BMW 3 Series vs Alfa Romeo Giulia
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BMW 3 Series starts from $89,900 before on-road costs, while the Alfa Romeo Giulia opens at $75,900. That makes the Alfa Romeo Giulia the more affordable entry point by $14,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $98,890 and $83,490 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW 3 Series and Alfa Romeo Giulia hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the BMW 3 Series and 98% for the Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Alfa Romeo Giulia packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BMW 3 Series.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 3 Series and 6 in the Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 3 Series features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Alfa Romeo Giulia gets a 8.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia counters with ambient lighting that the BMW 3 Series does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW 3 Series uses a Petrol producing 190kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia responds with a Petrol making 206kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia has the clear power advantage at 206kW vs 190kW. In the real-world sprint, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 3 Series measures 4,709mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 66mm longer than the Alfa Romeo Giulia at 4,643mm (2,820mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 3 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 480L in the Alfa Romeo Giulia.
For towing, the BMW 3 Series leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.6m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,024/year for the BMW 3 Series and $2,109/year for the Alfa Romeo Giulia. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the BMW 3 Series.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (BMW 3 Series) vs $2,109 (Alfa Romeo Giulia). The BMW 3 Series saves you roughly $85 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series) vs 5 years / 150,000km (Alfa Romeo Giulia). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Alfa Romeo Giulia if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Alfa Romeo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Alfa Romeo Giulia takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW 3 Series will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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