The Value of Strong Euros
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Q4
EPA ratings: 23/31mpg; 26mpg combined
0-60mph: 5.1sec
Price as tested: $50,190
Long in gestation and worth the wait is an accurate summation of the stunning new sedan from Alfa, which, like Maserati, is part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) conglomerate. Its voluptuous skin harkens back to the glorious Alfas of yore and stands starkly against the oft-overwrought styling from some other companies. Spec the Ti package and its included 19-inch telephone-style spoked wheels and this Giulia could easily be mistaken for the flagship 505hp model.
Ferrari’s technical director, Philippe Krief, honed the Giulia’s all-new platform, which will underpin many other forthcoming FCA products expresses itself in the way the Alfa moves. Aside from a bit of jitter which the low-profile tires can’t filter out, the ride quality is supple in either suspension setting and the handling is joyful and exuberant in a way that Audi and BMW have seemingly exorcised.
The ultra-quick steering rack’s 2.3 turns lock-to-lock mean the Giulia corners almost instantaneously, which can take some getting used to. There’s incredible composure to the body’s motions in all directions, and the Q4’s AWD system ensures the tail won’t swing out despite the sharp reflexes.
Braking is stout and the 2-liter four has enough power to test the chassis’ innate abilities. While its 280hp/306lb numbers and lack of lag are commendable attributes, the low redline and fairly restrained soundtrack mean BMW still has the edge here. The only transmission is a slick 8-speed automatic, whose giant, fixed metal paddle shifters transmit the driver’s commands with an addictive amount of tactile feedback.
While the Giulia cockpit doesn’t display the depth of material quality of an Audi, at least it doesn’t use the Chrysler switches and controls that Maserati employs. Its dash design is compelling, with a cut-back top and deeply cowled instruments. The infotainment system is nicely handled, fast and intuitive, if not quite up to the level of tech displayed in the latest 330i or A4. Front seat room is generous and the Ti’s sports seats offer a snug embrace; back seat room is more in line with the Cadillac, Lexus and Mercedes junior sedans.
Alfa Romeo stands proudly at the front of the pack dynamically, meaning that some of its more “characterful” traits are more easily overlooked. And for those who are tired of losing their own car in a parking lot full of 3-series, the Giulia’s aesthetic merits make it very compelling.
2017 Maserati Levante S
EPA ratings: 14/19mpg; 16mpg combined
0-60mph: 5.1sec
Price as tested: $86,575
Maserati has been back on these shores for many years now, but the Levante crossover is the vehicle will almost certainly cement its success. The squinting lights and gaping grill give it the correct amount of lane-clearing aggression, and its stance and hips clearly signal its Italian heritage—while also reminding us how far ahead of its time Infiniti’s 2003 FX35 midsize crossover was.
Inside the Levante is roomy for passengers and cargo, having an even longer wheelbase than the current Porsche Cayenne (never mind the Macan) and the ambiance is upscale with lovely leather adorning the seats and stitched materials wrapping the doors and dashtop. The infotainment system is a graphically updated version of Chrysler’s UConnect—fast and easily fathomed. But the prodigious use of corporate switches undermines the sophisticated vibe imparted by the gorgeous metal door handles and crescent-form shifter paddles.
The Levante is top-tier in dynamics, combining the biddable handling and excellent mass control of the Jaguar F-Pace and Porsche with the kind of luxurious ride that upscale buyers crave. It is quiet and refined, too—at least until you select Sport mode and the 3-liter, 424hp motor clears its pipes in authentic, glorious and occasionally operatic twin-turbo flourishes.
It does suffer some lag, and it never feels quite as fast as 428lb-ft of torque would suggest, but it is more than rapid enough, and the 8-speed auto’s response to driver commands is good compensation. The stoppers are well modulated and powerful as well and the Levante’s helm clear in communication.
A decade ago, the original Maserati SUV show vehicles caused distress for the faithful, but that was then; if this is what it takes to make the Trident relevant once more, so be it. That the Levante introduces such passion to the class is almost a byproduct of its mere presence as an alternative to the typical choices from Europe and Japan.
2017 BMW X4 M40i
EPA ratings: 19/26mpg; 21mpg combined
0-60mph: 4.4sec
Price as tested: $67,495
With both the X5 and coupe-like X6, BMW was one of the first companies to see how many variants the whole SUV/crossover class would support. So it’s eminently logical that they would chop and channel the X3 into a fastback as well. Spiced up in full M-light regalia, it is as aggressive a statement as buyers are seeking, all gaping intake and trumpet exhausts.
Inside, the platform’s age is showing, with some materials’ shininess betraying their frugal nature, but superbly supportive sports seats and the tactile M steering wheel help. As does the latest version of BMW’s iDrive interface, still the standard.
The company’s modern classic inline six is beefed up with steel crank and other reinforcements to handle more boost, and the faster flowing intake and exhaust help unleash 355hp and 343lb-ft of twist. It takes longer to say its full name than it does to sling the BMW X4 M40i past 60mph. The Bavarian also holds its own in the corners, with absurd amounts of lateral g available thanks to its sticky tires and stiff suspension. This X4 also rides really well, something at which BMW has become quite adept thanks to the proper tuning of their adjustable dampers.
This X4 variant lands at an interesting price point: it competes directly with the Macan S and GTS—and offers performance to match or exceed either—yet there is still more cache in the Porsche name for many. It humbles the new Jaguar F-Pace in refinement and ride, but doesn’t offer its freshness or roominess. That this platform is still so competitive dynamically, even as it nears the end of its run, is promising news for its replacement and worrying for late arrivals to the party.
This article appears in the April 2017 issue of Colorado AvidGolfer. Subscribe today!
Automotive Editor Isaac Bouchard is president of Bespoke Autos ([email protected]; 303-475-1462). Read more by him at coloradoavidgolfer.com and bespokeautos.com.
Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
