Maserati

Ghibli

Maserati’s very first diesel model is capable of delivering fuel economy close to 48mpg, but there is certainly no compromise on performance along the way. With its trademark wide grille, side vents and sleek streamlining, the Ghibli oozes Maserati flair and style through and through. There’s a wide selection of trim specs along with diesel and petrol powertrains to choose from. The latest Ghibli offers mild hybrid technology.

Test Drive

Maserati Ghibli Hybrid – First Drive (2021)

Maserati has launched its first hybrid-driven model, but loyal followers of the Italian car maker need not worry too much as the Ghibli Hybrid still delivers on the performance front and has the engine roar as the perfect accompaniment.

With a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 158mph, the Ghibli Hybrid has been built around a modified version of the V6 model. It features a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 330hp and 450Nm of torque, along with a 48-volt hybrid system that allows energy to be captured when braking or slowing down.

Despite the fuel-saving, economy-driven mild hybrid technology, don’t expect a dramatic improvement in running costs as the Ghibli Hybrid delivers a combined 30.1-34.9mpg with carbon emissions of 213g/km.

Customers can select from trim levels called Ghibli Hybrid GranLusso, which is geared towards luxury, or GranSport which as the name suggests is more athletically designed. Both models cost £65,100.

Any fears that a view towards a cleaner future would impact upon the Maserati’s core desire factors are swiftly dismissed with one glance in the Ghibli Hybrid’s direction. It still boasts all the muscular styling traits that have made the Italian models so desirable over the years.

And the new rear-wheel-drive, four-door saloon maintains its full eye-catching appeal despite some styling tweaks. The Ghibli Hybrid has a number of details set in dark blue – the colour universally adopted as the symbol of clean mobility. For example, there are blue coloured air intakes, brakes and the traditional trident emblem is underlined by a blue flash.

The car also debuts a new-look grille which is finished in chrome on GranLusso vehicles or black on the GranSport versions. There’s boomerang styled rear light clusters, a sculpted bonnet, black alloy wheels, sleek coupe-like streamlining and twin tailpipes.

Our Ghibli Hybrid GranSport test model featured sports seats with 12-way power adjustment and memory function, a sport steering wheel with huge gearshift paddles and sport pedals.

The new-look cabin gains an upgraded infotainment system that sits neatly within the dashboard and offers clear, sharp graphics. Owners also get Maserati Connect with three years free services and Alexa integrated into the system. It can be used for updates about servicing, emergency and roadside assistance and also tracking a stolen vehicle. The onboard maps are updated regularly throughout the three years and there is a complementary Wi-Fi hotspot to connect up to eight devices on the move.

Beneath the bonnet, Maserati engineers have ditched the conventional alternator and replaced it with a belt-driven starter motor that recovers energy when the car is coasting or braking. And this in turn charges the battery. There is the addition of an eBooster unit that is charged via the battery and works as a back-up to the conventional turbocharger, working in tandem for extra torque at low revs.

Although the Ghibli Hybrid seems initially to lack some of the brutal firepower of previous models, it is still very much a driver’s car. The acceleration through the eight-speed automatic transmission is sharp and there is ample power on tap for short bursts of pace to overtake slower moving vehicles.

Out on the country lanes, the road holding is ultra-grippy meaning tight bends can be attacked with confidence and the Sport driving mode, along with steering wheel paddles, offer added driver engagement. In addition, the new electric power steering system has improved the car’s handling with plenty of driver feedback.

The cabin is well-insulated against outside road surface and wind noise, and the new Skyhook suspension system is geared towards comfort until you press the suspension control button when the ride becomes much firmer.

Like most coupe-styled saloon cars the rear leg room is quite restricted, especially if the front seats are pushed back too far. The boot is practically-sizes and can accommodate 500 litres of kit and there is also a deep central cubby box, covered trays, seat back nets, door bins, a glovebox and a small compartment by the driver’s right knee to hide away bits and pieces.

