VS
At a Glance
Power
375 kW
190 kW
Torque
600 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
10.1 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Towing
—
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.9 s
6.2 s
Engine
2891 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the BMW 5 Series is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Alfa Romeo Giulia delivers 375 kW while the BMW 5 Series produces 190 kW. On fuel, the Giulia returns 10.1 l/100km while the 5 Series uses 7.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 039 900 for the Giulia and R1 329 081 for the 5 Series. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
375 kW
190 kW
Torque
600 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
3.9 s
6.2 s
Top Speed
307 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2891 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.1 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
60 l
CO2 Emissions
228 g/km
161 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4639 mm
5060 mm
Width
1860-2024 mm
1900-2156 mm
Height
1433 mm
1515 mm
Wheelbase
2820 mm
2995 mm
Ground Clearance
—
154 mm
Kerb Weight
1660 DIN / 1735 EU Kg
1660 DIN / 1735 EU Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
525 l
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
—
680 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 5 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Giulia
Fuel Economy
5 Series
Value
5 Series
Practicality
5 Series
Pros & Cons
Alfa Romeo Giulia
More powerful engine (375 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (10.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
BMW 5 Series
Better fuel economy (7.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 329 081)
Less power than rival (190 kW vs 375 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Giulia or 5 Series?
The Giulia uses 10.1 l/100km and the 5 Series uses 7.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 5 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Giulia or 5 Series?
The Giulia produces 375 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the 5 Series delivers 190 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The Giulia is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Giulia and 5 Series?
The Giulia starts from R2 039 900 and the 5 Series from R1 329 081. The 5 Series is cheaper by R710 819 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Giulia or 5 Series?
The Giulia has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the 5 Series can tow 2000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Giulia or the 5 Series?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.