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A Maserati instead of a BMW 5 Series? That's the dilemma buyers are faced with the brand's Ghibli saloon, now improved. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

The third generation Ghibli, launched here in 2014, was Maserati's attempt to move from a low volume boutique manufacturer to one able to shift far bigger numbers. It first mainly sold in diesel form, but these days, black pump-fuelled customers are targeted by a petrol Hybrid variant - and there are powerful charismatic V6 and V8 petrol variants further up the range.

Background

The Ghibl has proved to be a pivotal car for Maserati and it accounts for most of the marque's current global sales. It's been a case of putting all the corporate eggs in this one rather handsome basket. One that could hardly be more important. The Italian manufacturer wants to sell 50,000 cars per year going forward and this sleek Latin sports saloon remains crucial to that aim. Is this 'M157'-series model really up to it? Maserati loyalists will probably remember the Ghibli sportscar of the early 1990s. That 'AM336'-series car was fast, fun and more than slightly flawed, but was instrumental in repairing Maserati's reputation after some of the awful product decisions of the 1980s. Those with longer memories might even recall the brutal and beautiful Giugiaro-designed 'AM115'-series original of the 1960s. In short, the Ghibli badge is one with provenance. When going into battle with the likes of the BMW 5 Series and the Jaguar XF, Maserati needs all the help it can lay its hands on.

Driving Experience

The big news first. You can now buy a Maserati Hybrid. Yes, I know that sounds about as likely as a Ferrari pick-up truck but get over the initial shock and you'll realise that if trying to compete in the executive market in Europe, a brand would be utterly scotched without a good hybrid these days - and it'll compensate the folk who used to choose the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel that is no longer available in this car. Whether the electrified Ghibli is a 'good' hybrid is a matter for debate. The electrification offered here is of the 'mild' 48-volt form, so it can't ever run without the aid of its 2.0-litre 330hp four cylinder engine. But said powerplant is decently rapid,particularly if you slot the drivetrain into its 'Sport' mode. The engine drives through the rear wheels only via an 8-speed ZF auto gearbox. You may well feel though, that a four cylinder powerplant, electrified or not, is insufficient to create the kind of charismatic appeal that a Maserato should have. If so, you'll start your search in the rear-driven petrol-only Ghibli portfolio with the V6 Ghibli Modena. Like the Hybrid, this 350hp derivative takes just under 6s to reach 62mph, on the way to a top speed in the region of 160mph - but it sounds far more appealing while it's doing it. The V6 is also available in an uprated 430hp state of tune in the Ghibli Modena S. Or, if you want this Maserati to have a properly charismatic growl, you'll need to stretch to the V8-powered Ghibli Trofeo at the very top of the range, which has 580hp, almost enough to give a BMW M5 a good seeing to.

Design and Build

The design team for the 'M157'-series third generation Ghibli worked under the auspices of Gio Ribotta, Maserati's exterior design manager, who points to styling cues from the brand's legendary Tipo 61 'Birdcage' model, although to be honest, they're lost on me. Think of the Ghibli as a truncated Quattroporte and you're not too far off the mark. It looks anything but a hall of mirrors aping of the elegant QP though and it has its own muscularity that distances itself from the executive car mainstream. It shares much the same drivetrain and suspension with its bigger brother and weight has been cut by building the doors and internal cross members from aluminium, with the dashboard structure constructed in magnesium. It shares the same drivelines and suspension, steel monocoque and production line as Maserati's larger model, but the Ghibli is a foot shorter, with very different coachwork. The suspension is as you'd expect with front double wishbones and a multilink rear, this time using electronically adjustable dampers all round. Drop inside and the interior feels and looks reassuringly expensive and well screwed together. Rear legroom and headroom isn't at all bad and there's even a big 500-litre boot. In case you were wondering, yes, you do get that iconic Maserati dash-mounted analogue clock. The information systems never feel quite as slick or as technologically dense as German and Japanese rivals, so if you want the latest in toy tech, you might find the Maserati wanting. If you prefer to make a dramatic entrance, however, there's really nothing to touch it.

