Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce vs. BMW 430i GranCoupe xDrive - Tough Choice

Emozioni in Italian, Emotionen in German, i.e. model comparison: Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce and BMW 430i GranCoupe xDrive.

Some are renowned for their watchmaking precision, others for their volcanic temperament. The first will choose to drink Weissbier, the second - espresso. Two completely different worlds, not only in life, but also in the automotive industry. They are united by their love for the car. German is patriotic and loyal, Italian is expressive and explosive. Both know how to make cars that the whole world admires, but in completely different ways. And although from a pragmatic point of view, BMW and Alfa Romeo are like water and fire, they have one thing in common - the cars of these manufacturers should be a pleasure to drive.

Therefore, we decided to combine two models: the BMW 430i xDrive in the GranCoupe version and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce. Both of these cars have petrol engines with over 250 horsepower, all-wheel drive and sporty flair. And although we tested the BMW in the summer, and the Alfa in the winter, we will try to highlight the biggest differences and similarities between them.

Bavarian sports compromise

BMW 4 Series In the GranCoupe version, this is a car that successfully combines sportiness with a practical interior. Of course, this is not the practicality of a seven-seat minivan, but a five-door body with a quite reasonable trunk volume of 480 liters allows much more than in a sedan or coupe. No one will try to find arguments to support the thesis that the Quartet is a family car. However, sporting qualities are taken for granted in each of the seven power options available in the configurator. After the decision was made to withdraw the 3 Series Coupe from sale, it was decided to replace it with a slightly larger model, but also in a five-door version. It was like a bull's-eye, and it's no surprise that in Europe the GranCoupe is the most popular variant of the 4 Series.

The 430i version we tested with xDrive has 252 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. This allows the car to accelerate in 5,9 seconds to the first "hundred". These parameters are worthy of the sportiness of a car equipped with the M Performance Accessories package, which further emphasizes its dynamic character. Driving a BMW is pure poetry - painfully precise and "zero" steering, straight-line traction of racing cars even on very slippery surfaces and incredible ease of driving. "Four" very willingly responds to every push of the gas, immediately demonstrating the potential of every horsepower locked under the hood. It is important to note that when choosing the M Sport version, the driver has the opportunity to completely disable the traction control system. However, we recommend disabling the systems only for experienced drivers. Even in Comfort mode with full electronic intervention, the car offers unparalleled driving pleasure.

The problem, however, is the rather claustrophobic cabin, near-vertical windshield and short windshield. All this creates the impression that the driver is driven into a corner, although there will certainly be those who will take this as an advantage. Frameless windows on all doors and low-profile run-flat tires do not adversely affect acoustic comfort even when driving at high speeds. Music to the ears is provided by the M Performance exhaust system, spewing the sounds of anti-tank shots every time the car stalls at revs. Returning to practical considerations, the five-door body and 480 liters of luggage space are heaven for all those who want to combine the character of a sports car with the qualities of a liftback. Despite the fact that the car has a low seating position, especially with package additions under the bumpers and sills, movement in urban areas should not cause any problems. The car has character, but at the same time works well as a car for a 2 + 2 family. Of course, for a family that can compromise, where sporty impressions are more important than practicality ...

Italian symphony of details

The Alfa Romeo 159 was some kind of rehabilitation attempt after the not-so-successful 156. Giulia is a brand new chapter in the history of the Italian brand, entering the premium segment, and the Quadrifoglio Verde is a signal to competitors that Alfa Romeo is back to fight the best.

Julia Fast this is a dynamic look with a low excise tax - on the one hand, the car looks almost like the top version of the QV, but under the hood is “only” a two-liter turbo unit with 280 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. Although the Giulia Veloce is closer to the BMW 3 Series, our information shows that those considering buying this Italian sedan are more likely to compare it to the German 4 Series.

Alfa Romeo's flagship sedan is visually unmistakable from any other car on the road. On the one hand, the designers retained all the traditional features of the brand, and on the other hand, they gave the building a fresh and modern look. Alpha is simply beautiful and it is impossible to pass by her without throwing a lustful look at her. Perhaps this is one of the most beautiful cars on the market. The Giulia is a classic sedan that on the one hand enhances the traditional character of this design, while on the other hand it loses a bit of the practical body of the GranCoupe. While the Alpha's luggage space is also 480 liters, the high loading threshold and small opening make it difficult to use that space. Interestingly, the doors (especially the front ones) are very short, which does not affect the comfort of the occupied space, both in front and behind the car.

Inside we see an exposition of Italian designers. Everything looks very elegant and dignified, although the fit and quality of materials from BMW is clearly better. The Giulia rides more carefree than the BMW - allows for more frenzy even with the electronics activated, but steering precision is marginally better on the 4 series. Interesting - both BMW and Alfa Romeo use ZF's eight-speed automatic transmission, and yet this Bavarian version is smoother. and predictable. Although the Alfa has more power and torque than the BMW, it is even faster to “hundreds” (5,2 seconds), but somehow this BMW gives a greater sense of acceleration. The Giulia rides great and is a lot of fun to drive, but this BMW is more precise and predictable when driving dynamically through tight corners. Alfa is less practical, smaller in size, but has an original Italian design. Which car will emerge victorious from this comparison?

German arguments, Italian coquetry

It is extremely difficult to make an unambiguous verdict in this comparison: it is a struggle between heart and mind. On the one hand, the BMW 4 Series is a fully mature, refined and enjoyable car to drive, yet practical enough for everyday use. On the other hand, Alfa Romeo Giulia, which captivates with its appearance, beautiful interior and decent performance. Looking at these two cars with common sense, pragmatist eyes, it would be appropriate to choose a BMW. However, the heart and emotions are pushing us towards an affair with the beautiful Alfa, which, however, has several incidents compared to the Bavarian GranCoupe. More than a Four, Julia casually seduces with her style and grace. Whatever we choose, we are doomed to emotions: on the one hand, prudent and predictable, but extremely intense. On the other hand, it is mysterious, unusual and amazing. Our choice is whether we prefer to think "Ich liebe dich" or "Ti amo" after we get behind the wheel.