Fully agree with you, Stef, the Giulia is the better car...I too am very objective...the M is exceptionally well engineered and a very daring step for them but for a car that is already 5 years old as its competitor, the Alfa is quite something special to STILL be able to trounce a high-tech car like this. and...you [Stef] are not the only reviewer who has taken this stance. Respect to Alfa...always ;)

I’ve driven the both and the turbo lag is definitely worse in the M3, I’ve actually videoed both. The fake sound through the speakers is awful and overly intrusive, it actually drowns out the flat exhaust. The suspension feels overly firm compared to the QV, the QV rides a fast bumpy road much better and more resolved. Despite it being the same hardware the QV gearbox feels much shaper and actually down changes when you want it to unlike the M3. The carbon paddles feel cheap and unsubstantial compared to the Alfa. I’ve also done a video showing the G80 M3 interior plastics, they are absolutely not flawless interiors despite all the critics banging on about the Alfa quality. My QV is definitely faster after back to back driving. The QV also sounds far superior, like it’s not even close. The steering is much sharper and more feel some on the QV, the bmw has 275 front tyres! No wonder it has good grip up front! Alfa’s week point is most definitely the infotainment and lack of tech, no head up display, no 360 cameras, no led or laser headlights etc. I don’t buy this sort of car for those things but Alfa should really get this sorted out. I still feel the QV feels more special/exotic to be in. Overall the M3 is a good car, but drive a QV with decent tyres and many will prefer the QV

I test drove both pretty much back to back and picked the Giulia. After having owned so many German cars in the past (most of which we’re great) I wanted something different. The Giulia was just the better driver’s car for me and I think it has a more timeless look that has & will age better. Each to their own as both these cars are fantastic but for now I’m a happy QV owner!

Both cars are beasts. I acknowledge that the BMW has got the German aura which reflects, obviously, in the sales numbers, but the Alfa is the unicorn here. For me, having a Giulia Quadrifoglio, since 2017, I confirm that sporty way to drive it. It has an amazing platform and an astonishing feeling at the steering wheel. It's more amazing thinking that the Giulia was engineered on 2014-15.

Alfa QV just has something special about it. It really is sublime and after 2 years of ownership I still make excuses to take it for a spin!

Having seen the car now in person, I can confirm it's stunning. Particularly in that spec... Great review as always Stef!

I prefer the Alfa too

I agree with all that you stated. For me if I’m not attracted to the car, well that’s the end of the road. The QV is still beautiful 5+ years later and is a pure drivers car, forget all the gadgets when you just want to feel the car and it’s emotion, that’s what it’s all about, just my opinion though. Great video 👍

Great video! The M3 Competition is a fantastic car, but the Giulia QV has a unique design, a better driving experience, and more passion. Alfa wins easily.

ALFA. Better styling unique And they have a better shade of green. Nobody looks at BMW's at car meets too. Unless it's old-school.

The M3 is STIFF on bad roads. I drove my QV to the dealer to get an M3 Comp and would have bought it but my wife would kill me. The ride is JARRING just like the last series. The QV drives like a Mercedes when you want and becomes a psychopath at the turn of a knob. It is the most joyous car ever. I've owned many Ferraris, a few AMGs, I have three 911's now. The QV is so difficult to explain. You can't get it from a test drive. You have to live with it. One more thing: My QV has been almost perfect in the near 3 years I've owned it. It had one oil leak near the rear of the engine, but the dealer f*cked up the repair resulting in it being out 3 months. I was ready to sell it when I picked it up from service, and that's when I drove over to the BMW dealership to drive the M3. 15 minutes of driving my Alfa all is forgiven. It is that amazing.

