Overview
With a 505-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 under its bulging hood, the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio turns up the heat on the sports sedan segment. It shares its chassis and interior with the standard Giulia, which means it inherits that car’s sharp handling and fun-to-drive demeanor, but that Ferrari-derived six is really the star of the show. Its performance rivals established players the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-AMG C63 as well as the new Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, but it offers a certain Italian flavor that’s missing from those sedans. While our long-term Giulia Quadrifoglio was plagued with reliability issues, we still think the car’s performance and charisma makes it worth a look for buyers seeking driving thrills.
What’s New for 2022?
Additional standard equipment joins the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s spec sheet for 2022, including a new wireless smartphone charging pad, an air-quality system, heated front and rear seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Additional driver-assistance features have been added as standard too, including lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlamps.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We wouldn’t add much to the Giulia’s equipment list, as already boasts desirable features such as in-dash navigation, blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, and a 15-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system. We would want the $1000 Active Assist Plus package, though, as it comes with lane-keeping assist, a driver-attention monitor, and Alfa’s semi-autonomous Highway Assist system.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
With its rhapsodic twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 and a well-calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission, the rear-drive-only Giulia Quadrifoglio is a riot to pilot. The Italian-built, Ferrari-derived engine produces 505 horsepower, 443 pound-feet of torque, and a spine-tingling timbre that shames most rivals. Too bad a manual transmission isn’t available. We’re also sad to report that Alfa Romeo lives up to its reputation for unreliability, with our long-termer exhibiting several mechanical glitches. The Giulia’s engine contains its excitement when cruising at low rpm and in top gear. Applying the throttle below 3000 rpm results in merely a hint of hesitation, but then the turbos spool up and power builds in a whirlwind of acceleration and a ripping exhaust note. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is decisive and quick to swap gears in the sportier drive modes, and the Giulia’s supple chassis is a willing partner in high-spirited hijinks. The Alfa shines on track and handles daily driving well, with perfect damping and notable isolation from harsh impacts. The zestier driving modes don’t compromise ride quality, either. And then there’s the sensational steering setup: The thin-rimmed steering wheel feels like a blast from the past, offering feather-light effort, communicative feedback, and pleasingly quick response. The synthesis of these traits is what separates the Quadrifoglio from its main rivals and helped it win a comparison test against the M3.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Giulia QF and its supersedan rivals are virtually tied in EPA ratings, with the Alfa earning 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The version we tested on our 75-mph fuel-economy route beat its highway estimate by 1 mpg. For more information about the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Giulia’s interior is composed of leather surfaces and faux-suede accents. The attractive front seats are supportive without being restrictive. A pair of racing-oriented Recaro buckets are available, but they lack the power adjustments and heating elements of the standard set. The switchgear and swooping dashboard carry over from the regular Giulia, but the Quadrifoglio adds a copious amount of carbon-fiber trim. The QF’s trunk would accommodate four carry-on suitcases, which is average for this class. The reasonably sized center console adds a bit of front-row storage. Back-seat passengers are limited to small door pockets and cargo netting on the back of the front seats to store their stuff.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 8.8-inch infotainment display in the dash can be controlled by touch or by a rotary knob on the center console. The interface is customizable and intuitive, but the driver may have some difficulty hitting the smaller on-screen icons when the vehicle is in motion. Still, Alfa’s system has a wealth of features and comes with navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. A 15-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system is also standard.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The swoopy sedan has standard driver assists such as automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring plus a slew of available equipment. For more information about the Giulia’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Alfa Romeo’s limited and powertrain warranties are average for the class. Its corrosion protection is also middling, and its complimentary-maintenance period is shorter than BMW’s.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles
