Estate

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

The Audi RS4 Avant is one of the very few performance cars that come in estate form, and it's a curiously appealing combination.

Indeed, the only fast <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-estate-cars-2022/n16998">estate car</a> that can be counted as a direct rival to the RS4 Avant in the new car world is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw-alpina/b3-touring/estate/review/n24302">BMW Alpina B3 Touring</a>.

At the cheaper (and slower) end of things, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/leon/hatchback/review/n22098">Cupra Leon Estate</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17162">Volkswagen Golf R</a> promise practicality and pace for less money. If you cast the net wider to include electric cars, you might also count the outstanding <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/taycan/estate/review/n22960">Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo</a> as a competitor.

But is the Audi RS4 Avant the best in a very small class? Well, with a 2.9-litre turbocharged V6 under the bonnet, it has plenty of firepower, even though its discreet looks don’t shout about it.

Still, as it flicks by in a flash, observant bystanders will be able tell it apart from a regular<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/estate/review/n101"> Audi A4 Avant</a> by its bulging wheel arches, which it needs to house its massive alloy wheels and big brakes. It also wears distinctive front and rear bumpers, and it all adds up to an undeniably purposeful, yet somehow restrained, presence.

Of course, being an estate means the RS4 Avant is as practical as it is fast, but<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-performance-cars-2022/n23035"> performance cars</a> need more in their arsenal than that. These cars need to exude excitement from every pore if they’re to justify their prices, which are steeply inflated over the regular models.

So, does the RS4 provide you with the thrilling soundtrack and exquisite handling you'd expect to go with its monumental straight-line pace? And is it the super-fast estate to buy? Over the next few pages of this review, we’ll tell you what the Audi RS4 Avant is like to drive and live with day to day.

If you decide it’s the car for you, we can help you get it for the lowest price. Simply search our free <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">What Car? New Car Deals pages</a> to find&nbsp;hefty dealer discounts on most makes and models. It has lots of the best&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/estate">new estate car deals</a>.

The Audi RS4 Avant is fast, yes, but not much fun.&nbsp;

Audi RS4 Avant

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Entertainingly agile handling</li> <li>Eye-widening acceleration</li> <li>Fruity exhaust note</li> <li>Punchy and characterful engine</li> <li>Great driving position</li> <li>Everyday usability</li></ul>

The best performance cars combine sports car-rivalling acceleration with&nbsp;engaging handling. However, they also retain the&nbsp;impressive everyday usability of the conventional saloons and estates on which they're based.

Performance car

Sometimes wallet-friendly fuel economy and a cheap starting price aren’t a priority. Some buyers just want a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-performance-cars-2022/n23035">performance car</a> that goes fast. Really fast.&nbsp;And that's where the Audi RS5 comes in.

Or, more accurately, the Audi RS5 Coupé and the RS5 Sportback – the two quickest&nbsp;variants of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/coupe/review/n17191">Audi A5</a>. They both&nbsp;have the brand's RS (for Racing Sport) lettering and astonishing performance, but the Sportback gets two extra doors.

In some ways, the RS5s are as far removed from the regular A5 as chalk and cheese, as shown by their red-hot spec sheet. You get a&nbsp;2.9-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine powering all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

That delivers 444bhp and 443lb ft of torque for a 0-62mph time of&nbsp;just 3.9sec. For reference (and in case you plan track runs), top speed is 174mph. That's even quicker than the 'hot A5', the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/coupe/review/n21814">Audi S5</a>&nbsp;– a version also available in Coupé and Sportback forms, but only with a diesel engine.

Externally, you can tell the RS apart from a regular A5 by its more aggressive bumpers, twin oval exhaust pipes, wider wheel arches and fatter wheels. It looks similarly aggressive to its main rapid performance car competitors,&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m4/coupe/review/n17199">BMW M4</a> and<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n17218"> </a><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/giulia/saloon/review/n17264">Alfa Romeo Giulia QV</a>.

On top of the exterior tweaks, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/audi">Audi</a> has also given the RS5 a sexier interior, with plenty of luxurious materials, massaging seats and other top-notch tech.

So, how does it compare with its epic rivals&nbsp;for performance, handling and – for those who do care about such stuff – practicality and running costs? Does it thrill on every journey, and is it still easy to live with on a daily basis?&nbsp;That's what we'll tell you over the next few pages of this Audi RS5 review.

Once you've read our verdict and decided on your next new car, make sure you get it for the lowest price by searching our free <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">What Car? New Car Deals pages</a>. It's a good place to find the best <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/performance-car">new performance car deals</a>.

Coupe

An accomplished and rapid all-weather grand tourer, but the Audi RS5 is too aloof to be truly fun

Audi RS5

There's a belief among petrolheads that if you want something with pace and space, you buy an Audi RS6. But we’re going to let you in on a little secret: Audi’s halo car may be comfortable and ballistically fast, but it’s never been that involving as a driver’s car.