It’s funny! I traded in my BMW because after test driving the Giulia QV I was blown away! The feel, the drive, the acceleration, the continued power, it’s an amazing drive. When you have to come out with a “competition” version it’s like going to an “executive” hotel…not very impressive!

proofs how excellent Giulia was when it came for sale, still after 5 years. I really hope they give one proper facelift to it (the 2020 minor interior update cant be really called as facelift). And if that normal Q isnt enough there is always GTA/m for some lucky ones.

there is no comparison alfa for pure driving pleasure

When Stef first stepped on the throttle in the BMW at the very beginning of the video and he didn't smile, i knew the guilia would "win", that passion you get from the alfa can't be replicated

At last a common sense review. (and the right outcome, but I'm biased as I have a QV) :-)

Giulia, which was made 7 years ago is a better driver's car. Better steering. Better dynamics. Infinitely better looking. Better sound. Better ride quality. And regarding handling, the M3 only beats the Giulia by like .05 on the track. Wait until they revamp the Alfa. Giulia is still the 🏆!

Considering that the BNW M3 G80 is brand new (and it's here in the Competition flavour ) whereas the Giulia Quadrifoglio is a five year old project, well, good job Alfa! Waiting to see how the Quadrifoglio GTA will compare.

Giulia for me 😘👌🏻

Completey agree the F80 is one off my favourite cars but the G80s not for me I have no doubt its a fantastic car. In short I would have a QV over the M3 any day. Keep them coming stef good work

Totally agree with you. The Alfa Qv is the better drivers car. I just wish people would drive them and see for themselves and not just buy the ugly BMW for its badge.

Great review stef. I think it's sad what the M division at BMW has turned into. M cars were once special cars because they came from the Motorsport division like how Porsche GT cars are. Now BMW will slap a M badge on anything. I test drove the new M3 and I felt its was much stiffer then the QV in N mode and the M3 had more road noise. I forgot to check what tires it had on because that does make a difference. I didn't like the M3's instrument cluster but did like the quality of the infotainment system and the sound system over the QV's. These new cars are over loaded with tech that will be outdated in 3 years. Also these cars are becoming too large and heavy. I do own a QV and did the test drive with an open mind and feel that BMW did a good job with the new M3 but it didn't make me want to trade in the QV and made me realize how lucky I am to own one. Remember its your money that you worked hard for so buy what you like.... not what you think will impress other people the most. I learned a long time ago that the newest greatest model is not always the best. Too many people spend money they don't have, to buy things they don't love, to impress people they don't like!

Giulia for sure!!

Agree with you Stef, Alfa looks better and drives better.

I want to hate this M3 but I can’t. It’s a great car. I like the Giulia QV better for all the reasons U mentioned,however.I’ll be keeping my QV!

Great video mate, agree the GQ is still dynamically better and has far more feel. The G80 does come alive on track and somehow escape it's weight figures. Hopefully see you soon mate 👊

When BMW released the new 3 series and they said (in code) that they didn't benchmark the Giulia because it was too good ("too track focussed" ha ha). That just shows more than anyone else could say how brilliant the Giorgio platform really is and six or seven years on it's still the best. The M3 is a super-saloon, the Giulia QF is a sports car.

I much prefer the whole package of the new M3 over that of the GQ. I wanna step into the cabin and feel special even before I've started the motor. One winner here for me. Sitting behind the wheel of a proper 'M' car is truly a special thing. Its the benchmark. They always are.

I agree,with everything you said,until this happened...g80 xdrive. Traded in my QV.

Buy a used QV, spend $2500 and make 590 crank from a stage 1 tune, lots and lots of fun.. your welcome

Stef. Great Car. But Front is orrible. The M3 four door has good 3/4 back. The M4 with 2 doors has also a orribile back.. so much long. 300 kg heavier of Giulia QV. Giulia burn 5 years ago and still is bit nibble

The QV is in another league as far as sound goes. The G80 M3's sound (from the interior) still sounds a bit too synthetic. I prefer a slightly modded E90 335i's sound.

Thank you for the great and honest review! I also agree totally, just wanted to point out one thing: I don’t know how the market in the UK is, but back in Germany you get a new or pre-registered Giulia QV for around 65-68T€. And you will not find right now a new M3 below 88-90T€. That price difference is really not justified and makes the choice for the Alfa even easier! BTW, I got mine 1 month ago - it is a fantastic car!

The biggest weapon with the G80 M3 is optional xDrive, which will destroy all sport sedan sales in snowy regions.

