Giulia Q also has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
So, what do we think of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
The MY19 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is far from perfect for my life stage and yet I want one so badly it sends tingles through my Gucci loafers.
The brutal V6 power pushed to the rear wheels is a joy to wrangle. I never tired of it and I admit that I relish in its head-turning character.
I’d own this car in a heartbeat.
How much does the 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio cost?
Price: $138,950 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.9-litre V6 turbo-petrol
Output: 375kW/600Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 189g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2016)
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- Unique style that oozes a sporting personality
- Brutal V6 engine that responds right across the rev range
- Absolute engagement from behind the wheel
- Optioned carbon-fibre seats make for challenging ergonomics
- Rear seat area lacks room and amenity, even with three seatbelts now fitted
- Not for the faint-hearted as the raw, involving drive may prove tiring
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