Which is perhaps why, when it finally came time to update the current fourth-generation RS6, Audi Sport decided to replace the regular model with a Performance edition.

The&nbsp;headline change is an extra 29bhp courtesy of two larger turbochargers, and with power now up to 621bhp, the RS6 Performance Avant is the most powerful <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/audi">Audi</a> estate car of all time.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KxD5kcsyVf0?si=t13bPdCq5Qx5RRkS" width="560"></iframe>

As we all know, though, more power doesn’t necessarily equate to more fun, hence the brand’s decision to fit all Performance models with four-wheel steering and a torque-vectoring differential as standard. Combined with optional lightweight forged alloy wheels, the RS6 should now – in theory – feel lighter on its toes.

Oddly, though, a number of go-faster goodies such as carbon-ceramic brakes and a sports suspension set-up called Dynamic Ride Control (which replaces the standard air suspension with diagonally interlinked coil springs) remain optional. If you take up the option in combination with range-topping Vorsprung trim, you’ll be looking at a car that costs more than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/r8/coupe/review/n124">Audi&nbsp;R8</a>&nbsp;supercar.&nbsp;

When it comes to fast <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/estate-cars/n16998">estate car</a> rivals, your choice is surprisingly limited. There is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/panamera/hatchback/review/n17294">Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo</a> – a wagon that manages to combine high-class luxury with continent-crushing performance – and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw-alpina/5-series/saloon/review/n198">BMW Alpina B5</a> Touring, a 200mph<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/estate/review/n34"> BMW 5 Series Touring</a>&nbsp;with enough firepower to smear your dog liberally over the rear window.

And then there's our favourite performance estate car, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2023-bmw-m3-touring-review/n25481">BMW M3 Touring</a>. It's quite a bit smaller than the RS6 with less cargo space, but once you add a few options it costs almost as much. It’s also about as fun as fast <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-cars/n16996">family cars</a> get.&nbsp;

So, is the Audi RS6 Performance the best of the lot? It certainly looks up for the fight. Read on over the next few pages of this review to find out how good it is to drive, how practical it is, what the interior quality is like&nbsp;and how it compares with its rivals in all the important areas.

Once you've picked your next car, we can save you a good few quid if you check our free What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Buying pages</a>. They list plenty of<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/estate"> new estate car deals</a>.

Performance estate car marries huge pace with huge interior space, but some rivals are more fun to drive

Audi RS6

"The Audi RS7&nbsp;is extremely quick, nicely made, well equipped and jolly practical, but you could also say the same about other, much cheaper <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a7/hatchback/review/n151">Audi A7 Sportback</a> models." That was our cold but honest summation of Audi’s halo four-door coupé when we first sampled it at the turn of the decade. Doesn’t make you want to rush out and buy one, does it?&nbsp;

The trouble with earlier RS7s is that while they're&nbsp;comfortable and ballistically fast, they lack driver involvement – and that's a problem when you’re competing against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/panamera/hatchback/review/n17212">Porsche Panamera</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/amg-gt/coupe/review/n17968">Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupé</a>.&nbsp;

So when it&nbsp;came time to update the current second-generation RS7, Audi Sport decided to replace the regular model with a Performance edition. The headline change is an extra 29bhp courtesy of two larger turbochargers, bumping power up to 621bhp. With an official 0-62mph time of just 3.4sec, it's the fastest four-door coupé <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/audi">Audi</a> has ever produced.

As we all know, though, more power doesn’t necessarily equate to more fun, hence the brand’s decision to fit all Performance models with four-wheel steering and a torque-vectoring differential as standard. Combined with optional lightweight forged alloy wheels, the RS7 should now – in theory – feel lighter on its toes.

You can also add some optional go-faster goodies such as carbon-ceramic brakes and a sports suspension set-up called Dynamic Ride Control (which replaces the standard air suspension with diagonally interlinked coil springs). With those fitted, you're looking at a car that costs more than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/r8/coupe/review/n124">Audi&nbsp;R8</a> supercar.&nbsp;

It’s a serious bit of kit, then. But have these changes transformed a somewhat one-dimensional super <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/coupes/n17019">coupé</a> into an involving driver’s car? That's what we'll tell you in this review, as we rate the Audi RS7 Performance in all the important areas and tell you how it does against rival models.

We can also help you find the best price if you search our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Buying pages</a>&nbsp;– they list plenty of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/coupe">new coupé deals</a>.

Hatchback

RS 7

Performance car is extremely quick and jolly practical, but some rivals are more thrilling to drive

Audi RS7

The Audi S4 is a great example of a blisteringly quick <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-performance-cars-2022/n23035">performance car</a>&nbsp;with understated looks. Like Clark Kent before he whips off his glasses to become Superman, it has heroic performance while remaining almost invisible to those not in the know.

The S4&nbsp;sits on the middle&nbsp;step of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/review/n105">Audi A4</a> range, above&nbsp;the regular model but below the even faster <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs4/estate/review/n189">Audi RS4 Avant</a>.&nbsp;It aims to strike a good balance between the two, taking elements from both to be a usable daily driver but with plenty of performance.