Safety systems are comprehensive with the Maserati Stability Program for extra balance, active driving assist, traffic sign recognition, lane keeping assist, advanced brake assist, active blind spot assist, forward collision warning and plenty more besides.

All in all, Maserati was faced with little alternative but to venture down the hybrid technology route, but whether it will win over the die-hard V6 and V8 fans that have been such loyal followers over the years, remains to be seen.

Visit Maserati for more details.

Test Drive

Maserati Ghibli 3.0 V6 GranLusso

Entering the world of diesel-powered cars for the first time was quite a gamble for Italian high-performance marque Maserati, but with 70,000 sales clocked up in 70 countries, the Ghibli is proving a very valid and wise investment.

And now, four years after the stunning Ghibli first graced the stage, Maserati has given the car a make-over with a fresh new look and two fabulous new trim levels for customers to choose from called GranLusso and GranSport with an emphasis on either luxury or racing performance.

We tested the GranLusso version powered by a Ferrari-sourced 3.0-litre V6 350PS petrol engine. It could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 5.5 seconds, topped out at 166mph and, according to official figures, the Ghibli can deliver combined fuel economy of 31.7mpg with carbon emissions of 207g/km.

Of course, such power and prowess doesn’t come cheap – the test car carried a £62,730 price-tag although a range of optional extras and packs saw the cost bumped up to £76,600.

New features on the latest Ghibli include a nose, tail and grille redesign, improved infotainment system, plus a host of additional driver aids.

There’s no denying the fact that the Ghibli is one of the finest and most elegantly-designed executive saloons on sale today with its sleek streamlining, sweeping light clusters and the instantly-recognisable trident emblem sitting proudly on the bonnet. Ours also boasted striking 20-inch alloys with diamond finish rims to complete the package.

Move inside the Ghibli and the Italian craftsmanship is apparent at every turn. The GranLusso model boasts mulberry silk inserts on the seats, door panels, roof lining and ceiling light fixture. There is beautiful open-pore wood trim, a stunning timepiece also featuring the trident emblem, tailored comfort seats with 12-way power adjustment, soft closing doors and lots more besides.

The seats can be heated or cooled and the car featured a pitch perfect 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system costing £2,545 extra. Connecting smartphones is a stress-free process via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and there is an 8.4-inch colour touchscreen which rather disappointedly was surrounded by quite cheap looking hard plastic.

But when it comes to performance, the Ghibli delivers on all counts. The acceleration through the eight-speed automatic gearbox is rapid with a constant supply of power on tap at all times which makes very light work of overtaking. There are three driving modes to switch through called Normal, Sport and ICE which stands for Increased Control and Efficiency, which alter the car’s responses.

The blistering acceleration when driven in Sport mode is certainly not for the faint-hearted and the road-holding is exceptional when dry meaning tight bends can be attacked with a degree of confidence. It can be a little jittery on wetter road surfaces when the rear-wheel drive car needs to be driven with a little more caution and respect.

There are steering wheel-mounted paddles if you want to take more control of the gear changes, but on the downside, these paddles are huge and the left one really gets in the way of the indicator stalk at times.

Maserati has improved the Ghibli’s ride and handling thanks to the introduction of an Integrated Vehicle Control system by Bosche. It sounds complicated but basically the system stops vehicle instability and that in turn enhances safety and improves the driving dynamics.

Another first on this car is the Electric Power Steering. Once again this upgrades the car’s handling yet still retains the razor-sharp steering feel that each Maserati is renowned for.

The suspension feels a little firm at times and on uneven surfaces (of which there are many these days) you will feel the occasional bump and dip along the way.

When it comes to comfort, those sitting up front benefit from oodles of leg room, but back seat passengers do not fare quite so well. In fairness, this is a common factor within this style of car so Maserati is not alone. There is room for a couple of adults in the back though so long as the front seats are not pushed back too far.

