Alfa Romeo Driving Dynamics & Handling
Alfa Romeo Driving Dynamics Explained
Alfa Link™ Patented Suspension and Vehicle Dynamics
One aspect of every Alfa Romeo which is responsible for delivering a truly unforgettable driving experience is its patented Alfa Link™ suspension geometry. Across both the Giulia and Stelvio model ranges, this aluminum multi-link suspension setup provides both poise and agility for inspired handling qualities. At the front, these models feature a double wishbone construction along with a semi-virtual steering axis. The rear suspension layout is positioned longitudinally, allowing for both increased space in the rear row of seats in addition to enhanced comfort at all speeds. Collectively, the advanced Alfa Romeo suspension engineering allows for further adjustments through the legendary Alfa Romeo DNA system. Careful attention to detail lets you experience an unrivaled driving experience. No other luxury brand delivers a connection to the road quite like Alfa Romeo.
Q4 All-Wheel Drive
While other manufacturers offer an all-wheel drive system, only Alfa Romeo offers the capability and performance of the specialized Q4 AWD system. Most competitors AWD systems rely on low-bias, permanent-based operation which compromises on adaptability and feedback. On the other hand, the Alfa Romeo Q4 AWD system can operate in pure RWD fashion and instantly direct 50% of power to the front wheels should additional traction be required in the current situation. In addition to its compact, lightweight design, the Q4 system also offers enhanced efficiency compared to other systems currently on the market.
Alfa Romeo DNA System
Included as standard on every Alfa Romeo is the sophisticated Alfa Romeo DNA system. Designed to adapt to suit your personal preferences, the DNA system can adjust the engine, transmission, steering, suspension, brakes, and accelerator feedback of your Alfa Romeo. Whether you want to prioritize comfort or performance, you’ll have the power to customize your drive at the touch of a button.
Balanced 50/50 Weight Distribution
Another fundamental aspect of any thrilling driving experience is a perfected weight distribution. Equally important on the track as it is on the highways, Alfa Romeo engineers worked tirelessly to achieve a 50/50 weight distribution. From the entrance of the corner to the apex of the turn, and through your corner exit — Alfa Romeo vehicles stay planted and ready to adapt to driver inputs. Other manufacturers make compromises that result in dangerous understeer and numb steering inputs. Alfa Romeo places the driver at the center of attention through meticulous attention to detail.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs BMW X3
It’s no secret that the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has caused a stir among compact luxury SUVs. In fact, the Stelvio has routinely earned praise and recognition when compared to one of its most formidable rivals — the BMW X3. While it’s true that the X3 has remained a top choice in the segment for over a decade, the Stelvio has helped Alfa Romeo challenge BMW for the true title of “The Ultimate Driving Machine”.
 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Base AWD |
VS |  2020 BMW X3 xDrive30i |
|---|---|---|
| $43,400 ✔ | Starting MSRP | $43,950 |
| 280 HP / 306 LB-FT ✔ | Horsepower/Torque | 248 HP / 258 LB-FT |
| Brembo Performance 4-Wheel Disc ✔ | Brakes | 4-Wheel Disc |
| Double Wishbone ✔ | Front Suspension | Strut |
| 8 inches ✔ | Front/Rear Wheel Width | 7 inches |
| 111 inches ✔ | Wheelbase | 112.8 inches |
Taking a quick glance at performance features for both models, it’s immediately obvious why more drivers are making the switch to Alfa Romeo. The Stelvio has a sizable power advantage, offers high-performance Brembo brakes, a more track-ready double wishbone front suspension, wider front/rear wheels, and a shorter wheelbase — all for $550 LESS than the X3! Don’t just take our word for it either. Here are a handful of responses from top automotive critics.
“While others are busying themselves sweating details such as fuel economy, cargo space, and long-term reliability, you could be raising your pulse driving the 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio on your favorite curvy back road. This Italian thoroughbred is one of the sharpest driving of its ilk and it borrows heavily from the also-entertaining Giulia sports sedan.” — Car and Driver
“The Stelvio’s suspension is both supple and responsive at the same time. You can even place the car in Dynamic mode but keep the suspension on a softer setting. There is something about how Italian carmakers, and Alfa Romeos in particular, tune their suspensions like no one else in the world.” — Motor Trend
Alfa Romeo Giulia vs BMW 3 Series
When it comes to luxury sports sedans, it’s hard to argue the impact that the BMW 3 Series has had on the segment. Although it’s set the benchmark in years past, the arrival of the Alfa Romeo Giulia has challenged the BMW for the coveted spot in many driving enthusiasts’ garage. If you’re thinking the 3 Series is still the choice for drivers searching for an engaging drive with razor-sharp handling and agility, guess again.
 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Base AWD |
VS |  2020 BMW 330i xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| $41,400 ✔ | Starting MSRP (excluding destination charges)* | $42,750 |
| 280 HP / 306 LB-FT ✔ | Horsepower/Torque | 255 HP / 295 LB-FT |
| Brembo Performance 4-Wheel Disc ✔ | Brakes | 4-Wheel Disc |
| Double Wishbone ✔ | Front Suspension | Strut |
| 17.7 feet ✔ | Turning Radius | 19.6 feet |
| 111 inches ✔ | Wheelbase | 112.2 inches |
As we saw in the prior matchup, the Alfa Romeo Giulia handily outperforms the BMW 3 Series. This time, the price advantage is an astounding $1,350. In addition to is cheaper price tag, you’ll enjoy the benefits of greater horsepower and torque, Brembo high-performance brakes, a double wishbone front suspension, shorter turning radius, and a shorter wheelbase. Once again, the critics have taken notice as well.
“Beneath the 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia’s seductive sheetmetal lies a sharp-handling sports sedan with Italian heritage. The Giulia is one of our favorite entry-luxury sedans and its driving character is the number one reason why we put it on our Editors’ Choice list for 2019.” — Car and Driver
“We liked the Giulia enough to give it our top honor: it was our 2018 Car of the Year. It earned high praise from our staff for its heritage-inspired styling, outstanding road manners, and excellent powertrain offerings. The turbo-four in the standard Giulia is a quick, snorty, burbling thing and the twin-turbo V-6 in Quadrifoglio models is a character-filled, rev-happy torque monster.” — Motor Trend
Critic Reviews
“Even with its 20-inch wheels, our Ti Sport test vehicle provided sufficient isolation from all but the harshest bumps. While its maximum cornering grip was similar to rivals, the Alfa is the alpha dog when it comes to driving engagement. The chassis, which is shared with the Giulia sedan, had damping that was composed and comfortable.” — Car and Driver (2020 Stelvio)
“Standard and Quadrifoglio versions of the Giulia have won countless comparison tests since its release. Even the lower-rung four-cylinder car is a fun, visceral, engaging sports sedan that any of us would be happy to drive every day.” — Motor Trend (2020 Giulia)
“The Stelvio will immediately feel a little different behind the wheel than its competitors due to steering that is shockingly quick, yet precise and easily operated at low parking-lot speeds. Beyond that, the standard Stelvio impresses with its abundant power, nicely damped ride quality and above-average road-holding.” — Autoblog (2020 Stelvio)
“But there is something truly original about the Giulia — more than just a few extra horsepower here or a few dollars less on the bottom line there. This is a true driver’s car, and its styling and interior features match the uniqueness of its engines, suspension and overall performance abilities.” — Autotrader (2020 Giulia)