2020 Maserati Ghibli

The Italian Manufacturer initially developed just racecars. Maserati is the last name of the six brothers who initially began building racecars in 1926. Since the automaker has maintained the status as an elite brand. The Ghibli, pronounced “gib-lee,” a coupe named for the hot, dusty North African desert wind, was first manufactured in 1967 and is currently in its third generation on the road.

First introduced at the November 1966 Turin Motor Show, the initial generation of Maserati Ghiblis were two-door grand touring cars. Designed by then 29-year-old Girogetto Giugiaro.
In a lasting design detail honoring the Maserati brothers, the Ghibli features a trident on its front fender, which evokes the statue of Neptune located in the Piazza Maggiore of Bologna, the Maseratis brothers’ hometown. Although the prototype of the Ghilbi featured only two seats, the actually manufactured cars added two rear seats.

The recent model which was launched in 2015 was first introduced in the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, features three engine options including diesel, first for Maserati. Since then the model has not undergone many major changes just safety features and a few changes to the tuning of the drivetrain for better drivability

Starting at a price of $75,500, Maserati Ghibli comes in three different variants named as Ghibli, Ghibli GranLusso, and Ghibli GranSport. The base variant is boosted with a powerful 3.0L V6 engine which produces a power of 350 Hp. The same engine is boosted with more power in upper Ghibli S and Ghibli S Q4 models.

The premium features like 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, power, and heated front seats are present in all models. A sunroof is also available in all trims of Maserati Ghibli 2020. Other Interesting features that Maserati included in its latest Ghibli 2020 are Dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, 8.4-inch infotainment system with a powerful sound system with satellite radio, and a rearview camera.

The base variant is priced at $75,500 while the topmost variant is priced at $89,800 (Approx. $14k more).

We recommend

Opt for the topmost Ghibli GranSport variant, as it comes with more power and a sturdy four-wheel-drive system. The riding experience was definitely better on the upper variant, and it is worth every penny.

The Italians are rather gifted when it comes to crafting their engines as the way they do. When one buys a Maserati, they don’t check the spec sheet on paper but rather how it soulfully responds to your input and the beautifully comes to speed and makes you smile. The performance of this Italian won’t bother BMW or Mercedes-Benz but this doesn’t mean, this Mesarati won't touch all the bones in your body when the screaming 424Hp V6 in the Ghibli S comes alive and powers this sedan to blistering speeds of over 170 Mph.

The V6s power delivery is silky smooth as expected. The engine in the base variant is competent of producing 345hp & 369 lb.-ft of torque. The 3.0L V6 engine, designed by Maserati though manufactured by Ferrari, is powerful enough for the segment while some competitors like BMW M550i xDrive offer a more powerful experience on paper as well as in real life.

The Ghibli offers a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic in all trims including the base variant. 

Acceleration

The Base Ghibli fitted with the 3.0 lit twin-turbo V6 sends all its 345 hp to the rear wheels and acclaims a 0-60 figure of 5.5 sec. The acceleration is good but not as good as of competitors. The German manufacturers like BMW M550i xDrive outshine Maserati Ghibli in the acceleration segment as xDrive takes only 3.9 sec in reaching 60 mph from still. There is no doubt the Maserati Ghibli has powerful acceleration but competitors are offering way better and more powerful acceleration. But if you need a little more power, Maserati offers the Ghibli S that with its 424hp propels the car from a standstill to 60 mph in a rather 4.9 sec. The S Q4 has the same power outputs but with the added traction of all-wheel-drive, it will get to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

Maserati Ghibli reaches a quarter-mile in just 13.4 seconds which is average in the segment other competitors like Audi A7 (Premium Plus), Mercedes-Benz CLS (550), and BMW M550i xDrive take 14.8, 13.7, and 12.3 seconds. respectively. Maserati Ghibli throws a higher CO2 emission of 9.3 kg for every 15k miles. It is not at all environment-friendly as it is a sports car with a 3L engine.

Ride and Handling

The Ghibli is rather on the sportier side when compared to the average luxury midsize sedan. Given this Sporty nature, the steering doesn’t actually feel fizzed with feedback but is responsive enough to point it in the right direction through a series of curves. There is also good body control and plenty of grips. These qualities however on uneven tarmac gets rather less impressive. When compared to the likes of a 5-series sedan, the BMW will change direction with far less reluctance 

The Italian's sporting pretensions also result in a rather firm, brittle ride that would quickly send Mercedes-Benz owners running in the opposite direction. Even when switching from Sport to Normal mode, the ride never truly settles and picks up on too many surface imperfections for a car of this kind. Not helping matters is the Maserati's large wheels, which also kick up more road roar than in many competitors. Overall, the Ghibli is a decent drive but just lacks the polish we expect of a high-priced luxury sedan.

Braking

The Maserati Ghibli has a powerful braking system with advanced safety features on the mark. Considering a luxury sports sedan, The braking system was powerful and convenient. The car offers a good brake front and has decent 60 to still MPH scores.

Though the Maserati Ghibli offers a competent braking system and advanced safety features, The German rivals are abreast in the real-life braking performance. BMW M550i is equipped with a far better braking system and offers far better grip and confidence in spite of possessing a higher curb weight of 4372 lbs.