A little unusually these days, the S4 runs on diesel, with a 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo engine under the bonnet. That's aided by a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-hybrid-cars-2022/n17013">hybrid</a> system that delivers a total of 345bhp.

As such, where the RS4 is a match for the very hot <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/review/n135">BMW M3</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/coupe/review/n17218">Mercedes-AMG C63</a>, the S4 is more traditionally a rival to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes-AMG C43</a>. Don’t start thinking that the performance comes at the expense of practicality though – like the C43, the S4 can be had as either a saloon or estate (called the Avant by <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/audi">Audi</a>).

That’s something that many of the S4’s rivals –&nbsp;including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/giulia/saloon/review/n159">Alfa Romeo Giulia</a> Veloce and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xe/saloon/review/n69">Jaguar XE</a> P300 –&nbsp;can’t match. Is the Avant option&nbsp;enough to give the S4 the upper hand, though?

Over the next few pages, we’ll put the Audi S4 up against the alternatives in key areas such as performance, practicality and comfort, to find out whether it has done enough to sway your decision.

Then, once you’ve made your choice, don’t forget to take a look at the free What Car?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals</a> pages&nbsp;to see how much you could save on your next new car without any of the awkward haggling. You’ll find some <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/performance-car">new performance car deals</a>.

Saloon

On top of what comes with the standard A4 Technik, the S4 adds wireless phone charging, 19in alloys, sports suspension, high beam assist and nappa leather sports seats. 

As an understated fast car, the latest S4 is more appealing than ever – but it could do with a faster-acting&nbsp;gearbox

Audi S4

You might question the decision to offer the Audi S6&nbsp;and its Avant&nbsp;sibling&nbsp;with a diesel engine. Look beyond the ‘all diesels are bad’ headlines, though, and it’s easier to see why a 3.0-litre V6 was selected for this <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-performance-cars-2022/n23035">performance car</a>&nbsp;version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a>.

Not only are diesels more fuel-efficient than the equivalent petrols, but they also produce more torque –&nbsp;and that’s what you need to make fast progress without really trying.

To assuage any thoughts that it’s a dirty diesel, the&nbsp;S6 has some clever tricks up its sleeve. These are&nbsp;centred around a 48-volt electrical system, which boosts performance and efficiency. For example, it saves fuel while you're cruising by allowing&nbsp;the engine to switch off completely for up to 40 seconds when you lift off the accelerator pedal.

In addition, it recovers energy that would otherwise be lost during braking and stores it as electricity.&nbsp;That's&nbsp;used to drive an electric compressor, which&nbsp;works alongside a regular turbocharger&nbsp;to boost the S6’s low-rev responsiveness.

There’s plenty to get excited about then, but if you’re after something fast yet practical, should you go for the Audi S6 or S6 Avant (estate) over, for example, the 530d M Sport version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a>?&nbsp;And can it really better a petrol rivals such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class</a>&nbsp;in powerful AMG E53 form? What’s more, does it feel special enough to justify its premium over the luxurious A6 on which it’s based?

In this Audi S6&nbsp;review, we’ll look at everything from what it's like to drive to how practical it is and how much it will cost you to buy and run. We'll also tell you which trim level we think is&nbsp;the best.

Once you've decided which car to buy, make sure you get it for the lowest price by searching our free What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals</a> pages. They're a good place to find the best <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/performance-car">new performance car deals</a>.

S6 Black Edition

The S6 is quiet, spacious and effortlessly quick, but not huge fun to drive

Audi S6

If you were to choose a power unit for a fast, luxurious four-seat coupé designed to ease you across many miles of country or continent, what would it be? A petrol perhaps, a hybrid, fully electric? Or a diesel? Yes, that’s right, don’t discount out of hand diesel power for the 21st century. The Audi S7 hasn’t, and here’s why its maker has a point.

Despite their recent damnation, modern diesels can be as clean, if not cleaner, than some petrols. That’s because unlike the dirty diesels of old, they employ all manner of clever clean-up acts to remove pollution including particulates and NOx emissions. And, as a rule, they produce fewer greenhouse gasses and are more efficient for anyone doing higher mileages.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PAMGwqGJVKM"></iframe>

The 344bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel in this Audi S7 goes further still. It has some tricks up its sleeve centred around a 48-volt electrical system, which supports mild-hybrid technology to boost both fuel-efficiency and performance. For instance, it allows the engine to switch off completely and coast for periods up to 40sec when you lift off the accelerator.

It also recovers energy during braking, which is energy that would otherwise be lost, and stores it ready for use by an electric compressor (EPC). This works alongside the regular turbocharger and is claimed to boost the S7’s low-rev responsiveness.

So, there’s certainly plenty to get excited about for this four-door performance coupé with a luxury twist, but does it do enough to excite? Can it steal the show from its close rival, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cls/coupe/review/n146">Mercedes-AMG CLS 53</a>?

