Since its launch, the Alfa Romeo Giulia has had a flattering reputation for being one of the most fun-to-drive sedans on the market. But does this reputation really hold up against established benchmarks such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz?
This is precisely the question that a Chinese man has set out to answer, by taking an in-depth look at the Italian chassis. And his analysis goes far beyond subjective impressions: it's based on very concrete technical choices.
A platform designed with fun in mind
At the heart of the Giulia is the Giorgio platform, a technical base developed specifically for the Giulia. Alfa Romeo. Where some manufacturers pool their architectures to reduce costs, Alfa has made a different choice: to start from scratch with a clear objective: to maximize driving pleasure.
From the outset, this platform has been designed for rear-wheel drive, with a weight distribution close to the ideal 50/50. This simple point already profoundly changes the car's behavior. Where some competitors focus on versatility, the Giulia's philosophy is much more focused on balance and dynamics.
Architecture worthy of a sports car
The analysis also highlights a key element often overlooked: suspension. At the front, the Giulia adopts a double wishbone system (called semi-virtual steering axle double wishbone by Alfa Romeo), a solution generally reserved for sportier cars. The result is greater control of the wheels when cornering, and greater precision when changing direction.
At the rear, the multi-link system completes the package, providing the necessary compromise between comfort and efficiency. But here again, the aim is not to filter sensations as much as possible: it's to keep as much information as possible flowing back to the driver. The result, according to the analysis, is clear: the Giulia doesn't seek to isolate, it seeks to involve.
Very direct management
If there's one point on which the verdict is particularly strong, it's the steering. The youtuber insists on its extremely direct, almost raw character, which contrasts with what most modern competitors offer. As a reminder, the ratio among the fastest in the segment with ≈ 11.8:1.
In many of today's premium sedans, the steering is deliberately filtered for maximum comfort. At BMW, despite the claim to a certain sportiness, this filtration remains perceptible. At Mercedes, it's even more assertive. The Giulia is the complete opposite. Every movement of the steering wheel is immediately reflected on the road, with a precision and speed that reinforce this sensation of mechanical connection. It's precisely this point that, according to the analysis, makes all the difference behind the wheel.
A conscious effort to save weight
Another decisive aspect is weight. Alfa Romeo has gone to great lengths to keep its sedan's weight down, making extensive use of aluminum (hood, wings, suspension) and carbon components (driveshaft (even outside the quadrifoglio!).
This weight reduction isn't just a marketing ploy. It has a direct impact on the car's behavior: more responsiveness, more agility, and above all a feeling of lightness that is rarely found in this category. In contrast, German cars appear heavier, more composed, sometimes more reassuring... but also less engaging.
BMW and Mercedes: a different philosophy
This analysis does not denigrate German references. On the contrary, it highlights a fundamental difference in approach. BMW and Mercedes seek above all to offer complete cars, capable of shining in all areas: comfort, technology, soundproofing, ease of driving. This versatility is their strength, but it also implies compromises.
The Giulia, on the other hand, makes a more radical choice. It is willing to sacrifice some comfort or neutrality to offer a more intense driving experience. This is not a car that seeks to please everyone, but to seduce those who love to drive.
A verdict without appeal... but nuanced
So, is the Giulia's chassis really superior to that of BMW and Mercedes? The answer is both clear and nuanced.
Yes, when it comes to pure sensations, precision and driving pleasure, the Giulia is at the top. Its steering, balance and lightness give it a clear advantage for those seeking an authentic experience.
But this verdict depends entirely on expectations. For everyday use focused on comfort and serenity, the Germans remain the undisputed benchmarks. In reality, the Giulia is not exactly in the same league. It doesn't aim to be the best everywhere, but to be unforgettable where it really counts: behind the wheel.
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Thanks for sharing. It confirms what I've been saying about the Giulia's lack of comfort, including soundproofing. Personally, unquestionable sportiness isn't what I expect from a sedan, and even less from an SUV. After that, to each his own.
May we know what you ride in then? 😊
Kia EV6 awd.
In that case I understand, to each his own as you say 🙂 As far as I'm concerned it will be a Giulia. It's a matter of days 😌
The Troll in electric Korean, lost on an Italian passion forum, LoL
To buy an EV6, you really don't like cars! 🤣👎
Exactly 🙂
It's not a «sedan», it's an Alfa Romeo. It's when it fails to live up to expectations that the brand loses legitimacy and therefore customers.
I couldn't agree with you more.
maybe, but the brand was dying and is only waking up with the unexpected sales of the junior, which has absolutely nothing to do with an alfa and is disappointing for a real alfa customer! if there are any left, apart from enthusiasts, who blabber on forums about the qualities of the brand, even though they don't buy alfa cars
🤣 Precisely the opposite, he explains well that she is above the rest!
Buy an Alfa and you don't like sports cars... now you've got to take it up a notch!
Soundproofing in the Giulia is perfect, as is comfort for a sports car!
You talk the talk, but you've never driven one 🤣👎
In fact, it's quite the opposite: it's way above the rest. Comfort and soundproofing are top-notch for a «REAL» sports car.
You've never owned one so I don't even know why you're talking about it. 🤣
That's what the article says. To each his own. It's not backward, but it's not for those who buy suvs and are looking for a rolling living room.
I don't agree, I owned an Alfa Giulia 197bhp and I found the ride superb in every way, the steering was so direct and precise as well.
Interesting article
The YouTuber is Chinese, not Japanese
Anyone who's driven a Giulia knows: the Giorgio chassis is exceptional, with precise handling and a real pleasure every time you drive.
No German sedan can match the Giulia in terms of feel and driving pleasure.
