2018 Maserati Ghibli
The Ghibli is Maserati's entry into the midsize luxury sedan segment. While it's not as cohesive or refined as some rivals, it's a good choice for buyers looking to stand out from the crowd due to its expressive lines and sonorous, Ferrari-built motors.
Recent changes
Maserati made small tweaks to the Ghibli inside and out for the latest model year.
Overview
Although it has the traditional roofline and interior room of a sedan, the Ghibli possesses all of the styling drama offered by the sometimes space-challenged "four-door-coupe" genre. Up front, a long, sharply angled hood combines with ridged fender tops and a broad grille to create an athletic appearance, while raised rear "hips" and sculpted character lines add to the flanks.
Inside, passengers are treated to fine Italian leather, handsome wood or racy carbon fiber trim choices, and numerous standard luxury features including heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation system.
Notably, the infotainment system is sourced from Maserati corporate cousin Chrysler. Known as Uconnect, it's a particularly user-friendly setup that integrates most of the sedan's audio, navigation and climate control functions into one unit.
Though Uconnect's functionality is unimpeachable, it is a bit odd to see a Maserati with the same infotainment system as a Dodge. Close inspection will reveal other elements of Chrysler switchgear throughout the Ghibli's cabin as well, but it should be noted that where it matters the most - what's under the hood - the sedan is a thoroughbred.
Technical specifications
The Ghibli is powered by a sweet-sounding twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that was designed by the former chief of Ferrari's racing division. Manufactured for Maserati by Ferrari, the mill is available in standard and high-output tunes, with the former good for 345 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The more potent mill, offered in the Ghibli S and in the S Q4, is rated for 430 horsepower along with 427 pound-feet of torque and is capable of scooting the sedan from zero-to-60 mph in under five seconds.
The less-powerful variant sends power to the rear wheels, and buyers who want the 430-horsepower engine can choose between rear- and all-wheel drive. Both engines shift through an eight-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
Standard and optional features
Maserati breaks down the Ghibli lineup into three variants named base, S, and S Q4. Each one is available in three trims called base, GranLusso, and GranSport.
The list of standard features includes Poltrona Frau leather upholstery, a navigation system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, full power accessories, Bluetooth connectivity, and 18-inch wheels.
The options list rivals the Illiad in length, with highlights including heated rear seats, a power rear sunblind, remote start, font and rear parking sensors, power-adjustable pedals, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a premium Bowers & Wilkins audio system, extended leather trim, adaptive dampers, and a rear view camera.
Occupant Safety
All Ghibli models are fitted as standard with dual front, front-side, and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems.
Key Competitors
The Ghibli is targeted at not one, but two segments of vehicles: conventional midsize luxury sedans like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF, as well as four-door coupes like the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the Audi A7.