Read on to find out what the S7 is like, and when you’ve decided whether it is for you or not, head to our What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Buying</a> page for the very best hassle free deals.

S7 Black Edition

Like its S6 sister, the S7 errs more towards the luxury end of the performance car spectrum. It’s generally comfortable, quiet, spacious and effortlessly quick, but, like the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, it’s not a ball of fun to drive. The diesel engine is brilliant, and an advantage when it comes to fuel consumption, but may also push those worried about buying a diesel towards other rivals, including the Lexus LC that’s available as a hybrid or a with very commendable V8 petrol engine.

Audi S7

The BMW Alpina B3 Touring looks almost identical to&nbsp;the car it's based on, but that appearance is deceptive – in a good way. Tuning company Alpina has taken the already accomplished <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/estate/review/n108">BMW 3 Series Touring</a> M340i xDrive and added a spoonful of spice to it.

Or perhaps two heaped spoonfuls of spice. The B3 Touring even has enough punch to step on the toes of the estate car version of the very athletic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/review/n135">BMW M3</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;its rival, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs4/estate/review/n189">Audi RS4 Avant</a>.&nbsp;So, why would you choose the Alpina over one of those? Well, it's attractive for a few reasons.

First of all, there’s the exclusivity – it’s highly unlikely you’ll find another one in a car park. Then there’s its blend of long-distance comfort and blistering performance. If the hardcore ride of BMW's M <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/performance-cars/n23035">performance cars</a> makes you wince, Alpina’s set-up might be a better fit for your commute.&nbsp;

Finally, the B3 Touring conversion is much more understated to look at than an M car. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/bmw-alpina">Alpina</a> has sprinkled it with a few subtle touches to distinguish it from a standard 3 Series, but the bodywork remains largely the same.

This review will tell you how the BMW Alpina B3 Touring stacks up against other performance-focused&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/estate-cars/n16998">estate cars</a>&nbsp;in terms of handling, interior quality, practicality and running costs.

BMW ALPINA

3 SERIES

The Alpina B3 Touring is a fast and comfy estate alternative to the BMW M3

BMW Alpina B3 Touring

If at first glance you thought&nbsp;this Alpina B4 Gran Coupé was a BMW, that's very understandable. In effect it is – and then some.&nbsp;Alpina takes regular&nbsp;BMW cars (in this case the M440i Gran Coupé)&nbsp;and turns up the performance and opulence to 11.

It’s not very often you see an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/bmw-alpina">Alpina</a> on UK roads, but that’s not because they’re bad cars. Far from it. In fact, the firm is now officially part of the BMW brand, which is a pretty big step for what was a small family firm.

And the B4 Gran Coupé is the first model to have its name officially prefixed with BMW. Alpina has worked its magic by taking the standard car and making&nbsp;subtle additions to the styling, tweaking the suspension and uprating the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine.

There's also a diesel version, badged D4, but there isn’t currently an Alpina version of the two-door coupé or convertible.

The standard 4 Series Gran Coupé already does an admirable job of combining the sleek looks of a coupé with the added practicality of rear doors and a hatchback tailgate opening. This B4 version gives you almost as much performance as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/review/n135">BMW M3</a> in a more practical body.

There’s more. Unlike an M-badged BMW, the Alpina’s appearance is suited up to be more classy, rather than&nbsp;imposing or aggressive. That also applies to the way the B4 goes about its business, covering ground quickly in an effortless manner, rather than attacking it.

Choosing a trim level is easy, with only one available. What may require more of your time is deciding which options to have, including the factory-fitted ones available with the regular Gran Coupé, and the wealth of Alpina-specific extras.&nbsp;

In terms of rivals, there are few direct competitors. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/coupe/review/n21814">Audi S5</a> Sportback is closest in size and shape, but is far cheaper and comes with a diesel engine that’s nowhere near as powerful.

Should you buy one, though? Well, over the next few pages of this review, we’ll tell you how we rate the Alpina B4 Gran Coupé in terms of performance, interior quality, practicality and running costs.

And if all this talk of performance coupés has got you interested in finding a new car, you can find the best prices with our free What Car?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals</a>&nbsp;pages.&nbsp;They have lots of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/performance-car">new performance car deals</a>.

4 SERIES

An immensely fast, usable and classy four-door performance coupé that has a firm ride but is otherwise hard to fault

BMW Alpina B4 Gran Coupé

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. Apple founder Steve Jobs once used the Leonardo Da Vinci phrase as the basis of an early Mac advertising campaign, but we reckon it would be even better suited to Alpina – and specifically the Alpina B8 Gran Coupé.&nbsp;

You see, BMW supplies cars to both its in-house motorsport division ‘BMW M’ and small boutique tuning house Alpina, but what results from each organisation is very different.

