What the car is and where it came from
The Alfa Romeo Giulia (2015) is a compact executive saloon. It is the first saloon Alfa Romeo offered since the 159 ended production in 2011. It is the first mass-market Alfa Romeo with a longitudinal rear-wheel drive platform since the 75 was discontinued in 1992.
How it works, in terms someone would actually use
It uses a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. It targets an even 50% front and 50% rear weight distribution.
What it gets right
It re-establishes Alfa Romeo in the compact executive saloon segment. It commits to rear-wheel drive and balanced weight distribution in a class dominated by transverse FWD and AWD compromises.
What it does not
It does not reintroduce a new powertrain architecture, new manufacturing process, or new body material—the sources name no engine, transmission, suspension type, or structural innovation beyond layout and weight distribution intent.
What it changed
It ended Alfa Romeo’s six-year absence from the saloon market and its 24-year absence from mass-market longitudinal RWD platforms.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for buyers who value longitudinal RWD layout and brand lineage in the compact executive segment. It is not for buyers seeking technical novelty, electrification, or verified performance metrics—none appear in the sources.
Is it worth your time
Yes—if you need proof that Alfa Romeo re-entered the compact executive saloon segment with a longitudinal RWD platform after a 24-year gap, and that it anchored a €5 billion relaunch.