Good honest review 👍

I was interested about this video until 0:25 ... :D Still can't beleive german designers found this grill sexy. Giulia still has a better sound, with its crackles and pops. M3 sounds not bad, but feels synthetic compare to the Quadrifoglio. Also i prefer analogue gauges and column mounted aluminium paddles and more feedback on the steeringwheel. But the choice is for everyone. Both car is great, anyway

Another awesome video! I agree with you on this one. QV any day. Be interesting to see what they do for the next gen. maybe Q4 and a much better interior ? M3 is very expensive. For the asking price of a decent spec m3, you can get a M5 comp year old.

I think the QV looks awful from the front and only average from any other angle! Great review, but in my opinion the M3/M4 are the better looking cars.

The real answer of a man who has driven both cars and is not paid by an Alfa or a BMW. And it is absolutely right alfa romeo giulia qv is still the best sports sedan. I hope you get your hands on another giulia gtam.

I love Giulia QV.

Giulia .... hands down.

Alfa Romeo All day long 😍😍😍

Great review, excellent job as ever @Stef ABtv ! One issue maybe with the position of the mic (just above the mid-dash speaker?) - this horrible synthetic engine noise was just driving me nuts. That alone would be a deal breaker if It is the same in real as it sounds in the video. I got myself a Giulia Veloce last year and test drove the 330i as well, and very similar fake noise was just distracting all the way. I understand that the Giulia has "enhanced" sound too, but that picks up the sample at the air intake, and does not sound like those cheap 12v plugin Aliexpress rubbish from 5 years ago... have BMW bought them all?

Good review mate, sums it up well. The G80 is a great car but exterior is not elegant and has less feel than the GQ.

I like the Beemers from grill,especially how the creases on the bonnet line up with the corners of the grill ,it gives a real aggressive look

Absolutely stunning. Surprised how much I love this colour!

ALFA for ever!

I agree 👍🏻 Alfa is beautiful looking car I love her feel and the look it’s art 💋

I can't wait for Giulia GTA vs M3 competition

Hey Stef absolutely agree the Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio is the best sports saloon - there have been many versions of the M3 , so they have had time to make it better and better , Alfa has had one shot at it so far and they created a mega sports saloon , imagine if they started at the same time as when BMW launched the first M3!

Its like comparing Oscar winning actresses. I hugely respect Meryl Streep but I have a thing about Charlize Theron. In the same way, I respect the BMW for its engineering and interior quality but I don’t feel any passion for it like I did for my e39 M5 or e92 M3 (less so for my 2017 M2 - which for me showed M Series cars were becoming too generic ie: just another premium German driveway ornament). Conversely my Giulia Quadrifoglio had that something undefinable (something more to do with the heart than the head) that often made me take it out for a drive with no destination in mind, purely for the thrill of driving and for the three years I owned it (totally faultless in that time BTW) I never once parked it without taking a look back. I so wish BMW could recover what they lost in their earlier M cars.

Too many buttons?? COME ONNNN man. Everyone’s baffled and moaning about the lack of buttons in the new audis and VWs.. now a car has buttons and it’s not good enough? Personally I think BMW interiors are the best ergonomically designed interiors out there. I like the buttons, long live actual buttons

I'd take the Alfa Romeo. If you truly know cars, this is the only conclusion. The QV is a very special sedan. Most people don't realize what it is, but you obviously do.

You are not the only one who thinks the Alfa is the better car. The Alfa is so good BMW copied the Guilia 's spoiler.

I haven’t driven either but I can see where you’re coming from, I think I’d rather have the Alfa. Also, even if something is better, more refined, more polished it doesn’t mean it’s better or more fun as a driver’s car. When they get too good, there’s nothing left to do. Essentially, there are much better places to put £85k

Isn't it interesitng that the M3 looks like its copied styling aspects of the Alfa - who have guessed that would ever happen eh?

Imo not enough hype.

Great video, Stef. From what I can see the G80 has so many components of a great car - it is brutal and clearly great fun to drive - but sadly it is shod with a body that is just a bit "bleh". While Alfa have gone for sophistication and elegance with undertones of power to let you know there's something exciting underneath, the G80 has tattooed it's credentials on its arm: Bulging wheel arches, over-dilated nostrils, a tacky rear diffuser with too many overtones of Honda Civic Type R. Frankly, I find it just a little embarrassing. Too shouty. I would be proud to turn up anywhere in the Alfa QV; I'd probably want to park out of sight in the G80.