The boot can hold 500 litres of luggage and there are a number of convenient storage compartments and cubby holes scattered throughout the cabin too.

The Ghibli was awarded the maximum five stars when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating and features include advanced brake assist, autonomous emergency braking, stability control, a rear-view camera with dynamic lines, a surround view camera, rear cross path alert and tyre pressure monitoring. An Assistance Plus Pack costing an extra £2,450 added highway assist which keeps the car planted in the centre of its lane at motorway cruising speeds and works in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control. It also added active blind spot assist, traffic sign recognition and lane keeping assist.

All in all, the new Ghibli is a fabulous car. It demands attention thanks to its drop dead gorgeous styling, it drives like a demon and oozes Italian flair and elegance. Yes, it does have some niggling factors but it’s nice to have an alternative to those same old German marques.

Visit Maserati for more details.

Test Drive

Maserati Ghibli Diesel

The name Maserati is synonymous with flamboyant Italian styling, dynamic performance and pure exhilaration, so the new Ghibli Diesel has quite a lot to live up to.

And this particular model marks a milestone in the company’s long and distinguished heritage because it is the first car in Maserati’s history to be powered by a diesel-driven engine and it is also the first to feature Start-Stop technology.

The Ghibli shares much of its design ethos with the striking Quattroporte although its dimensions are smaller and it is lighter and carries a more reasonable price-tag – the test car had an asking price of £48,835 plus £13,758 optional extras.

There’s no denying the Ghibli’s instant appeal and it is guaranteed to turn heads thanks to its sleek streamlined body, LED daytime running lights, 19-inch alloys, twin dual tailpipes and a very dominating grille inspired by the classic A6 GCS of the 1950s. It is gloss black with a chrome surround and the Maserati trident emblem takes pride of place in the centre.

The interior is equally impressive with a whole host of techno treats to be explored. There are heated, electric seats that can be adjusted eight ways to find the perfect driving position and there are an additional four lumbar adjustments.

The pitch-perfect 10-speaker sound system is compatible with most modern multi-media devices and there is a very efficient dual-zone automatic climate control system with 13 air vents.

And should you for one second forget you are behind the wheel of a Maserati there are subtle reminders at every turn, such as the trident emblem embossed on the front seat headrests and steering wheel.

Much of the information is made available via a clear and precise 8.4-inch colour touchscreen display which shows details relating to the sat nav, radio, CD/DVD player, Bluetooth connectivity and much more besides.

Comfort levels for all occupants is exceptionally high and luggage restrictions need never apply as the generously-sized boot has a 500-litre capacity which can be increased further thanks to 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

So the Ghibli looks the business and is generously equipped, but how does it handle when put through its paces out on the open road?

The answer is very well indeed.

The 3.0-litre 275bhp engine can propel the car to 62mph from a standing start in just 6.3 seconds and the top speed is limited to 155mph.

But despite these impressive stats, the fuel economy is also one that will raise a few eyebrows. That’s because this particular Ghibli can deliver an impressive 47.8mpg on a combined run.

But don’t be fooled into thinking the Maserati has been tamed, because it hasn’t. It’s nimble, agile and exceptionally athletic in its handling and no bend is too challenging.

The slightest pressure on the throttle brings instant power and it seems unlimited as the car moves effortlessly through the eight-speed automatic gearbox. There are steering wheel-mounted paddles if you want to take more control over the car’s handling and there are also five dedicated driving modes to select from. These are Auto Normal, Auto Sport, Manual Normal, Manual Sport and for truly extreme weather conditions and more economical driving Increased Control Efficiency (I.C.E.) mode.

The Ghibli has also been awarded the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP safety ratings and the car features anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution, brake assist system, Maserati stability programme, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill-hold and numerous airbags.

All in all, the Maserati Ghibli is a welcome addition to a long and well respected line-up and it helps to bring the range bang up to date with the many demands of today’s motorist.

Visit Maserati for more details.