Once considered one of the greatest sports car manufacturers in the world, Alfa Romeo struggled to survive in the 1990s and 2000s with subpar, mostly Fiat-based products. Fortunately, the 4C arrived in 2013 to prove that Alfa Romeo can still develop potent, lightweight sports cars and signaled a revival that seems very far away. Having also returned to the U.S., Alfa made two more important steps toward a better future with the Giulia sedan and the Stelvio crossover. The former is aimed at the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but the Italian firm also rolled out an impressive alternative to the M3 and AMG C63, dubbed Quadrifoglio. And it seems like the next logical step is for Alfa Romeo to launch a coupe version, aimed at the 4 Series/M4 and C-Class Coupe/AMG C63 Coupe.

The Italian company has yet to officially confirm such a vehicle, but word has it that Alfa Romeo already has one on the drawing board. And to be honest, a two-door version of the Giulia is more than necessary if Alfa wants to compete with the big German three. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz are offering coupe versions of the 3 Series and C-Class, while Audi is trying to keep up with the A5. Rumors also claim that the two-door Alfa Romeo will be called the Giulia Sprint, a moniker that goes back to the mid-1950s, but until we get some confirmation about that, we will dub this car the Giulia Coupe. And, until our paparazzi stumble across any test cars, we've created a rendering of what should be a very sexy two-door.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe.

2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 505
  • Torque: 443
  • Transmission: eight-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

red Alfa Romeo Giulia coupe
Alfa Romeo

If you're familiar with the Giulia sedan, you've probably already noticed that our rendering is based on the higher performance Quadrifoglio model. Also called the Giulia Q, it has a more aggressive exterior to go with the beefed-up drivetrain.

However, look closely and you'll spot some differences up front. While the Coupe sports the same vented hood, headlamps, and big Alfa Romeo shield grille, the bumper received bigger vertical vents around the side intakes and a bigger splitter. Why did our artist choose to make these apparently minor changes? For starters, Alfa Romeo needs to be creative in this difficult niche and the coupe needs to be more than just a two-door Giulia. Granted, maybe the standard model would be okay with an identical fascia, but the Q versions needs to push things a bit further. Improved cooling and aerodynamics are a good start if you ask me. Second, it's all about exclusivity. Customers want exclusivity and a revised front fascia, even with minor extra detailing, brings just that to the table. Everyone is happy, everyone wins.

Moving over to the sides, we should see an entirely different vehicle from the B-pillar toward the back. The coupe should have a shorter wheelbase, longer doors, and a pair of smaller rear quarter windows. I see no reason for Alfa to ditch the sedan's gorgeous character lines that spring from the front fender intakes and run toward the rear fenders, but the rear haunches should be slightly more massive for that muscular look a performance coupe should have. Expect the two-door to use similar wheels to the sedan in all trim levels.

Around back, it's safe to say that the coupe will be almost identical to the four-door. But just like the front fascia, the back should get a couple of unique features. I'm thinking extra vents in the bumper, a mildly reshaped diffuser, and a redesigned trunk lid spoiler.

Overall, it should be the hottest performance coupe in this class, while the standard model should also have what it takes to rise above the competition in terms of exterior design.

COMPETING DESIGNS


The Giulia's main competitors in this niche will be the BMW 4 Series (left) and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe (right). Obviously, the Q coupe will go against the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe. The 4 Series is already four years old as of 2017 and it has already received its mid-cycle update. Changes are minor, so the Bimmer looks almost identical as it did back in 2013. Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of taste. Some are in love with the 4 Series, while other, like me, aren't exactly impressed. I'm not saying that the 4 Series looks dated or anything, I just feel that the Giulia looks fresh and has a unique, Italian vibe to it.


Moving over to the C-Class Coupe, I think it's a worthy competitor. Mercedes did a good job in turning the sedan into a coupe and I like how the elegant lines of the four door combine with the sportiness of the two-door version. I'd still pick the Giulia coupe over the C-Class, but if I were to choose between the Merc and the Bimmer, I'd go with the former. Much more so if I had to choose between the M4 and the AMG C63 Coupe. But again, the Giulia Q is simply too wild and different to fall behind its German competitors in terms of design. It will be a winner in my book!