Market and Model

The Ghibli has been positioned as a rival to the established full-Executive saloon segment elite but does it really square up competitively against them or is there a premium to pay for that badge? Prices open at around the £67,000 mark for the 330hp GT Hybrid version, which you might not think to be unreasonably given that something like a BMW 540i would be needed to properly compete. Allow a budget of just under £74,000 for the 350hp V6 Ghibli Modena - or around £86,000 for the V6 430hp Modena S. There's a big price jump though, to the top V8-powered Trofeo flagship model, which offers 580hp, sounds amazing but costs around £107,500. Standard equipment on all models includes 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, plus lovely quad exhaust tips. The interior meanwhile, features electrically powered and heated leather seats, wood trim and a punchy eight-speaker stereo system. There's also a mechanical limited slip differential and climate control with no fewer than 13 vents.

Cost of Ownership

Nobody buys a Maserati and expects it to offer tiny running costs but the Hybrid version of the Ghibli makes some very respectable WLTP numbers. Helped by its standard 48-volt mild hybrid system, this variant manages a combined cycle fuel economy figure of up to 33.3mpg - which is better than you might be expecting. True, this Italian saloon can't get anywhere close to the efficiency figures of diesel-powered rivals, but at least the figures are reasonably justifiable for your company accountant to swallow, as is the quoted CO2 best of 192g/km. Which isn't at all bad for a big car that will accelerate to 62mph in just 5.7 seconds. Naturally, the V6 petrol-powered models are a good deal thirstier, the 330hp Ghibli Modena consuming fuel at a combined cycle rate of 25.2mpg. For the Modena S, it's 25.0mpg. Don't awsk about the figures for the V8 Trofeo version.... Across the range, residual values will be the big ticket item, but such is the economy and cachet of the diesel model in particular that it might well perform very well indeed.

Summary

Maserati bet the family jewels on the Ghibli and still can't afford for it to fail. With this car, the company has staked the heritage and exclusivity of its famous trident badge and put its product right into the face of some of the most talented cars on the market. Does it square up? On a purely objective basis, you might wonder. Obvious rivals have, after all, been at it for too long, have too much in the way of development budget and have refined their wares to a finely honed edge. That said, the Ghibli isn't that far off their pace and is a formidable effort from Maserati. What's more, there's a bigger sense of occasion about this car that counts for a lot when buyers are forking out this sort of money. Prestige matters a whole lot and it's why BMW, Audi and Mercedes have been so successful. The Ghibli's not perfect of course. Its ride quality needs work and the infotainment systems feel a generation or two behind its key rivals. That said, it's a car that's impossible to dislike and has a charisma and appeal all of its own. Will it take Maserati where the company wants to go? We'll have to wait and see for that but if you were presented with the choice between a BMW 5 Series and a Maserati Ghibli, would you really be able to resist the lure of the Italian car? I know I couldn't.

Body Glass

Driver one touch up/down power windows

Complete tinted glass

Automatic front wipers with rain sensor

Brakes

Hill start assist

Electronic dynamic cornering control

Emergency brake assist

Roll stability control

Side wind mitigation

Electric parking brake

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Curve control

Brakes - ESP/HLA/FBS

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribuition (EBD)

Load adaptive control

Dual circuit front and rear discs with self adjusting servo assistance

Chassis/Suspension

Rear axle Alt A - Narrow track

Front axle rating - 1850KG

Front independent MacPheron struts, linear rate coil springs, stabiliser bar, gas pressured shock absorbers and rear leaf springs

Communication

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Driver Aids

Intelligent Speed Assist

Emergency brake warning

Collision mitigation system

Hydraulic power assisted steering (HPAS)

Driver Convenience

Ford Easy Fuel capless refuelling system with misfuel inhibit

Wander lead control

Driver Information

Warning lights

Gearshift indicator light

Emergency assistance

Vehicle maintenance monitor

Wrong way alert

8" Part digital instrument cluster

Water in fuel filter sensor

Selectable drive modes - Normal, Slippery and Eco

Driving Mirrors

Day/Night inside mirror

Door mirrors - Blind spot eliminator and integrated side indicator

Electrical

2 x 12V power outlets

Engine

Battery - Cold start function (-20 degree C)

Sngle fuel tank - 70 Litres

AdBlue aftertreatment system - 24 Litre

Entertainment

Audio controls mounted on steering wheel

4 Front speakers (2 woofers and 2 tweeters)

Exterior Body Features

Part body colour front bumper

Low roof line

Unperforated cab back panel

Roof mounted radio antenna

Exhaust exit behind muff down

Heavy duty ilo front plate

Self colour door handles

Self colour front grille

Roof mounted fin antenna

Wide self colour bodyside mouldings

High strength lightweight steel subframe

Smooth side boards for ease of signwriting

Powder coated white aluminium sideboards and tailboards with auto rear tip feature

