Characteristics Table
Potence | Speed | 0-100 | Displacement |
---|---|---|---|
275 CV | 326 km/h | 5.7s | 2987 CC |
Maserati Ghibli information
The Maserati Ghibli proves that you can teach an old dog new tricks: its entry-level diesel engine has been replaced by a much more environmentally friendly hybrid. It can be said that this powerful luxury saloon has a good Italian pedigree.
Ditching diesel might seem brave when you consider that 80% of Ghibli buyers used to opt for the car precisely because it was diesel, but its rivals, including Porsche, did the same a few years ago.
Maserati claims this Ghibli saloon has what it takes to rival the best in the sporty end of the executive car class, and it certainly shows when driven fast. The Ghibli feels sporty enough to justify its three-pronged badge.
The ride is also firm. However, this Maserati has a very attractive appearance, which makes its rivals look rather ordinary in comparison.
The base model of the Ghibli uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric supercharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid assist. The engine develops 325 hp and 450 Nm of torque, which means a time from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 250 km/h.
Connecting the transmission with the gear stick is tricky, as you have to pull the trigger to select it, otherwise you’re stuck in neutral, which can be frustrating. Another drawback is that it’s easy to accidentally hit the lever to go from Drive to Sport mode, since it’s located right in front of the climate and infotainment controls.
If it’s excitement you’re after, the Ferrari-made V6 twin-turbocharged petrol will be more to your liking. Even in its less powerful 345bhp form, it offers pinpoint throttle response and a much more Maserati-like growl from all four exhausts. 0-100km/h is 5.5 seconds, or 4.9 seconds on the 424bhp Ghibli S. The maximum speeds of the petrol models are 103 and 110 km/h respectively.
The Ghibli Trofeo’s V8 is even more powerful, with 572 hp and a sprint time of 4.3 seconds. Top speed is also higher, at 126 km/h.
All Ghiblis are automatic, and the two pedals are well aligned with the right foot. The forward view is good, but the view over the shoulders is less clear due to the height of the rear of the car.
The Maserati Ghibli now comes with a revised 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is a marked improvement over the original. It’s relatively responsive and logically laid out, and the BMW iDrive-style rotary knob and shortcut buttons make the system quick to navigate on the move.
In addition, it has the latest smartphone integration, which is a great advantage.
The most expensive versions, Modena and Trofeo, have a leather trim on the dashboard and door panels that improves the situation.
In addition, the driver has generous electronic steering wheel and seat adjustment as standard, so most people will be able to find a comfortable driving position.
Parking sensors and a rear view camera are standard, and the Driver Assistance Plus package includes an enhanced 360-degree system.
The Maserati Ghibli feels a million miles away from the Maseratis of the 1980s and 1990s. This means that the build quality is impeccable, the ergonomics for the driver are excellent and the feeling of solidity abounds.
The Ghibli was assessed by the independent safety body in 2013. It was found to provide excellent protection in the event of a collision. The 95% adult occupant protection score is truly impressive.
Seven airbags, anti-whiplash headrests, a brake assist system and a suite of electronic safety programs will provide excellent protection should the worst happen, or even prevent it from happening in the first place.
In addition to these standard items, if you opt for one of Maserati’s optional driver assistance packages, you get adaptive cruise control, a blind spot monitoring system and a system that scans behind you when reversing.