Mechanics of Emotion: 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport AWD

The award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulia enters the 2019 model year with new standard 19-inch wheels for the Ti Sport trim, as well as new exterior paints and special optional appearance packages for the entire Giulia lineup.

Although the Giulia is a relatively new player in the luxury sport sedan scene, it’s quickly making a name for itself as a legitimate choice for serious car shoppers.

More than just a brand revival, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is the embodiment of pure driving passion. Let’s see just how well it excels with a closer look at our 2019 Giulia Ti Sport AWD test model.

2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport AWD Exterior

Alfa Romeo’s Giulia sedan is still, in my opinion, one of the best looking cars on the road today. Drawing from the brand’s heritage, this sporty four-door favors soft curves on its body panels and rounded edges that come together to present an elegant yet aggressive persona.

In front, Alfa’s signature grille is flanked by sleek bi-xenon headlights plus large lower air intakes, while the contours of the hood flow back to transition into a sweeping character line. These design elements embody Alfa Romeo’s “la meccanica delle emozioni” (the mechanics of emotion) spirit, and contribute to the car’s ability to turn heads even when parked.

Our test model came painted in a resplendent Misano Blue Metallic color, one of 14 exciting choices, and featured 19-inch Dark 5-Hole aluminum wheels as part of the Ti Sport AWD package. This optional package also enhances the front and rear fascias, adds gloss red calipers with white script, and gives the standard window surround moldings a gloss black treatment.

All of these exterior aspects come together in a masterfully crafted display of seduction and performance that continues to steal your gaze as you walk away from it.

2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport AWD Interior

As you slide onto the sport leather seats, the Giulia’s cabin welcomes all with meticulously laid out details from some of the best Italian designers. Supple leather and textured aluminum accents come together in our test model’s black and ice interior, almost as if to represent the blending of Alfa Romeo’s traditional heritage and its new modern interpretation.

Seamlessly embedded in the dashboard is an 8.8-inch AM/FM/satellite radio (non-touchscreen) with Bluetooth connectivity that’s intuitively controlled with a dial and menu buttons located on the center console. This system offers 3D navigation, vehicle status monitoring, and is pre-wired for Apple Carplay or Google Android Auto – the dealership will need to install compatible hardware, or savvy DIYers can make the modifications themselves to integrate additional smartphone connectivity.

In terms of seating, the 2019 Giulia comes standard with 6-way adjustable front seats plus 4-way lumbar support as well as 40/20/40 split folding rear seats with ski pass-through. The Ti Sport AWD package adds even more comfort features, like power adjustable bolsters and manual thigh support, and dresses up the doors and dashboard with additional leather.

Other standard features for the 2019 Giulia Ti Sport include ambient lighting, heated front seats, 7-inch instrument cluster display, dual-zone automatic temperature control, bright aluminum pedals, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Being behind the wheel of the Giulia is both exciting and luxurious, but most importantly, it’s a safe and relaxing space that offers just about every amenity that we could want from a modern sedan.

2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport AWD Performance

Because of Alfa Romeo’s close relationship to Ferrari as part of the FIAT family of automotive brands, the 2019 Guilia’s on-road behavior is exceptionally sporty and nimble.

At the heart of our test model is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. This advanced motor loves to rev, and launches the Giulia from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, and will hit a top speed of 149 mph. Cycling through the 8-speed automatic transmission using the aluminum paddle shifters mounted on the steering column reminded us of our time in a Ferrari coupe, down to how the paddles sound and feel as we squeezed off each subsequent gear with excitement.

Alfa’s signature DNA drive mode system allows further tuning of on-road dynamics with three distinct personalities – Dynamic, Natural or Advanced Efficiency – so the Giulia can adapt on-the-fly to a variety of situations. Other well-engineered aspects, including a carbon fiber drive shaft, help to deliver a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, which results in one of the most responsive and fun sedans we’ve ever driven. The level of athleticism and traction offered by the Giulia often had us forgetting that we had another set of doors and seats behind us.

Other standard performance features include a sport-tuned suspension, all-season performance tires, Brembo front brakes, and an automatic engine start/stop system.

Fuel economy for the 2019 Giulia Ti Sport AWD is an EPA estimated 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway**.

2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport AWD Safety

As a premium sedan, the 2019 Giulia offers many of the standard safety features we’ve come to expect, like a rear back-up camera, park-assist sensors (front & rear), advanced airbags, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The available Driver Assist Dynamic Plus package adds even more advanced safety features, with our favorite being adaptive cruise control – this system greatly alleviates the stress of navigating heavy traffic by automatically maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, including coming to a complete stop when necessary.

Lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind-spot and cross-path detection are also offered as part of the available driver assistance packages.

2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport AWD Overall

With a unique blend of performance and styling that only Italian designers can deliver, the Giulia isn’t your typical family sedan.

And considering its starting price of $41,995, the 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia is one of the more accessible and value-packed luxury choices when compared to the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW. Our Giulia Ti Sport AWD test model came well-equipped for a total MSRP of $51,385*.

Experience the Giulia’s “mechanics of emotion” by visiting your local AutoNation-affiliated Alfa Romeo dealership .

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
**Based on 2019 EPA mileage ratings. Your mileage will vary depending specific vehicle trim, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.