2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. BMW 3 Series vs Lexus IS vs INFINITI Q50 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Alfa Romeo Giulia vs BMW 3 Series
![]() 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti AWD |
VS | ![]() 2021 BMW 330i xDrive |
---|---|---|
$44,700 | Starting MSRP (excluding destination charges)* | $43,250 |
280 ✔ | Horsepower | 255 |
306 lb-ft ✔ | Torque | 295 lb-ft |
Standard ✔ | Remote Start System | Optional |
Driver & Passenger ✔ | Heated Front Seats | Optional |
Genuine Leather ✔ | Upholstery | Synthetic Leatherette |
Front & Rear ✔ | Parking Sensors | Optional |
3,632 lbs ✔ | Curb Weight | 3,764 lbs |
17.7 feet ✔ | Turning Radius | 19.6 feet |
Without question, one of the biggest competitors of the Alfa Romeo Giulia is the BMW 3 Series. Comparing equivalent trim levels, the BMW begins with an ever-so-slight price advantage. However, a closer look reveals that choosing the 3 Series over the Giulia would be a mistake that impacts both your wallet and your driving enjoyment.
If performance is a factor in your decision-making process, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is the obvious choice. It offers significantly higher horsepower and greater torque than the 3 Series. Since driving exhilaration goes beyond sheer power, the Giulia also offers far greater agility and handling than the 3 Series. This is due to its significantly lower curb weight and a turning radius that’s nearly 2 feet shorter.
Other premium features included as standard on the Giulia Ti will cost you extra at BMW. These include remote start, heated front seats, genuine leather upholstery, and front/rear parking sensors. Add it all up and you’ll quickly discover that the Alfa Romeo Giulia is a far better choice than the BMW 3 Series.
Alfa Romeo Giulia vs Lexus IS
![]() 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Base AWD |
VS | ![]() 2021 Lexus IS 300 Base AWD |
---|---|---|
$41,450 | Starting MSRP (excluding destination charges)* | $41,000 |
23 / 31 / 26 ✔ | MPG (city/hwy/combined) | 18 / 24 / 21 |
280 ✔ | Horsepower | 260 |
306 lb ft ✔ | Torque | 236 lb ft |
8-Speed Automatic ✔ | Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
Standard ✔ | Rain-Sensing Wipers | Optional |
ParkSense Rear ✔ | Parking Sensors | Optional |
Standard ✔ | Remote Start | Not Available |
Leather ✔ | Seat Material | Leatherette |
40/20/40 ✔ | Rear Seat Folding | 60/40 |
95 cubic feet ✔ | Passenger Volume | 90 cubic feet |
In our next matchup, we’ll take a look at equivalent base trims equipped with all-wheel drive. When it comes to performance, the Giulia outperforms the IS 300 in both horsepower and torque. A more-sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission also gives the Giulia better response and contributes to its superior fuel efficiency. Speaking of efficiency, the Giulia tops the IS 300 across all three MPG categories. Choosing Alfa Romeo means you’ll get more thrills on your daily drive while spending less time and money at the pump. Shifting our attention towards convenience and interior features, the Giulia continues to shine. You’ll enjoy standard rain-sensing windshield wipers for added visibility in harsh weather conditions along with standard ParkSense Rear parking sensors to take the guesswork out of parallel parking. Each of these useful features are costly options at Lexus.
The Giulia offers genuine leather seating surfaces compared to the synthetic NuLuxe Leatherette found inside the IS 300. Its rear seat also offers a 40/20/40 split folding configuration for greater cargo and passenger-carrying versatility. The interior of the Giulia also offers 5 more cubic feet than the Lexus IS 300, highlighting its generous interior dimensions.
Alfa Romeo Giulia vs INFINITI Q50
![]() 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti AWD |
VS | ![]() 2021 INFINITI Q50 3.0T Pure AWD |
---|---|---|
23 / 31 / 26 ✔ | MPG (city/hwy/combined) | 19 / 27 / 22 |
306 lb ft ✔ | Torque | 295 lb-ft |
8-Speed Automatic ✔ | Transmission | 7-Speed Automatic |
17.7 feet ✔ | Turning Radius | 18.7 feet |
ParkSense Rear ✔ | Parking Sensors | Optional |
8 ✔ | Number of Speakers | 6 |
Power 4-Way, Driver & Passenger ✔ | Front Seat Lumbar Support | Manual |
40/20/40 ✔ | Rear Seat Folding | Optional |
Leather ✔ | Seat Material | Leatherette |
Our third challenger to go up against the Alfa Romeo Giulia is the INFINITI Q50. As we saw in the prior comparison, the competition simply cannot compete with the performance found on the Giulia. It offers greater torque and a more advanced 8-speed automatic transmission. All this power doesn’t have to mean sacrificing on fuel economy. Across city, highway, and combined MPG ratings — the Giulia proves to be the superior choice. The Giulia also offers a turning radius which is one foot smaller than the Q50, making it easier to maneuver in or out of a tight space. When parking, standard ParkSense Rear parking sensors provides added confidence. You’ll be required to pay extra to receive parking sensors on the INFINITI.
Comparing the interiors of both of these luxury sedans also reveals a few key differences. First, the Giulia offers a greater number of speakers in its audio system for an improved listening experience. Choosing Alfa Romeo also means that you’ll receive genuine leather seats, a 40/20/40 split folding rear seat, and power 4-way lumbar support for both the driver and front passenger. All three are features that the INFINITI Q50 can’t match.
Alfa Romeo Giulia vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
![]() 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti AWD |
VS | ![]() 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC |
---|---|---|
280 ✔ | Horsepower | 255 |
306 lb ft ✔ | Torque | 273 lb ft |
18 inches ✔ | Wheel Size | 17 inches |
Keyless Go Doors & Push Button Start✔ | Proximity Key | Push Button Start Only |
ParkSense Rear ✔ | Parking Sensors | Optional |
Standard ✔ | Voice-Activated Audio Controls | Optional |
Standard ✔ | Heated Steering Wheel | Optional |
Standard ✔ | Heated Seats | Optional |
8 ✔ | Number of Speakers | 5 |
The final rival to take on the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti is the Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC. While the starting MSRP for both vehicles are nearly the same, comparing the performance capabilities of both reveal a noticeable difference. Driving a Giulia Ti means that you can enjoy a 25 horsepower advantage along with 33 lb-ft of additional torque. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels also give the Giulia Ti a confident stance whether in-motion or at a standstill.
The proximity key on the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti gives drivers push button start along with keyless entry doors for quick access. Mercedes-Benz only offers push button start. Standard ParkSense Rear provides peace of mind by alerting you to objects and obstacles behind your Giulia Ti. Again, this is an added-cost option on the C-Class.
Other premium amenities found inside the Alfa Romeo Giulia include heated seats, a heated steering wheel, 8-speaker sound system, and voice-activated audio controls. All three will cost you extra on the Mercedes-Benz C 300.

Winner — Alfa Romeo Giulia
Now that we’ve reached the conclusion of this comparison and tallied the results, it’s clear that the Alfa Romeo Giulia remains the best choice for buyers searching for a small luxury sedan. BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, and Mercedes-Benz prove to be no match for the impressive performance, exceptional value, and premium standard features found on the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Alfa Romeo Louisville welcomes you to come experience all that the Giulia has to offer.
*MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.