The price difference between the cars is big.

Giulia QV is such a good looking car, it will present some problems for Alfa to bring in a different iteration, compared to the front end of the BMW that looks like it was designed by an excited orangutan 🦧. The Giulia QV for me, it is virtually impossible to artistically justify the BMW front end even if you like it, QV sounds organic as I can hear a synthetic sound as you rev the BMW. Italian cars evoke emotions and damn the QV does that so elegantly. BMW M3, nada! Bloated kidneys, i supposed. Nice review Stef, you always deliver.

£84k ..nuts.In 2004 my new alpina b3 conv cost £40k....in todays money £62k and thats what it should be.

Keep in mind the QV ships on track tires (PZero Corsa). I've driven it on normal "max performance" street tires and it's noticeably less impressive. The QV responds noticeably slower to steering inputs on regular tires. That the G80 comes as close to the QV in feel with street tires is praiseworthy.

The G80 M3 is a great looking car... for Stevie Wonder’s drunk BLIND cousin

Giulia QV owner here, after owing 3 M3s in a row over a 10 year period.The qv is a full blown race car for the road, with the practicalities of a daily sedan, and super model looks. What a car they are. Such a blast to drive. The G80 is the ugliest m car ever built, and the f80 was the worst sounding m car ever built. The e46 and e92 were sublime m cars. I think the e92 is possible the best m car ever, along with the e39 M5.

The M3 weight figures includes a 68kg driver, 7kg suitcase and 90% full fuel tank according to the new EU regulations. Whilst the QV weight figures are based on DIN regulations which only includes a full tank of fuel. So theoretically (on paper) QV is lighter but practically this M3 comp is lighter by 20kg. Most reviewers are missing this, they say the weight is not felt, but the car is actually lighter than claimed by BMW. Compared to the previous M3 comp, the new M3 comp about 44kg heavier.

I have a Giulia Estrema and I love it but I wish Alfa had a 6 cylinder to compete with the M340i and I wish the Quad came in AWD. My town gets 130” of snow on average annually and we are a two car family so I don’t have the option of a RWD sports car unless we were to add a 3rd car. I got the Giulia over the M340i for its looks, steering and handling, but could not make the same decision with regards to the Quad over the M3. It’s a shame Alfa made such an amazing car and then didn’t provide as many options as the Germans.

The G80 really seems to split opinion. Half of the vids I see say it's better than the Giulia while the other half say it's worse. I suppose I'll have to drive them both.

Interesting that Alfa have not made a "comp pack" for the QV.

For me to.I just buy one,etna red🙂I make only 300km and give to foil,friday will be ready.Cant wait🙂

M3 for me definitely better looking and better performance !

The 2022 xDrive M3 is where the BMW becomes the ultimate year round daily driver. I live up north and that makes a huge difference for me. Even if the Alfa is a tad lighter with a more nimble front end, the BMW still edges the Alfa out on the track, even in rwd form, why is that? Maybe the stiffer suspension and fatter tires? The quality of the BMW inside and out seals it imo. Alfa seems fun though even with the subpar interior, would love to drive one.

Wish Alfa Romeo would offer the Giulia Quadrifolio 🍀 with rear bias All-Wheel Drive! Sadly the BMW M3/M4 is getting too big.

Too much hype for me. You expect the M3 to be good, and it is. The QV still has surprises, some good and bad LOL.

I have tried to appreciate and like the Giulia too but I just can’t agree. It has a cheap look to it and interior wise it’s very cheap. Then on to the reliability!!! I have never seen so many lemon titles in my entire life. Literally every other one I see for sale is a lemon

The engine sounds pretty horrible from inside, over synthesised and like an M135i. And that’s from someone who daily’s a Giulia Quad and has a Z3M Coupe for the weekends, now that’s a proper BMW straight six sound!

The front grill of the BMW is soo awful. No chance against the Giulia QV.