It’s best to think of M cars as&nbsp;hardcore, track-focused models with slightly ostentatious styling. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw-alpina">Alpina</a>, on the other hand, is all about long-legged performance, long-distance comfort and understated design.&nbsp;

So while BMW's M8 Gran Coupé looks like a pumped-up cage fighter with its bulging bumpers, chiselled mirror housings and a unique widebody, the B8 looks like Bond in a Brioni suit. Sure, the B8 gets its own <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-performance-cars-2022/n23035">performance car</a> embellishments – a chin spoiler, a boot-mounted spoiler, a rear diffuser and sundial alloy wheels – but it’s a much cleaner and more flowing design.&nbsp;

Conversely, under the skin, it looks as if there’s a fair bit of mechanical symbiosis going on. Both cars employ twin-turbocharged V8 engines and both use four-wheel steering and traction-enhancing four-wheel drive. They also have mind-boggling electronic intervention systems&nbsp;in an effort to maximise power delivery and enhance cornering stability. But as you’re about to find out, not all is at it seems.&nbsp;

Over the next few pages, we’ll compare the Alpina B8 Gran Coupé with rivals including the M8 Gran Coupé, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs-7/hatchback/review/n17275">Audi RS7 Sportback</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/panamera/hatchback/review/n17212">Porsche Panamera</a> Turbo S across areas such as performance, interior quality, practicality and running costs.

And if all of this talk of performance machines has piqued your interest when it comes to buying a new car, make sure you check out our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">What Car? New Car Buying service</a>.

8 SERIES

An even better high-performance compromise between pace, handling and usability than the closely related BMW M8 Gran Coupé

BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupé

There are few greater joys in motoring than a brilliant engine, and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> has produced a fair few of them over the years. Its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six is one shining example, and it’s what you’ll find when lifting the bonnet of the BMW M240i.

In many ways, it’s what this car’s entire driving experience centres around. You see, there was a time when sports cars with tuneful six-cylinder engines were plentiful but, with the downsizing trend continuing, the M240i is a dying breed. So, it’s distinctly old school – and in the best possible way.

With 368bhp and four-wheel drive, the BMW M240i can officially do 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds, but (spoiler alert) in our tests it was even quicker than that.

Of course, it’s not all about power delivery and noise because, as with all the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-performance-cars-2022/n23035">best&nbsp;performance cars</a>, handling is very important too. The M240i is at the top of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/2-series/coupe/review/n125">BMW 2 Series Coupé</a> line-up and gets a unique suspension set-up to go with its riotous engine.

Despite its name, the 2 Series Coupé bears no relation to the more sensible <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/2-series-gran-coupe/saloon/review/n21024">2 Series Gran Coupé</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/2-series/hatchback/review/n78">2 Series Active Tourer</a>.

Both those models are based on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/1-series/hatchback/review/n26">BMW 1 Series</a> hatchback, whereas the 2 Series Coupé is closely related to the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/4-series/coupe/review/n62">BMW 4 Series</a>.&nbsp;The M240i is from good stock, then –&nbsp;the 4 Series is our reigning <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2022-coupe-of-the-year/n23987">Coupé of the Year</a>.

So, what are its rivals? Well, arguably, this is one of the few cars on sale that don't have any. There are plenty of other fast&nbsp;two-door <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-coupes-2022/n17019">coupés</a>&nbsp;of course, just none this small (unless you count the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/tt/coupe/review/n12">Audi TT</a>, but that’s more of a sports car with token rear seats).

Over the next few pages of this&nbsp;review, we’ll run you through what the BMW M240i is like to drive, how practical it is and whether or not it stacks up financially.

To make sure you get your next car for the lowest price possible, head over to our&nbsp;free&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">What Car? New Car Buying service</a>. You’ll find some surprisingly tempting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/bmw">new BMW deals</a>.

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

2 SERIES

The M240i is considered a model in its own right, so there’s no trim level as such. You do get a few more luxuries than on lesser engines, though, including leather seats.

M240i

A great all-rounder – fast, fun and, rear seat space aside, surprisingly easy to live with

BMW M240i

Don’t worry: this M3 review isn't about a road from Surrey&nbsp;to Southampton. In fact, the&nbsp;BMW M3&nbsp;couldn’t be more different to&nbsp;the motorway it shares a name with.

Since the mid-Eighties, the M3 has been the fastest and most exciting version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a> executive car, building up a cult following among performance car fans –&nbsp;and now there’s the BMW M3 Touring to broaden that appeal even further.&nbsp;

In fact, the versatility of the&nbsp;estate car version will be perfect for lots of people, because it allows&nbsp;you go&nbsp;for a couple of quick laps at Brands Hatch at the weekend, then fill its huge boot with furniture on the way home. That’s something you can't do with the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/giulia/saloon/review/n17264">Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio</a>.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KxD5kcsyVf0?si=m7gsWlyFgxbQ8kfn" width="560"></iframe>

This review covers both versions – the four-door M3 saloon and the M3 Touring estate car – but if you want a two-door&nbsp;coupé, you'll need our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m4/coupe/review/n17199">BMW M4 review</a>.

