According to this study, this Alfa Romeo is more reliable than a BMW and a Mercedes.

For years, European drivers have had a reflex: when it comes to reliability, they think German; when it comes to emotion, they think Italian. But according to the latest 2025 Reliability Survey conducted by the serious British magazine What Car? this cliché has just taken a big hit.

The study, carried out among over 32,000 owners, revealed that the Alfa Romeo Giulia is quite simply the most reliable car in its class, ahead of German benchmarks such as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. Yes, you read that right: the Italian sedan outdoes its German rivals in the field of reliability, long considered their preserve.

98.2 % reliability: a Giulia above the rest

The Giulia (all versions since 2016) achieves an impressive score of 98.2 %, placing it at the top of the range. Alfa Romeo at the top of the Executive Cars segment. Only 9 % owners reported slight problems, often minor and quickly resolved, mainly brake vibrations, a few interior components or minor electronic bugs. In the majority of cases (75 % of vehicles concerned), drivers were able to continue driving without being immobilized. And all problems were dealt with free of charge.

In short, the Giulia's appeal lies not only in its design and roadholding, but also in its mechanical robustness, a quality that only a few years ago few would have given it credit for.

BMW 3 Series: almost as good, but not perfect

Just behind is the BMW 3 Series (2019+ generation), which scores a very respectable 98 %. A small difference, certainly, but enough to place the Giulia on the top step of the podium. Survey respondents point out, however, that the BMW's petrol versions are the most reliable: diesel and plug-in hybrids encounter more problems, particularly electronic ones. If the 3 Series had only been offered in petrol, it might even have beaten the Giulia, notes What Car?

Mercedes C-Class: a nasty surprise

The real disappointment comes from the Mercedes C-Class (W206, since 2021), which closes the gap with a score of just 76.3 %. According to the study, 43 % owners experienced various faults or malfunctions: air conditioning, engine, gearbox, fuel supply or on-board electronics. Ironically, the previous generation (W205, 2014-2020) was much more robust, with a much lower incident rate.

Turning a myth on its head

This ranking is a small earthquake for the automotive world: it shows that the perception of Italian reliability is changing. Alfa Romeo, long derided for its haphazard reputation, is now beating German manufacturers on their own turf. And it's not an isolated study: What Car? is an institution in the UK, renowned for its rigorous surveys based on real user feedback.