Maserati Ghibli is not a fuel-efficient vehicle as it is boosted with a powerful engine. Ghibli gives an average of 17 MPH on city roads and 24 MPH on the highway. Considering a luxury sports car, we cannot complain about the low fuel economy of Maserati Ghibli as other competitors in this segment are also showing the same side.

The fuel capacity of Ghibli stands at 70L which is considered good for a luxury sports sedan. The combined average of the sedan is somewhere around 19 which is as expected in the segment.

The Maserati Ghibli offers premium and updated interiors. The premium sports sedan has a capacity of five, and passenger volume stands at 105.8 Ft.cube which makes Ghibli's interiors spacious and comfortable. The headroom, legroom, and shoulder room is more than enough for a comfortable drive for both front and rear passengers. There are cup holders present not only for the front passengers but also for a rear passenger as one seat cushion can be turned down to discover additional cup holders which were an interesting feature.

The Maserati Ghibli is boosted with premium and distinct interiors that are in line with the brand's own identity. The seats are comfortable and spacious for a driver as well as rear passengers. Interiors and seats are decorated with handcrafted Italian leather with contrast stitching on the top which definitely boosts the premium atmosphere. Below the infotainment system, there are handy phone holder and little pockets for convenience.

Infotainment System

Maserati Ghibli comes with a premium MTC+( Maserati Touch Control Plus) infotainment system. The stylish infotainment system is located at the center of the dashboard. The infotainment system is equipped with a responsive and feature-rich 8.4" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration with mirroring functions. Wi-Fi hotspot feature is also present in the infotainment system of Maserati Ghibli (2020).

The luxury sedan is equipped with one of the best infotainment systems in the category with Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound system. The high-end surround sound system is equipped with 15 speakers, and rear woofers made from Kevlar. When it comes to sound output and user integrations, Ghibli outshines its German rivals.

Cargo Volume

The cargo capacity offered by Ghibli, is a setback for the customers, as it offers a trunk volume of 17.7 ft. cube only. The rivals like Audi A7 (Premium Plus), and BMW M550i xDrive are offering better cargo capacities of 24.5 and 18.7 ft. cube respectively. The car has low cargo volume which is definitely a matter of concern for those who are looking for a car with a cargo capacity of all members though it is can easily carry a cargo of two for a weekend trip.

The Ghibli possesses a curb weight of 3990 lbs, and it stands lighter than its German rivals. The premium sports sedan comes with bigger 19" Poseidon alloy wheels which look distinct and premium. There is very aggressive styling on the bonnet and grills which signifies the glorious brand history. The headlamps become more bold and effective in the new Ghibli 2020. The Italian sedan offers a track width of 64.4 and 65.1 for front and rear respectively.

The dimensions of Maserati Ghibli are 195.7, 76.7, and 57.5 inches for length, width, and height respectively. The car offers a large wheelbase of 118 inches which is slightly more than the rivals. The ground clearance offered by Ghibli is more or less average at 4.5 inches from the ground.

The Italian manufacturer has worked well in this section. The Ghibli (2020) is equipped with some of the advanced safety features like ESC ( Electronic Stability Control), Blind spot sensor, and ABS and Driverline Traction control. Other safety specifications include side impact beams, Low Tire Pressure Warning for each tire and airbag Occupancy sensor. The sedan has dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags along with a diver knee airbag on the board.

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Blind Spot Sensor
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Driver Knee Airbag
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
• Back-Up Camera

The car is equipped with a backup camera along with parking sensors on the board. Additional, safety features include outboard front lap and shoulder safety belts, and height adjusters and pretensioners. Maserati Ghibli (2020) scored a complete five stars in EURO NCAP safety ratings.

The car also performed well in the IIHS safety crashworthiness test with an overall rating of 'Good'. The car results 'Good' in segments like Moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints & seats while front crash prevention stands at basic. The overall crashworthiness of the car is positive.

Maserati Ghibli vs Audi A7

Maserati Ghibli is a powerful premium sports sedan with premium interiors, infotainment system, and distinct looks but lacks in fuel efficiency, cargo capacity, and reliability when compared with Audi A7 (Premium Plus).

Maserati Ghibli vs Mercedes Benz CLS 550

Benz CLS 550 is boosted with a 4.7L V8 Biturbo engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. There is no doubt that Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 outshines Maserati Ghibli (2020) in power, build quality, and mileage while the Ghibli has a better infotainment system, slightly bigger cargo capacity, and distinct looks. Ghibli is also priced a bit lower i.e. approx. $3k than Mercedes-Benz CLS 550.

Maserati Ghibli vs BMW M550i xDrive

When it comes to power, there is no doubt that BMW M550i xDrive is the most powerful car among all four discussed above. The BMW M550i xDrive offers good build quality, larger boot space, and a better braking system while Maserati exceeds in infotainment, sound system, and suspension. BMW M550i gives a cut-throat competition to the Ghibli.

Ghibli or "gib-lee"  means a coupe named for the hot, dusty North African desert wind but made its way around the world as a surprisingly beautiful car with lots of luxury packages . This is one vehicle that never fails to impress when it comes to grand touring and eye candy interirors. We highly recommend this Mesarati