Exterior Dimensions

Mercedes-AMG C63

BMW M4

Wheelbase (Inches)

111.8

110.7

Overall length (Inches)

187.0

184.5

Overall height (Inches)

55.1

54.4

Overall width (Inches)

73.6

73.6

Track front/rear (Inches)

64.4/62.7

62.2/63.1


Interior

Note: standard Giulia sedan interior shown here.

While the outer shell will get a few extra features on the Quadrifoglio model, the interior should be identical to the sedan, save for the rear compartment of course. The four-door has been on the market long enough to know that it's modern and techy enough to give the German competitors a run for their money, but it's also regarded as one of the better looking compact cabins on the market.

And, needless to say, the design is quite appealing and the equipment list is rich even in base trim configuration. While leather isn't included as standard with the least expensive model, other trim levels get fine hide on the seats and even on the dashboard. Upholstery colors include all black or black with brown or tan accents, while some trims come with woodgrain inserts.

The sleek and sporty looking dashboard comes with an 8.8-inch infotainment screen in the center stack, which provides access to a state-of-the-art infotainment system with voice activation, smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Dead Reckoning technology. The latter can reroute you without a GPS signal, which comes in handy in remote areas.

A smaller, 3.5-inch screen is placed between the large clocks in the instrument cluster. However, this screen is standard on the entry-level model, with a larger, seven-inch display offered in the more expensive trims. The screen delivers heaps of important data about the car, but it varies on what mode is selected. On top of the usual speed, rpm, and fuel consumption readings, it also offers info about lateral acceleration and recommended shift points.

A Harmon Kardon South Theatre system comes standard, offering up to 900 watts of power through the 14 speakers positioned throughout the cabin. Even the most pretentious audiophile will be pleased.

Note: Giulia Quadrifoglio interior shown here.

Moving over to the performance Quadrifoglio model, customers will benefit from a range of extra features. Highlights will include standard leather and Alcantara, a sports steering wheel, and heavily bolstered front seats. Carbon-fiber and aluminum trim will also set the Q version apart in the lineup. The Q will also come with a "Race" mode and real-time vehicle performance and telemetry.

In the back, the coupe will get revised panels in place of the usual rear doors. Shoulder room and headroom will probably decrease due to the sloping roof, but legroom shouldn't change much. Sure, a shorter wheelbase means less legroom for rear passengers, but they should be able to travel long distances in comfort.

THE COMPETITION


Interior updates were rather minor inside the BMW 4 Series (left), so I could say that the Bimmer looks a bit dated compared to the Giulia. But again, it's a matter of choice, and if you really dig BMW interiors from the early 2010s, you'd definitely enjoy the German coupe. As usual, lower trim levels come with cloth upholstery, but leather becomes available as you move up the trim ladder. Various options enable you to select aluminum, chrome, or even carbon-fiber trim, while blue, cognac, and ivory white leather inserts will add a dash of color to the cabin. There's also an updated infotainment system with navigation, smartphone connectivity, and different driving modes to enjoy. Go with the M4 and you'll get standard leather and Alcantara, sports steering wheel and seats, more carbon, and unique detailing that comes with every M package.


The C-Class Coupe is a different story. Sporting the same styling cues as the larger S-Class model, the Merc's interior is downright gorgeous and I'd pick it over the Giulia's any day of the week. Just look at that sleek, glossy dashboard with the three big A/C vents in the middle. It's like a jet fighter! And yes, you get all sorts of premium materials, including leather, Alcantara, wood veneer, aluminum, and even carbon-fiber in the AMG model. The latter also comes with a sports steering wheel and front seats that offer optimum support for fun at the race track. The technology package isn't bad either, and includes everything you get from the competition. There's large infotainment and instrument cluster displays, the latest navigation technology, smartphone integration, and a ton of apps that make traveling long distances more enjoyable.