So, what&nbsp;are the BMW M3 and M3 Touring like to drive, and how do they stack up against the thrilling&nbsp;Giulia Quadrifoglio&nbsp;and the rapid but practical&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs4/estate/review/n189">Audi RS4 Avant</a>? Read on to find out...

The BMW M3 and M3 Touring are&nbsp;staggeringly capable performance cars

BMW M3

In the movies, sequels are rarely better than the original – but with the BMW M4 Competition the opposite is true.

It took a number of revisions before the previous-generation M4&nbsp;really delivered the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/performance-cars/n23035">performance car</a> enthusiasts hankered for, stretching the phrase "good things come to those who wait" to the limit. Thankfully, this current version got off to a much, much stronger start.

The M4 Competition is based on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/4-series/coupe/review/n62">BMW 4 Series</a> and is powered by a 503bhp twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine. The same engine is found under the bonnet of the ludicrously quick <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x3/4x4/review/n20299">BMW X3 M</a>&nbsp;sports SUV.

That deep well of power is routed to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and managed by a 10-stage traction control system. An adaptive four-wheel-drive system – like the one you get on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m5/saloon/review/n184">BMW M5</a>&nbsp;super-saloon – is also available. Badged M xDrive, it promises extra traction for assured handling on wet and greasy roads.

The M4 also comes with adaptive suspension, M performance brakes (carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option) and an electronic limited-slip differential to make sure the M4 corners just as well as it goes.

And if you want an even more track-focused model, there's the limited run M4 CSL. Weighing around 100kg less than the standard car but with even more power, it’s agile and powerful enough to be the fastest road car <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/bmw">BMW</a> has ever tested on the Nurburgring, lapping the 13-mile German circuit in just 7m 16sec.&nbsp;

In this review, however, we will be focusing on the ‘regular’ M4 and how it compares to its closest performance car rivals, such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/giulia/saloon/review/n17264">Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs5/coupe/review/n17286">Audi RS5</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/coupe/review/n17218">Mercedes C63 AMG S</a> Coupé. We’ll also do a deep dive into its performance, handling, interior quality, running costs and more.

Don’t forget, even if you’re not in the market for a 180mph BMW M4, we can still save you a good few quid on your next new car if you use our free What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals service</a>. It's a good place to find the best <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/performance-car">new performance car deals</a>.

Staggeringly quick and one of the most visceral and engaging performance cars we’ve tested to date.&nbsp;

BMW M4

Maserati has been out of the game of building supercars for nearly two decades, but with the all-new Maserati MC20, it's back with a bang.&nbsp;

At first glance, the MC20 is both thoroughly modern yet somewhat old-school. It doesn’t feature plug-in hybrid tech like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ferrari/296-gtb/coupe/review/n25991">Ferrari 296 GTB</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mclaren/artura/coupe/review/n26091">McLaren Artura</a>&nbsp;do, instead getting&nbsp;a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">dual-clutch automatic gearbox</a>.

That sounds like a&nbsp;fairly conventional set-up, but it’s worth noting that the V6 (named Nettuno) uses cylinder tech of the type used in Formula One,&nbsp;and sits in the middle of a cutting edge carbon-fibre tub developed by motorsport specialists Dallara.

The platform is stiff enough that <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/maserati">Maserati</a> also offers a convertible variant called the MC20 Cielo alongside the coupé to go up against the 296 GTS and the yet-to-be-released Artura Spider. But can the MC20 really compete with this new generation of hybridised supercars? Well, read on to find out...

Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.

This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.

Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.

In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.

MASERATI

MC20

Maserati's first supercar for years combines old-school heft with a beautiful ride

Maserati MC20

The McLaren Artura&nbsp;is the most technically advanced road car yet to come out of Woking, but&nbsp;despite its appearance,&nbsp;it&nbsp;shares nothing with previous McLaren models. This really is an all-new supercar.

Indeed, you could argue that the designers should have been bolder when it came to styling the Artura, to suit just how different to, say, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mclaren/570/coupe/review/n17142">McLaren 570S</a> this plug-in hybrid (PHEV) performance car actually is.

McLaren’s long-standing twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox are gone, replaced by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine and an eight-speed <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">dual-clutch transmission</a>.

The engine alone produces 577bhp, but because of its PHEV set-up, it can also call on 94bhp from its electric motor, which gets its energy from a&nbsp;7.4kWh battery pack, rather than the petrol tank.

To save you the maths, we can tell you the Artura has a total of&nbsp;671bhp. That's over 100bhp more than its predecessor but some way down on the 819bhp&nbsp;you get out of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ferrari/296-gtb/coupe/review/n25991">Ferrari 296 GTB</a> (which is also a PHEV).

However,&nbsp;as compact <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/sports-cars/n24412">sports cars</a> such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alpine/a110/coupe/review/n185">Alpine A110</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lotus/emira/coupe/review/n25278">Lotus Emira</a> demonstrate, a lack of weight is often more important than power.