Agreed. What were they thinking with that front? Not to mention it's almost 300kg heavier. I'm with you, QV all the way.

Great review and very refreshing to hear that the M3 isn’t perfect... but I’ll still take one over the Alfa 😎

BMW = ugly and soulless Giulia QV = a work of art

The QV is just as quick when already at speed

Alfa doesn't build the fastest cars, but they do make the most beautiful ones

why would we flame you man? if you prefer the gulia thats all right. nobody is perfect

That ridiculous grille would have me taking shelter in the Alfa Romeo.

I wish the QV came with a stick in the US, otherwise I’d be getting that instead of the G80.

@stefabtv you need to drive my car on proper tyres and mapped 👍

How do you like it as a weekend spinner compared to the Abarth Spider?

If you ever experienced the sparco seats in a qv, how would you compare?

De todas las berlinas del segmento, me quedo con este Alfa sin pestañear, pero por goleada...asi de simple. En confianza, con este Quadrifoglio me sobra el resto. Je, je, je. Que belleza, lo mires por donde lo mires, que diseño, tanto interior como exterior, arrebatador sin más !!! Me da igual si algunos de sus rivales tienen algo mas de calidad interior. Que ojo... en cualquier caso es para deleitarse con este Quadrifoglio. Es puro cuore, es puro Alfa. Ademas diseño mas fresco e imnovador que su competencia, enamora a primera vista, te roba il cuore !!! Para mi no hay color....Enhorabuena a Alfa Romeo por este pedazo de producto y todo lo que hacen. Ademas record en su segmento, en el infierno verde Aleman, se puede pedir más??!! Buena prueba. Saludos desde Barcelona.

It’s 510hp I think

For sure this car is great. The front is very ugly. I just find german cars specking their cars way to much with gadgets that you wont eveb use and of course, you pay for that. Italians are more to "what you really need". Too much buttons, too much tech etc and all are things to distract you when you are driving so the chance of an accident is higher. This is how I see things. Funny that this m3 can get more expensive than an m8 and the m8 looks much better. In between this and the Alfa... The Alfa with no doubt. Nice review man! Take care

But for choosing an F355 GTB, I would have bought an Alfa GQ. I have driven BMWs too. This one simply does not do anything for me.

tuned sound on interior and ugly grill, no thanks!

Did you just say that The BMW engine sounds better than The QV ? And that It feels less turbo charged ? Mmmh… great video though!

Get a QV and a Celtic Remap like the #quelloverde 🙂 . Power vacuum low down... gone💥 @shanesvp

I love this thing (well barring the obvious front bit and its £98,000 price) and have had cars like this over the last 30 years but no more as they are now completely useless here in Oz. The potential can never be utilised on any Aussie road and it's too heavy to be a weekend track car. Russian roulette in this is five chambers loaded with only one empty. Nought to court in first and the remaining five just get the car, your license and wallet crushed. This car is already a redundant dinosaur before it even turns a wheel but still makes for lovely looking sedan.

I totally designee the M3 is way better in all aspects build quality, driving experience and power delivery. If you want: turn off fully the traction control and see what this car can send you if you are the driver

Aside from the subjective driving dynamic of QV favored by the host, Evo's Steve Sutcliffe track test resulted in M3 beating the QV by half a second, which is not insignificant imho. Obviously, the QV is on a dated platform that needs a refresh by Alfa Romeo, which could make a strong comeback should that happen. The question is when?

Alfa Giulia Q win!

It's always been said that your not a proper driver until you have driven an alpha, and to be fair, for a few years that wasn't correct with the types of cars they were coming out with, but with the guilia qv they made that comeback, yes the infotainment and interior is dated now compared to these new cars and they are more firey and scarey in the cold or wet, but that's what true enthusiasts would love about it, owning an alpha is about loving its quirks, but the m3 is still a wonderful precision car, it will do what it's been built for, and be more of a daily and then blast it when you can.

I think I'm the only only who doesn't like the look of the QV. I mean it's nice, but not the work of art everyone makes it out to be. It is subjective though. It's odd am Italian car maker would manufacturer a car that offsets the European number plate. BMW have somehow managed to integrate it, regardless whether you think it's ugly or not.