Ever since the Alfa Romeo Giulia hit the market, countless publications have been comparing it with the BMW 3 Series, which is typically considered to be the leader in the segment. The Giulia is the closest Alfa Romeo has ever gotten to beating the 3 Series and it’s right there. In fact, we couldn’t blame anyone for going with the Giulia over the 3er, as it’s a very different and exciting alternative. But another great new car in the segment is the Audi A4, so how do the three cars compare?
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In this recent comparison test from Whatcar?, we find out which of the three is best.
In terms of driving dynamics, the Alfa Romeo Giulia was considered to be the best of the three, something we’ve heard before. The Giulia’s steering is the sweetest and it’s also the most agile. However, it lacks the comfort of the other two Germans. The general consensus was that the 3 Series had the best balance of handling and comfort, as it was almost as sharp as the Giulia while being more comfortable and composed and it’s more fun to drive than the Audi A4. Ingolstadt’s sedan was the most comfortable to drive and still had great handling dynamics, but its lack of Quattro all-wheel drive meant it understeered too much in this class. If you want the A4, Quattro is a must.
As far as engines go, the Giulia and the 3 Series had four-cylinder diesel engines while the Audi A4 had a 3.0 liter TDI V6. Because of its more powerful engine and dual-clutch gearbox, the Audi A4 was the fastest of the three. That last bit is surprising because it was the only car of the three to be front-wheel drive, so it’s surprising that it was able to put all of that diesel-V6 torque down. The BMW 3 Series was all-wheel drive and the Giulia made do with rear-wheel drive.
In the end, though, it was the Audi A4 that took the win for Whatcar?. Its combination of style, interior comfort, performance and frugality made it the best all-around car of the three. Next was the BMW 3 Series, which traded a bit of the A4’s comfort and refinement for some driving dynamics and its iDrive system is slightly better than Audi’s MMI. Third place came the Giulia, but it wasn’t without its charms. The Giulia was the best car of the three to drive and its engine was actually the smoothest but its ride was overly firm and its interior seriously lacked in both quality and technology.
[Source: Whatcar?]
what kind of bullshit test is that ? Of course the FWD will be more frugal than the AWD !
Next test: is the X3 a better off-roader than the A1 ?
Agreed!! I’m laughing now lol
The F30 is at its end of its lifespan. Wait till the G20 arrives and it’ll put everyone back to their respective places.
You forgot to post all the reviews by car and driver and motor trend where the Giulia wins :)
I’ve owned both BMW and Alfa and enjoy them both for different reasons but some objectivity is needed here. Alfa for the first time in decades has produced the best handling and exciting premium sedan in the segment. That in itself is to be celebrated.
No doubt BMW will come back stronger than ever but for the time being, the Alfa is the better drivers car
More to ownership than best driver (& if that’s the issue why buy a sedan?). Here in North America, neither Jag or Alfa have the dealer & parts support or reliability record of any of the established brands. Of course, that was true of the German Big 3 when they started here as well.
You gotta start somewhere don’t you ? Maserati went from 6000 sales a year tor 42000. Takes time to get there
I remember when BMW competed with the 2000 GTV & 1750 Berllina, too bad the Italians gave up on us for so long.
They’ve been around for 105 years…you cant always have a good winning streak. BMWs could barely compete with Alfas in those years…then bmw well they dominated the sports car segment for at least 30 years.
That works, since Alfa Jag Maserati or Volvo have no direct competitor to the X1.
Volvo this year will have the XC40
So as with Alfa, if I continue to wait, Volvo eventually will also have possible competition for BMW benchmarks that have been on the road for years?
Problem is they aren’t the benchmark….they were :)
I would ask who is, but we have already established yours are not.
Depends who you ask….
Really? On bmwblog? You are also contradicting your previous response.
Bring it on! BMW became successful by being an alternative to a dull status quo, maybe it’s time again?
I agree….it is the status quo drivers car and with good reason. They make fantastic cars
It was the Quadrifoglio version not the Giulia that people will actually buy, that’s what they’re talking about here. And the M3 wins on Auto Bild so it doesn’t mean anything, just that Alfa can about compete with the oldest car in its class… Cool i guess.
It’s much better than the CP M3 and the AMG in both comparisons. Autobild is German so I’d take it with a grain of salt. The Giulia is the newest best drivers car on the market for the time being, bmw used to be the ultimate driving machine now they aren’t. They aren’t the most luxurious or tech since benz and audi take the crown there so that leaves them confused and lacking in punch. I love both my alfa and bmw but this time, the Alfa is king
And the most biased comment of the day award goes to…
To the author of this article:)
Honestly I’m happy to see alfa and bmw battle it out….it’s been a while
What do Audi or Benz have that compare with the i8?
Not much for now….maybe in the next years..VAG has Porsche covered with that and maybe Benz will release a hybrid AMG product soon…
None of their products compete with the i8 (or i3 for that matter), AMG hybrid not due till after 2020, so BMW are not confused and lacking in punch, benz/audi (or Alfa) take no crown. This renders your other statements suspect as well.
What’s so suspect? Lol
Your “facts”, President Trumpf.
That the Giulia is quicker more powerful and better handling than the 3? Yeah those are hard facts….maybe the volume knob is softer in the bmw :)
Selective edit, I called out your statement that M-B & VW lead BMW in tech., when they actually don’t even compete with iDivision (as yet).
VAG is the world largest manufacturer you actually think they don’t have the tech? Lol
How many billions is their diesel tech costing this year? Pretty sure none of BMW’s tech involves criminal charges.
Ya that’s why their sales went up this year go figure….they overtook toyota…
What does that have to do with the Giulia coming in dead last in this competition?
It’s first when it matters….driving and so have motor trend and car and driver concluded including top gear and Chris Harris…..if you care about soft touch plastics then yes audi wins :)
Audi, or your forehead.
Well said. The Alfa wins hands down.
So why aren’t people buying them?
Because most people are pathetic follow the crowd sheep.
Now do me a favour ans shut the F**k up you weak tool.
No can do.
volume ≠ tech
The 3 is old. When arrived the new one we will see the situation
Audi’s MMI is a complete joke, it don’t work half the time.
Giulia 3rd. in WhatCar? BMW 2nd. to the new A4, their 2016 Car of the Year.
When did they start selling the Alfa and BMW with 4 cylinder diesels?
the 328d has been around for a few years in the US