Another update for Alfa’s Giulia Q can’t hide its age, but the sports sedan still manages to flatter, excite and entertain
- How much does the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio cost?
- What equipment comes with the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
- How safe is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
- What technology does the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio feature?
- What powers the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
- How fuel efficient is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
- What is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio like to drive?
- What is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio like inside?
- Should I buy an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
From the first moment it turned a wheel in anger, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio was the genuine article. Finally, a real Alfa that had the measure of the BMW M3 which had ruled the super-sedan segment for more than three decades. It was a class act, blending storming pace with dynamic prowess that had been alien to the Italian brand since the late 1990s. It was a winner from the off and even bagged Australia’s Best Driver’s Car award from carsales in 2018. Since then, Alfa has updated the Giulia Q twice, and now it’s time for yet another refresh. It needs it. BMW M and Mercedes-AMG have moved ahead with new-generation cars, but now Alfa hits back – to an extent – with mechanical and equipment revisions for its ageing Giulia Q, now in the final act before the brand’s full-electric era.
How much does the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio cost?
The updated 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio has not been priced yet for the Australian market, with full costs and detailed specifications due closer to its launch in the final quarter of this year.
Previously, the MY22 Giulia Quadrifoglio was priced from $151,700 plus on-road costs. That now looks exceedingly cheap beside the two-pedal, rear-wheel drive 2023 BMW M3 Competition that costs $171,600 plus ORCs.
Perhaps more sobering is the likely cost of the incoming new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance, which is expected to be priced from around $220,000 once on-roads are added. You can still get the previous C 63 S in two-door form, with the coupe available for $188,469 plus ORCs.
In that company, the Giulia Q seems a bargain, with plenty of margin to indulge in some choice options before you approach its rivals’ price tag.
That said, we expect a price bump for the new MY23 Giulia Q on account of its extra kit. That, and the fact Alfa Romeo will only make 3500 globally from now until 2024, which could restrict supply in right-hand drive markets.
What equipment comes with the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio will remain one of the best-equipped in class when the new model lands in Australia later this year.
After all, a standard kilo-cutting carbon-fibre bonnet and prop shaft are both items worthy of far more exotic supercars but come standard with even the most basic Giulia Q.
In fact, you’ll see more of the expensive motorsport-derived composite used for the rear wing, side skirts and trim within the cabin, including a new 3D effect carbon surround that appears around the gear lever.
As part of the MY2023 updates, the Giulia Q also gets new Matrix LED headlights, a large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an electronically controlled mechanical limited-slip differential.
Under its lightweight composite bonnet, the updated Giulia also comes with a mild power bump, with the twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 boosted from 375kW to 382kW.
At the same time there’s been a comprehensive retune of the suspension and steering.
The cars we drove weren’t quite representative of the Giulia Quadrifoglio that we will get Down Under as they were part of the 100th Anniversario special-edition line for Guilia (and Stelvio) that celebrates a century since the famous four-leaf clover badge first appeared on a racing Alfa.
That said, without the commemorative gold badging, embroidered head restraints and dash-mounted plaque, we think the carbon-fibre door mirrors, front grille and special 19-inch rims might become standard equipment.
Same goes for the black leather and Alcantara-clad seats (eight-way adjustable up front) and steering wheel, with the latter getting new carbon-fibre inserts.
Included in the price will also be a premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging pad and heating for the front seats and steering wheel.
Some of the options available but not yet priced for the 2023 Giulia Q include the cool carbon-fibre Sparco bucket seats that previously cost $8250 and our test car’s carbon-ceramic brakes that saw previous owners part with $13,500.
Expect to pay more for premium paint ($1000-$3650) and to be out of pocket if you want black or yellow brake callipers.
Another option is the Akrapovic sports exhaust that adds cool carbon-fibre tips but costs as much as the Sparco seats in some markets.
Service intervals are spaced every 12 months or 15,000km, with capped-price servicing available via the dealer network. Previously over five years the fastest Alfa sedan previously cost as much as $5245 to maintain.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty in Australia.
How safe is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
The Alfa Romeo Giulia received a maximum five-star safety rating from ANCAP way back in 2016, when the testing protocols weren’t nearly as stringent as they are today.
That means all variants of the 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia, including the Quadrifoglio, now go unrated and are unlikely to be tested again before an all-electric new-generation model arrives in 2025.
Standard safety equipment includes dual front, side chest and curtain airbags.
There’s also autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, active lane keep assist, lane departure warning, emergency assist, rear cross traffic assist, blind spot monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, driver fatigue detection and traffic sign recognition.
What technology does the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio feature?
Standard tech equipment on the 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio includes a new configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
There’s also a small 8.8-inch touch-screen infotainment system that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a supporting cast that includes three USB ports and wireless phone charging.
The audio tech highlight is a 900W Harman Kardon sound system using a total of 14 speakers dotted around the cabin.
What powers the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio remains powered by an all-aluminium 90-degree 2891cc twin-turbocharged V6 that was developed by Ferrari and is related to the 3.9-litre biturbo V8 introduced in the Ferrari California T (2014-2017).
As part of the MY23 updates the Giulia Quadrifoglio gets fractionally more power, with its total output boosted from 375kW to 382kW. Torque remains unchanged at 600Nm, delivered from just 2500rpm.
