The Maserati Ghibli is a hugely important model for the luxury Italian carmaker, being the smallest and, starting at just under £50k, the most affordable car in its line-up. Maserati has big ambitions, with plans to build 50,000 cars annually, so the Ghibli will be instrumental in its success.
It’s based on the same platform as the Maserati Quattroporte, but measures 291mm shorter and despite still being a four-door saloon, it takes on a more coupe-like silhouette and sportier demeanour. Its main rivals include the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XF, cars which aren’t lacking in style, yet none match the exotic swagger the Maserati badge and Ghibli’s swooping curves can muster.
Under its long bonnet there’s no shortage of power either. An all-new 3.0-litre V6 petrol boasts twin turbochargers and comes with either 325bhp or 404bhp in the Ghibli S, with the option of rear- or four-wheel drive. Not only that, but this is also the first Maserati available with a diesel engine, a 3.0-litre with 270bhp and a serious 600Nm of torque.
We tested the Ghibli S, and while it may be a niche engine choice in a world where cars are taxed based on their CO2 emissions, it felt very right to thumb the starter button and hear a cacophony of revs and blaring idle from this most Italian take on the executive saloon.
Within just a few miles, the Ghibli also feels like a much sportier proposition than the Quattroporte. Despite sharing its basic underpinnings, the Ghibli feels more rigid and modern, with fewer creaks from the chassis.
Squeeze the throttle enough to lift the bonnet slightly and hear the rasp of the engine, and it’s also hard to believe you’re driving a 5 series or A6 rival. The Ghibli certainly isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t want for character and it knows how to pull at your heart strings. It’s quick too, reaching 62mph from a standstill in exactly five seconds and topping out at 177mph.
Its eight-speed automatic transmission also has some of the largest flappy paddles we’ve used in any car, with a pleasingly metallic feel as you click through its eight gears in manual mode. The optional Skyhook adjustable suspension has a Sport mode to firm things up, but on British roads you are likely to leave this alone, as it makes the already firm ride less pliant.
Weighing around the 1,800kg mark, the Ghibli is no flyweight, so initially it doesn’t feel like a car you want to push too hard, instead driving at a relaxed canter and enjoying the sounds from that Ferrari-engineered engine. It’s not helped by steering which is quite vague given the Ghibli’s firepower. But, push harder in the rear-wheel drive version, and it will display some impressive balance and even tip into a tailslide if the road is wide enough.
And, at moments like this, you may think the petrol Ghibli is actually the one to go for. Yes the diesel is far more sensible, but so are the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. To be honest, if you are considering a Ghibli, you probably aren’t afraid of being a touch daring, and the petrol engine has flair and a depth of character the diesel can’t match.
It’s also from behind the steering wheel where the Ghibli is best experienced. For a car which can easily be considered a Mercedes E-Class rival, the lack of legroom for rear passengers could be a real stumbling block. But, if you aren’t too worried about space, the seats and cabin are otherwise very luxuriously appointed.