I don't entirely agree that Giulias are uncomfortable, and I even think the opposite (even if the Giulia isn't a rolling living room like some Mercedes can be).
He doesn't say what's uncomfortable, but that it's not the comfort of a Lancia.
In any case, when it comes to comfort, Audi, BMW or Mercedes aren't the be-all and end-all either, and Lexus has literally supplanted them in every area.
The only thing the Germans have is an astronomical amount of technology... and that's why they're constantly breaking down.
For 6 weeks now, I've been driving a Maybach S-Class every weekend for a client (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). The following Monday it's in the garage because of constant electronic problems last weekend... a catastrophe.
J'aime bien Alfa surtout la giulia.mais de la a dire les.allemandes sont tt.le.temps.en panne niveau electronique j'ai eu 7 bmw j'en ai jamais ramener une au garage 30000 kms par an..apres comme chez tout.le monde il y aura tjr un souci ou un autre..elles sont de moins en moins fiables de tte façon
Yes, they're constantly breaking down, and the BMW 7 series is finished, as is the Audi A8, and the next one to go is the Porsche Panamera, which is even worse than Mercedes...
When you spend over 200,000chf on a limousine that's constantly breaking down, it's unworthy of you, and international customers are increasingly being tempted by Lexus, Genesis and Alfa/Maserati for follow-me openers!
I want to buy a sporty Giulia, and this publication confirms it. On the other hand, can someone explain to me how a chassis feels? Because from what I can see... it's mostly junk underneath 😅 »
We're back to what I've always said. Alfa is a pure sports car brand and not a premium brand, whereas the only brand that has always been a premium brand is Lancia (or Citroën).
In short, his analysis is correct. 👍🏻
I completely agree with Stanislas, I drive a Stelvio, more for comfort given my age (60) and out of necessity because I drive down to Italy. That said, I've obviously driven a Giulia several times, and the roadholding is simply exceptional, a real kart as they say, a real pleasure to drive.
Ive owned both an earlier manual Giulia QF, then an automatic late model. I currently have an M8 Competition and have driven my close friends M4 while we did a comparison between it and my Alfa. This artical fits exactly how i feel about the two different cars (German v Italian), it really was worth reading.
I loved my Guilia QF's. I would have another one (or stelvio QF) in a flash if the opportunity arises.
Lucky man 😊
I've been driving a Giulia for almost a year now, after three years in a 350hp Audi S6.
This car would be very nice with a more muscular engine. I have the 210hp model in Veloce finish.
I don't regret the change except for the acceleration.
It's a great karting experience on small wheels.
Both are diesel, I drive 50,000/year
There's nothing to stop you from having it reprogrammed.🤷🏻♂️
If you want comfort buy a sofa
Apparently Alfa does what I remember Fiat doing back in the 60’s-80’s. Building a car that handles with little compromising. It may well be the Italian idea of engineering, or at least the raw interpretation. The Teutonic perspective is control but with compromises to comfort. The Italian direction seems to remain raw and completely in touch with the road.
Maybe nothing the fat and lazy American wants, but something those of us who understand driving expect.
And that may also be why Alfa isn't selling well in the US
Once again, someone is trying to compare an Alfa to something else.
An Alfa is an Alfa and can only be compared with another Alfa.
As Scudric said, german cars are «...constantly breaking down...»
Mercedes for the past few years, has been towards the botton of the reliability list world wide.
I'm Taiwanese, not Chinese ^__^
Meine Guilia, eine Diva, um es vorweg zu nehmen. Eine Emotion, ein Vergnügen, ein Commitment. Alfa eben.
Ich habe meine Giulia in die Hände einer Frau gegeben: das Feedback war eindeutig. Ein Fahrgeführ par Excellence, Power pur. Go-Cart schrieben viele, Spass pur, Straight forward, Direkt am Gas.
Die Giulia ist eine sehr gute Elternative. Heute und morgen.
I had a Mercedes AMG and I can assure you that the Alfa Romeo is much better. I'm very happy to have bought you the Alfa Romeo.
2021 kia stinger 3.3T awd, love my car! and I have in mind the giulia next
My Giulia Competizione with adaptive dampers is extremely comfortable. Happy owner.
Bella recensione.
Ho avuto diverse auto dagli anni 90, quasi tutte tedesche (Opel Calibra e Insigna 4×4, Audi 80 e 4 A4, BMW serie 5), le ultime due delle boiate Francesi (3008 e Austral), in passato anche una 75 TS e 164, ora una Stelvio 200.
Direi che la Stelvio è comoda e divertente da guidare, soprattutto esteticamente splendida come una bella donna.
I've been driving a Giulia for 3 years now and I'm very satisfied with it. I like the driving precision, the engine power and the interior finish, which is just right.
What I don't like is the manual gearbox, which is a little disappointing, as the ratios are too close together. But all in all, the balance is very positive.
Just a friendly remind, we are Taiwanese not Chinese 🙂
Thanks for clarifying that. Sorry about that-the translator told me it was Chinese, not Taiwanese. I'll be more careful next time!
Ich fahre die Giulia mit 2,2 Litern Diesel seit 4 Jahren, ein tolles Auto.Übrigens mein 8.Alfa ,und ich möchte nicht tauschen...
Heb 5 jaren met guilia veloce gereden. Ben 65 en koop om de 4á 5 jaar nieuwe wagen. Beste wagen waar ik mee reed. 280pk voelde als opgedreven naar 320.
Nu nieuwe Stelvio Veloce 2025 gekocht gezien leeftijd en rugpijn( door instaplaagte)
Gekocht op goede ervaring chassis en op emotionele basis.