Interior Dimensions

Mercedes-AMG C63

BMW M4

Mercedes-AMG C63

BMW M4

38.8/35.6

39.8/36.1

Headroom front/rear (Inches)

42.0/32.0

42.2/33.7

Legroom front/rear (Inches)

54.8/51.7

55.3/51.7

Shoulder room front/rear (Inches)

10.5

11.0

Trunk Volume (cu ft.)

86.0


Drivetrain

Under the hood, the coupe should get the same drivetrains as the four-door sedan. First on the list is the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder that uses an electrohydraulic valve actuator system and a two-in-one supercharging system to send 197 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. This engine will be reserved for the European market, while the U.S. version will get a healthier 280-horsepower and 306-pound-feet rating. Both units mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Moving over to diesels, the Giulia uses a 2.2-liter four-cylinder in two flavors. The base model cranks out 148 horsepower and 280 pound-feet, while the more expensive option comes with 177 horses and 331 pound-feet. I wouldn't be surprised to see Alfa drop the base diesel for the coupe, but it will definitely get an oil burner. These engine are available with either the eight-speed automatic or the six-speed manual transmission.

A Veloce version is also in the books, meaning that the coupe will benefit from the company's new Q4 all-wheel-drive system. This version has a 280-horsepower and 295-pound-feet gasoline engine and a 210-horsepower and 346 pound-feet oil burner. No manual will be offered for the Veloce, but drivers will benefit from enhanced stability and quicker sprints thanks to the AWD system.

Finally, the Giulia Q Coupe will get the wild 3.0-liter V-6 that Alfa Romeo co-developed with Ferrari, which at the time of the sedan's development was still under the FCA umbrella. The turbocharged unit cranks out 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to give the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe something to worry about. Hitting 60 mph in this car should take 3.8 seconds or less with the eight-speed automatic, but a sub-four-second benchmark should be achievable with the six-speed manual too. Top speed will be rated at more than 190 mph, significantly more than BMW's and Mercedes' 155-mph limit.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Engine

2.0-Liter 16-Valve Turbo

2.9-Liter 24-Valve Twin-Turbo V-6

Power

280 HP @ 5,200 RPM

505 HP @ 6,500 RPM

Torque

306 Lb-FT @ 2,000 - 4,800 RPM

443 LB-FT @ 2,500-5,500 RPM

EPA Fuel Economy mpg (city/hwy/combined)

24/ 33/ 27

17/24/20

Transmission

eight-speed automatic

eight-speed automatic


COMPETING PERFORMANCE

The BMW 4 Series comes with a variety of engines globally, ranging from a 1.5-liter three-cylinder to a 3.0-liter inline-six. Output also varies from 134 to 322 horsepower, but not all units are available in the U.S.. Here, you get to choose between the 430i, rated at 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet, and the 440i, which comes with 322 horses and 332 pound-feet on tap. The range-topping M4, on the other hand, uses a beefed-up six-cylinder that cranks out 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Pretty good, but far below the output of the Giulia Q. Diesel engines are also on offer, but for the time being only in Europe, where output ranges from 141 horsepower and 236 pound-feet to 308 horses and 465 pound-feet.

Engine from 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63


The same goes for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, equipped with 1.6-liter four-cylinder, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and 3.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline units. The least powerful model cranks out 154 horses and 184 pound-feet, while the range-topping non-AMG model comes with 328 horsepower and 354 pound-feet. In the U.S., the C300 with 241 horses and 273 pound-feet is the only option available. Moving over to the AMG C63, there are two flavors to choose from. The "base" model has a 4.0-liter V-8 rated at 469 horses and 479 pound-feet, while the S version benefits from 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of twist. Diesel options aren't as varied, with a single 2.1-liter four-cylinder available. However, this oil burner can be had with either 168 horses and 295 pound-feet or 201 horsepower and 369 pound-feet.

