When it comes to luxury cars, many of our minds are likely to drift to the likes of Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari but it’s safe to say not all of us have the price range to cater to these incredible brands – but there could be an alternative. Alfa Romeo has certainly proved time and time again that they mean business when it comes to traditional Italian design, but whether they count as a luxury brand has certainly been up for debate. With prices, lower than traditional luxury brands and a range that now includes SUVs, sedans and sports cars alike, is Alfa Romeo really a luxury brand? We’re exploring, below.
Who Are Their Competitors? | Alfa Romeo’s true competitors ultimately come down to the model that you’re looking at which only goes to further show just why the debate as to its status as Luxury has begun in the first place. Take the MiTo, for example – this car was the perfect mini car for those wanting something small, a little ‘cute’, but that could certainly give a worthy roar. However, despite the fact that it certainly packed a punch, the competitors weren’t exactly on the ‘luxury’ scale. The Fiat 500, Renault Clio, Mini, Audi A1 and Citroen DS3 were all worthy competitors, though arguably none of them quite had the same dash of luxury that the MiTo provided.
The most recent Giulia, however, has seen the Jaguar XE and BMW 3-Series Saloon be put up as competitors. While Alfa Romeo could have a position as a luxury brand within the markets, it’s also important to remember that this all depends on the model they are promoting at any one time. The overall style and design of each one always have that signature Alfa Romeo look, but is that truly enough?
Could They Be A More Affordable Alternative? | One argument that has been given is that while Alfa Romeo may not directly qualify for being a luxury brand completely, the pricing could pull in buyers who are looking for luxury without the price tag to match. Alfa Romeo isn’t necessarily cheap, but compared to its luxury competitors, its price is certainly worthy of a look.
The Giulia, for example, was initially priced at around $59,895 for the base model compared to a used Ferrari which could often come at around $100,000 and above dependant on the model. This affordability could be exactly what Alfa Romeo need to keep in order to keep an edge over their competition and potential break out into a market for lower-budget luxury.
What Models Could Compete In The Luxury Markets? | As mentioned before, Alfa Romeo’s classification of luxury can often come down to which model you’re looking at in the first place. While there are more affordable, accessible options, the two luxury models that could stand a chance within the luxury markets are the 4C Spider and the new Giulia:
- 4C Spider: This particular model is Alfa Romeo’s greatest answer to a sports car yet. With incredible exterior design and colouring, you could comfortably drive around in the 4C Spider and feel like a millionaire. The design isn’t the only luxury given that its performance is also something to marvel, with a 1.75-litre four-cylinder engine that can get you up to 0.62mph in just 4.5 seconds. What’s more, the 4C Spider is also chock full of innovative driving technologies, including automatic weather adaptation and a race mode for those wanting to put their foot down.
- Giulia: The Giulia may not have quite the sporty design that the 4C Spider has, but this model certainly has everything you could dream of in terms of Italian design. The Interior boasts a number of controls all present on the steering wheel and an infotainment system set on a large central screen. The Giulia may be stylish and luxurious, but it’s also practical, giving it a certain edge over other luxury models that may not be so carefully integrated.