Despite the uptick in power, the Giulia Q is no quicker and from 0-100km/h takes the same 3.9 seconds, although top speed is now 308km/h (+1km/h)
Like before, the punchy twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 works with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic that channels all its might to the rear wheels. All-wheel drive is not an option.
Torque vectoring and a new electronically-controlled mechanical limited-slip differential both maximise traction.
How fuel efficient is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
Alfa claims a fuel consumption average of 10.1L/100km for the 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio on the combined cycle using minimum 98 RON premium unleaded fuel.
On the move at a steady cruise or with light throttle applications, the trick twin-turbo V6 can shut down a bank of cylinders to save fuel.
The combined-cycle figure in isolation isn’t great, and doesn’t come close to the latest Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance that’s claimed to average 6.9L/100km on the same test cycle, thanks to its advanced plug-in powertrain.
In comparison, the rear-drive BMW M3 Competition, which goes without electrification, closely matches the Alfa for efficiency with 9.8L/100km.
What is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio like to drive?
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio remains a wonderful car to drive fast, even eight years on since I first climbed behind the wheel of an early version in Italy.
It’s worth remembering that from day one the Quadrifoglio version came first, not the core Giulia models, so designers and engineers spent the most amount of time and resources ensuring it was the best car it could possibly be.
It also explains why Alfa seconded engineers from Maserati and Ferrari to help develop its chassis.
That’s why the Italian M3 rival has super-quick steering (just two turns lock-to-lock), almost matching the Ferrari 458 or 488 of the day.
Key to the 2023 updates is injecting some of the knowhow accrued on the wild Giulia GTA/GTAm and reapplying it to the final run of combustion-powered Alfa sedans.
The electronically-controlled mechanical diff, for example, is something that’s been needed for years – especially for those who use (who have used) their Giulia Q on track where you can become frustrated by the e-diff’s lack of consistency. It could occasionally overheat too, using the brake-induced torque vectoring.
Engineers claim that they didn’t want to mess with the overall feel of the previous Giulia Q, wanting to maintain its approachable character that would flatter rather than intimidate.
Alfa’s chief engineer also stressed the new Giulia wasn’t something designed to drift for Italy, with work focusing on boosting stability mid-corner, while enhancing overall agility.
Our car is fitted with carbon-ceramic brakes that work well in pulling up the sedan, but still need a heart-stopping big shove to bite (and work) at high speed.
Flatten the throttle for the first time and the Akrapovic exhaust seems wasteful – even though the titanium pipes cut kilos. It only adds boominess, with the twin-turbo V6 seemingly losing its voice since the last time I drove it – no doubt because of new exhaust particulate filters.
Like before, the fast Alfa feels light and nimble, despite its 1660kg kerb weight, while the steering is quick and well-weighted.
With limited time on road and track, we experiment between Natural, Dynamic and Race engine modes and frequently back the dampers off using the neat button in the centre of the ‘DNA’ engine mode selector.
Over a bumpy circuit, the adaptive dampers soaked up the worst below without ruining the ride.
Driving back-to-back with the MY23 Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV was an eye-opening experience, especially how much more responsive to the throttle the Alfa sedan is.
In slower corners, the rear-drive Giulia indulges in neat controlled drifts, while traction is impressive.
It’s worth pointing out the Giulia Q wore far stickier Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres too, which meant far higher cornering speed and an absence of understeer compared to the bigger, heavier Stelvio.
Despite still feeling quick today, the Giulia Q’s main rivals are considerably quicker, both in a straight line and on road and track, but we doubt they’re any more fun.
What is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio like inside?
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio feels ancient inside next to the far more modern BMW M3 and its Mercedes-AMG rival.
Like the Stelvio SUV that also soldiers on for at least another couple of years, there’s no massive sharp HD infotainment system, while the Giulia’s new digital instrument cluster feels a generation behind when it comes to tech and clarity and the level of customisation people now expect.
That said, we think some might forgive all its flaws for the way it drives and even overlook the tacky-looking 3D carbon-fibre trim in the knowledge it probably saves weight over fake wood or metal overlays.
Adding appeal when you drive the Alfa Q sedan is the knowledge you’ll never be buried in sub-menus in the infotainment, or blinded at night by a metre-wide high-definition screen.
It’s also impossible not to love the expensive-feeling Ferrari-esque column-mounted shift paddles.
Using the Giulia Q as a family car could prove tough if you have teenagers – there’s limited headroom and legroom, although the 480-litre boot isn’t too bad.
Should I buy an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is the perfect antidote to the obese, overcomplicated and not-that-much-fun Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance that employs its tech for the sake of it.
The Giulia Q is a sports sedan that flatters, excites and entertains at any given opportunity, still managing to charm you despite its outdated tech.
The Q’s biggest threat remains the BMW M3 Competition, especially the all-wheel drive version that delivers new-age AMG C 63 levels of performance with all-weather traction many buyers now demand.
That said, the Giulia Q remains utterly captivating, warts and all, and would be a joy to use every day. Buy one while you can.
2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio at a glance:
Price: $160,000 estimated (plus on-road costs)
Available: Final quarter 2023
Engine: 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol
Output: 382kW/600Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.1L/100km (WLTP Combined)
CO2: 228g/km (WLTP Combined)
Safety rating: Unrated
Keyword: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 2023 Review – International