BMW M4

Mercedes-AMG C63

Mercedes-AMG C63S

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Engine

3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder

4.0-liter V-8 biturbo

4.0-liter V-8 biturbo

2.9-Liter 24-Valve bi-turbo V-6

Engine

431 HP @ 5,500-7,300 RPM

469 HP @ 5,500 RPM

503 HP @ 5,500-6250 RPM

505 HP @ 6,500 RPM

Torque

406 LB-FT @ 1,850-5,500 RPM

479 LB-FT @ 1,750-4,500 RPM

516 LB-FT @ 1,750-4,500 RPM

443 LB-FT @ 2,500-5,500 RPM

Horsepower

6-speed manual

7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT

7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT

six-speed manual

Torque

4.1 seconds

4.0 seconds

3.9 seconds

3.8 seconds

Transmission

155 mph

155 mph

180 mph

191 mph


Prices

Pricing for the coupe model is obviously a mystery at this point, but we know that the sedan retails from $37,995 in the U.S.. Given that coupes are usually a tad more expensive than their sedan counterparts, it's safe to assume that the Giulia two-door will retail from $39,000 or maybe even $40,000. Likewise, with the Giulia Quadrifoglio priced from $72,000, the Q coupe will probably cost around $75,000 before options.

COMPETING PRICES

| BMW M4


If my predictions are accurate, the Giulia Coupe should be more affordable than the 4 Series, as the German coupe retails from $43,300 in the U.S.. On the other hand, the Q model will be significantly more expensive than the M4, which costs $67,700 before options. The C-Class Coupe is also notably more expensive than the Giulia Coupe at $42,650, but just like the M4, the AMG C63 comes in cheaper at $67,000. The AMG C63 S will likely on par at $75,000, but this makes sense given that the two have similar output and performance specs.

BMW 4 Series

$43,300

BMW M4

$67,700

Mercedes C-Class Coupe

$42,650

Mercedes-AMG C63

$67,000

Alfa Romeo Giulia

$37,995

Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe

$39,000

Afla Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

$72,000

Afla Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Coupe

$75,000


Other Options

Audi A5 / RS5

The A5 coupe was redesigned for the 2017 model and not surprisingly, it's essentially a two-door version of the A4 sedan. Also, it came as no surprise that the new design is evolutionary and still carries some of the previous styling cues. Sure, it's more angular overall, it has significantly more muscular engine hood, front fenders, and rear haunches, but it's far from revolutionary. This isn't a bad thing though, especially if you're into the type of understated cars that Audi sells in almost every niche. But there bigger improvement inside the cabin, where the dated and boring interior of the previous model was replaced by a more modern design. The continuous air vent dashboard is a breath of fresh air in this market, while the high and wide center stack gives the cabin a sporty feeling.

As you'd expect from a brand-new premium car, it's packed with the latest tech. There's MMI navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices, LED cabin lighting, smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, and many more. Power comes from a range of gasoline and diesel options, with outputs between 190 and 286 horsepower. In the U.S., however, the A5 is powered by one engine only, the 2.0-liter TFSI rated at 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of twist. As for the RS5, beyond the aerodynamic upgrades there's a twin-turbo, 2.9-liter V-6 under the hood. This engine sends 450 horsepower and 442 pound-feet to all four wheels. While not as powerful as the Giulia Q or Mercedes-AMG C63 S, it's pretty quick from 0 to 60 mph at 3.9 seconds. Pricing for the A5 starts from $42,800. The RS5 isn't yet available, but it should cost in excess of $65,000, maybe even close to $70,000.

Read our full reviews of the Audi A5 and Audi RS5.

Conclusion

With the Giulia Coupe being just a rendering for now, drawing any conclusion is a bit out of place. But, I think it's safe to say that a two-door version of the Giulia is a must for Alfa Romeo given its declared goal to better compete with the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. Also, based on what we already know about the sedan, the coupe should be a solid competitor for the German coupes, at least on paper. But we will have to wait for Alfa Romeo to move this model into production. I'm sure it will, it's just a matter of when. And it should happen pretty soon.

References

Read our full review on the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Read our full review on the Alfa Romeo Giulia.