It is pretty hard not to like the new Giulia Quadrifoglio, it encapsulates just about everything an Alfa Romeo should be.
We say this because that isn’t necessarily a compliment, depending on which angle you look at it. For all those Alfisti out there, this has been a revelation, the first true blue Alfa Romeo to be launched since Fiat took over back in the late 80s. As much as it has been the answer to their prayers, what about everyone else out there? Could it really be considered a realistic alternative to the BMW M3 or one of the equally impressive AMG models that cost as much as the Alfa?
10 Love: Just Beautiful
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Design wise, there simply aren't any other four-door sedans out there that rival the Alfa. Subjectivity will always come into play when we talk about looks, but the thing is just beautiful.
Japanese sedans are still underwhelming, and the Germans have gone for more polarizing designs these days, opening the door for the Italians.
9 Never Buy: Resale Value
The knock on effect of the global chip shortage has seen the prices of used cars reach an all-time high (at least in the US). So, we suspect even the Alfa's value will be on the rise, but not by much.
Pre-pandemic, these cars were losing as much as half their value in just a couple of years, a frightful depreciation that will shake even the least pragmatic buyer. It has a badge that has built up a reputation over the years, for the most part, that reputation isn’t very good.
8 Love: Baby Ferrari
Although they pretty much deny it every time they are asked, the V6 lump is suspiciously similar to the Ferrari/Maserati F154 V8, and is at the very least a direct descendant.
If the soundtrack isn’t enough of a giveaway, then one look at the architecture will seal the deal. Either way, it is the beating heart of the machine and pushes its performance to previously unimaginable heights for Alfa, making over 500 horsepower.
7 Never Buy: Ferrari Maintenance Cost
Sadly, that Ferrari engineering has a downside; maintenance. It is an expensive car to service and maintain and although it is fairly practical, driving it daily will be a costly endeavor.
If you are going to buy it new, you will also mean saying no to used Ferraris that have almost no mileage on them because of the global pandemic.
6 Love: Most Refined Alfa Romeo Ever Made
Not taking anything away from Alfas of old, but when they took aim at the M cars, they knew what it would take to win over their customers.
This is by far their best effort, with a brilliant performance focused suspension and every conceivable luxury sedan base covered in terms of comfort (not something they are renowned for), electronics and entertainment.
5 Never Buy: Some Recalls
So, like many modern cars running around today, they've had a couple recalls. Mercifully they are not too serious and relate to the software of the vehicle, but they can still be pretty dangerous if it happens at the wrong time.
One recall relating to the fuel level is fairly innocuous, but running out of fuel in a new car would be pretty frustrating nonetheless. The other fault relating to the adaptive cruise control is far more dangerous, simply applying pressure to the brake won’t automatically disable the system (like it should). This could lead to a less than ideal panic situation, both are fixed with a software update.
4 Love: Authentic Alfa
One might say that if it didn’t have at least a couple quirks, it wouldn’t be a real Alfa. However, the truth is that it is actually the feeling the car invokes that makes it one of the true purist Alfa Romeos.
It is one of those cars that you will get carried away in, something that appeals to your inner child, not to mention one of the most intoxicating soundtracks.
3 Never Buy: Made By Fiat
At the end of the day, this is still being made under the watchful eye of Fiat. Although they did let their Ferrari engineers have a little fun with the car, there is little doubt the bean counters swooped in and crushed a few other dreams before they could see the light of day.
Almost certainly they saved money in a few other areas to make the project viable, so as much as this might be the most refined Alfa, it is still an Alfa, not a BMW or AMG.
2 Love: Pulls The Heartstrings With Blistering Performance
No two ways about it, this is a fun car. It might be a four door, but it certainly goes like a sports car, just like a good hot sedan should.
60 will come up in under 4 seconds, if you have a long enough straight then it will keep going all the way up to 190 mph. Incredible numbers, M car numbers in fact.
1 Never Buy: Not The Pragmatic Choice
The M3 still has most of its bases covered, and we seriously doubt the Alfa would lure any actual fans away from the brand. What it does do, though, is offer a genuinely exciting alternative, forcing the best to get better somehow. It also gives all those Alfisti out there what they have been desiring for years, we wouldn’t go out and buy a new one though.
There are enough good used ones floating around that already have the software update done and a full-service history for around half the price. If what you are after is reliable performance, well, then the Alfa won’t be for you because this is a genuine Alfa Romeo, warts and all.