For that reason, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/mclaren">McLaren</a> has invested heavily in a&nbsp;new carbon-fibre platform. Its low weight (82kg) is said to make&nbsp;the Artura 100kg lighter overall than the 296 GTB, which uses a more traditional aluminium construction.

Speaking of rivals, while the Artura replaces the 570S, its extra power and hybrid powertrain see&nbsp;it priced much higher than what used to be considered an entry-level supercar. So, as well as taking on the&nbsp;296 GTB, it's up against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lamborghini/huracan/coupe/review/n17163">Lamborghini Hurácan</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2023-maserati-mc20-review/n25756">Maserati MC20</a>.

So, should you buy a McLaren Artura? We'll help you decide in this review, as we rate it in all the important areas and compare it with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/performance-cars/n23035">best performance cars</a>. And when you've decided what to buy, make sure you find it for the best price by searching our free <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Buying pages</a>.

To many, McLaren will always be best known for its motorsport activities, but it also has a growing range of high-performance cars designed to challenge the likes of Ferrari and Porsche.

Most McLaren models share two key components: a central tub made out of carbonfibre and a powerful V8 petrol engine. And with cars ranging from the entry-level 540C to the hardcore (but still road legal) Senna, McLaren cars rival everything from the Jaguar F-Type to the Porsche 911 and Ferrari’s 488 Pista.

MCLAREN

ARTURA

Plug-in hybrid performance car is impressive – but not as exciting as some rivals

McLaren Artura

We reckon the designers of the&nbsp;Mercedes AMG GT 4-door&nbsp;have a poster of Concorde on their wall. After all, the car and the supersonic jet&nbsp;were created with the same aim: offering&nbsp;luxury, practicality and mind-blowing speed in one svelte package.

The GT 4-door Coupé has a lot on its plate, though, because not only does it need to compete with&nbsp;rivals including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/panamera/hatchback/review/n17212">Porsche Panamera</a>&nbsp;but it must also live up to being a genuine&nbsp;AMG that's more than a&nbsp;mere plaything for the wealthy. In other words, it has to be a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/performance-cars/n23035">performance car</a> you can use every day.

When we say "genuine&nbsp;AMG", we mean that it's been developed by Mercedes’ high-performance division from the outset – unlike those AMG-fettled models, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/coupe/review/n17218">Mercedes AMG C63</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17226">Mercedes AMG E63</a>.

The GT 4-door Coupé&nbsp;actually shares its underpinnings with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class</a>&nbsp;but has some crucial upgrades to deliver its astonishing&nbsp;pace. They include work on the suspension and brakes, plus – most importantly – the installation of a&nbsp;hand-built&nbsp;twin-turbo&nbsp;4.0-litre V8 petrol engine under the heavily contoured bonnet.&nbsp;

That’s not all, though. You can also have the&nbsp;same V8 engine but with plug-in hybrid (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">PHEV</a>) technology strapped to it. That version, called the 63 S E-Performance, boosts power to more than 800bhp and cuts the 0-62mph sprint time and CO2 emissions.

So, does the Mercedes AMG GT 4-door live up to its badge, and is it better than rivals including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs-7/hatchback/review/n17275">Audi RS7</a> and the Panamera, as well as two-door performance <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/coupes/n17019">coupés</a> such as&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m8/sports/review/n20281">BMW M8</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/continental-gt/coupe/review/n17232">Bentley Continental GT</a>? That’s what we’ll tell you in this review, which rates it for&nbsp;performance, practicality and more.&nbsp;

Next time you buy a new car, don't forget we can help you find it for the lowest price if you search our free What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals pages</a>.

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

AMG GT

Performance car comes with considerable pace and poise, but lacks the refinement of rivals

Mercedes AMG GT 4-door

AMG has form for shoehorning ridiculous engines into sensible cars, and the Mercedes-AMG C63 S is no exception. While the standard C-Class has fuel-sipping diesel or CO2-cutting plug-in hybrid options, the C63 S’s power source is decidedly extravagant.

How extravagant? How about a hand-finished, highly potent, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine? Despite having a potentially traction-troubling 503bhp under the bonnet, the C63 S is only available with rear-wheel drive, with power routed through a standard nine-speed automatic gearbox. Acceleration is predictably eye-widening, with a top speed of up to 180mph, depending on the version.

However, if you’re worried the C63 S is just a sports car for a sunny Sunday drive, rest assured. It's available to order in every bodystyle the standard <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes C-Class</a> comes in, which means there’s a saloon and estate for those who want practicality, and a coupé and convertible for those who… don’t.

The sparkle of that three-pointed star badge shouldn’t blind you to the talents of its high-performance rivals, though. These include the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/giulia/saloon/review/n17264">Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio</a> (known as the QV) and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/review/n135">BMW M3</a>, which vie with the C63 S saloon for your attention. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs5/coupe/review/n17286">Audi RS5</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m4/coupe/review/n17199">BMW M4</a> that are natural rivals to the C63 S coupé, while the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs4/estate/review/n189">Audi RS4 Avant</a>&nbsp;lines up in competition with the C63 S Estate.

