New Alfa Romeo Giulia Is Getting A Fresh Face

A Mercedes C-Class may ride more smoothly and a 3 Series may boast a better interior but, for driving thrills, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is unrivaled. The sleek sedan has been blessed with a balanced chassis and crisp steering, making it the best mountain pass marauder in its segment.

However, buyers want more than great dynamics. In other categories, the Italian is outclassed. Alfa is going through somewhat of a renaissance of late, spearheaded by the all-new Tonale compact SUV. With sharp styling and a hybrid powertrain (a first for the brand), CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato has big hopes for the newcomer. But what about the older and larger offerings?

Well, it appears a Giulia facelift is on the way. Spy shots taken by GabetzSpyUnit show a test vehicle with a disguised front end. The minimal camouflage is likely hiding a Tonale-inspired front end, with sleeker headlights and a subtle grille revision.

Upon closer inspection, you'll note the lower components of the front bumper are also concealed. Again, we anticipate a revised bumper in the same style as the Tonale; rounded and cleaner, with more pronounced air vents. The vehicle pictured here is the range-topping Veloce Q4 (Quadrifoglio excluded) and, as such, wears the gorgeous 19-inch Sport 5-hole wheels.

Round back, you'll see Alfa hasn't bothered to tamper with the design. However, the taillights appear to sport a smoked cluster which lends the Giulia an even sportier look - they look very similar to the items found on the awe-inspiring Giulia GTA. We assume Alfa will introduce subtle powertrain and interior updates to accompany the new look but don't expect that many changes.

After all, the Stellantis-owned brand ushered in a series of updates to both the Giulia and Stelvio for the 2022 model year, with better technology and more standard equipment.

Earlier this year, we spotted a Stelvio with similar styling changes. After investing copious amounts into the Tonale and its production, we're guessing Alfa's coffers are running a bit low at the moment. A subtle facelift may be the only way for the brand to update the looks of its larger offerings, which are slowly approaching the end of their lives.

Parent company Stellantis is taking electrification very seriously and Alfa Romeo is part of its strategy. Sadly, this generation will be the last ICE-powered Giulia, with Imparato noting the "future Giulia...will be an electric-only model." We expect the Stelvio to follow suit, as plush electric SUVs are all the rage at the moment.

Part of an Alfa's spirited character is derived from the powertrain, so the loss of conventional engines will hurt the Alfisti. At least we've got lots to look forward to. The ambitious CEO has promised a slew of sports cars, including a reborn Spyder.