If you’re tempted by that AMG allure, stick with us to find out our verdict on which model, spec and body style to go for with our in-depth review of the C63 S. When you're done choosing, simply head over to our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Buying</a> service – amazing deals are there for the taking without the need to haggle.

C CLASS

The S package is not just about straight-line speed. You’re also treated to an electronic limited-slip differential that makes the car less snappy and more predictable at the limit, larger brake discs that are less prone to overheating, beautiful 19in alloy wheels and supremely supportive, AMG performance front seats. Factor in competitive dealer discounts and the S version begins to look comparatively much better value for money, and would be our choice.


AMG S

The Mercedes-AMG C63 offers bags of fun on the road and track alike

Mercedes-AMG C63 S

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 provides the entry point into the AMG-tuned performance versions of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cla/coupe/review/n19245">Mercedes CLA</a>&nbsp;four-door coupé.

And while the CLA 35 comes with a more aggressive appearance than the regular car, it's not TOO aggressive. Mercedes seems to be hoping its more demure looks will win over buyers looking for a powerful car, but not wanting to go as far as living with the rather brutish vibes&nbsp;of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n18801">Mercedes-AMG A35</a> hot hatchback.

Still, underneath its body-kitted exterior, there's not a whole lot that differentiates the CLA 35 from the A35, so you get a very potent engine delivering power to all four wheels. You can also mix performance and practicality by going for the estate-car version, based on the CLA Shooting Brake.

Read on to get our in-depth impressions of all aspects of the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35. We'll tell you what it's like to drive, how it handles&nbsp;and more, plus how it compares with its main rivals – namely the M235i version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/2-series-gran-coupe/saloon/review/n21024">BMW 2 Series&nbsp;Gran Coupé</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/civic/hatchback/review/n143">Honda Civic Type R</a>.

Performance car is seriously quick point-to-point, yet not especially exciting to drive

Mercedes-AMG CLA 35

Just because you’re in the market for a seemingly sensible saloon or estate, there’s no need for driving to be a chore. Not when, among the fuel-sipping hybrids and down-sized petrol engines on offer, there are cars like the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S.

Now, having a 2.0-litre petrol engine sitting under the CLA 45 S’s bonnet might not seem all that special, but this is no ordinary <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cla/coupe/review/n19245">Mercedes CLA</a>. The engine&nbsp;is hand-built using racing knowhow to produce a mighty 415bhp.

With four-wheel drive and an eight-speed <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">automatic gearbox</a>, the CLA 45 S can hurl itself from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds. Its four-wheel drive system does more than provide great traction – it also has a rear differential that can vary the amount of power sent to each rear wheel, improving&nbsp;agility and allowing AMG to build in a thoroughly mischievous drift mode.

Those <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/performance-cars/n23035">performance car</a> aids don’t come at the expense of practicality – you still get four doors, five seats and a big boot. A CLA 45 S Shooting Brake (read stylish estate car) version is available too.

When you comes to rivals, one car stands out more than any other: the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs3/hatchback/review/n175">Audi RS3 Saloon</a>. Of course, you might also find yourself looking at the less practical, two-door <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m2/coupe/review/n17172">BMW M2 Competition</a>&nbsp;or the larger and more practical <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs5/coupe/review/n17286">Audi RS5 Sportback</a> for a similar price.

Let’s find out whether the (rather elaborately named) Mercedes-AMG CLA A45 S&nbsp;can out-run its opposition...

Performance coupé – or estate car – offers incredible performance but costs considerably more than a regular CLA

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S

Few car makers have a performance motif as evocative as Alfa’s four-leaf clover. The Italian manufacturer puts it on only its most potent models, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio&nbsp;more than earns its right to wear it.

The Giulia Quadrifoglio (aka the Giulia QV) is based on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/giulia/saloon/review/n159">Alfa Romeo&nbsp;Giulia</a> executive saloon, but gets a&nbsp;512bhp&nbsp;turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine. That means it’s capable of 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 190mph.

What's more, the&nbsp;Giulia Quadrifoglio&nbsp;gets bespoke suspension,&nbsp;quicker steering and larger brakes in an effort to make sure it corner and stops as well as it goes.

So, does the Giulia Quadrifoglio (Italian for four-leaf clover, in case you were wondering) have what it takes to beat the best performance cars? Read on to find out how we rate it against the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs4/estate/review/n189">Audi RS4 Avant</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/review/n135">BMW M3</a>...

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive and has performed very well in the annual What Car? Reliability Survey, while the closely related Stelvio competes in the booming SUV class.

Smaller and larger SUVs are planned, as is a two-door coupé version of the Giulia that will take on the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

GIULIA

Quadrifoglio

The 2024 Giulia QV is as thrilling as performance cars get&nbsp;but some rivals are plusher

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