Cab protector mounting and lashing points

Exterior Lights

Roof marker lights

Daytime running lights

Halogen headlamps

Rear fog lamps

Quad beam headlamps

Adaptive front lighting system

Halogen projector headlights

Automatic on/off headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Recirculation heater

Interior Features

Centre console

Reach and rake adjustable steering column

Front door map pockets

Tablet holder

Overhead console

Overhead console

Twin, 2 litre bottle capacity, fascia mounted bottle holder

Driver's side storage compartment on facia top

Underseat storage compartment (Under dual passenger seat)

2-way head restraints on front seats

4-Spoke Polyurethane steering wheel

Cab easy clean rubber floor covering

Cab moulded headlining

Interior Lights

Header mounted courtesy lights front with theatre dimming

Load Area

Rope hooks

Less load compartment loops

Safety

Driver's airbag

Tyre pressure sensors

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Driver and passenger seatbelt reminder

Multi stage vehicle

Front passenger's airbag including airbag deactivation switch

Front side and curtain airbags

3-point diagonal inertia reel seatbelts for all front seats

Driver seatbelt pre-tensioner

Hydraulic body lock down safety device

Security

Key operated bonnet release

Visible Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Multi channel door entry remote

Immobiliser - Safeguard passive anti-theft system (PATS)

Audio mis-lock feedback, audible signal if a door is ajar when locking activated

Auto locking on drive away, doors automatically lock at 5 mph

Remote control central locking with 1 key fob

Power central locking

Transmission

Non limited slip differential front axle

Wheels

Single rear wheels

Wheel hub caps

16" Steel road wheels x 6.5

Wheel covers - Half caps

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

HC: N

Engine and Drive Train

CC: 1996

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Valve gear: DOHC

Fuel Type: DIESEL

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Gears: 6 SPEED

Engine Make: N

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Cooling System: WATER

Automatic Transmission: 0

Manual Transmission: No

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC: 0

General

Insurance Group 1: N

Insurance Group 2: N

Chassis Engine Number: N

Vin/Frame No.: N

Coin Series: N

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Exhaust System: EGR

Front Brakes: DISCS

Rear Brakes: DISCS

Hand Brake: REAR WHEELS

Front Suspension: MACPHERSON STRUTS

Rear Suspension: LEAF SPRINGS

Steering: RACK AND PINION

Clutch: SINGLE DRY PLATE

Did at least one aspect of this vehicles safety give cause for concern?: 0

Coin Wheelbase Description Code: N

Coin Wheelbase Name Code: N

Coin Gross Vehicle Weight Code: N

Coin Power Output Code: N

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Running Cost League Headings: LARGE

Ghost model for valuation purposes: 0

Service Interval Mileage: 25000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 150000

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: 120

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: 60

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Badge Power: 130

Vehicle Homologation Class: N1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Generation Mark: 4

NCAP Overall Rating - LCV: Gold

Relative Height: H1

Relative Length: L2

Performance

0 to 62: N

Top Speed: N

BHP: 130

PS: No

0 to 60: N

Engine Power KW: 96

Engine Torque LBS.FT: 266

Engine Torque NM: 360

Engine Torque MKG: 36.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/65 R16

Tyre Size Rear: 235/65 R16

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 16" STEEL

Wheel Style: N

Tyre Make: N

Plated 3rd Axle: N

Plated 4th Axle: N

Alloys?: 0

Space Saver?: 0

Automatic Clutch: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5829

Length: 5829

Width (excluding mirrors): 2052

Wheelbase: 3504

Width (including mirrors): 2474

Height: 2220

Height (including roof rails): N

Load Length: 3200

Load Width: 2030

Load Height: N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.6

Front Overhang: 1023

Rear Overhang: 1045

Side Load Door Width: N

Side Load Door Height: N

Lower Rear Door Width: N

Upper Rear Door Width: N

Rear Door Height: N

Load Deck Height: N

Load Space Width Between Wheel Arches: N

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3500

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 70

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2800

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Payload: 1617

Load Space Volume: N

Boot Capacity Saloons: N

Luggage Capacity - 2nd Row Seats Up: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Luggage Capacity - 3rd Row Seats Up: N

Luggage Capacity - 3rd Row Seats Down: N

Luggage Capacity - 2nd Row Seats Removed: N

Luggage Capacity - 3rd Row Seats Removed: N

No. of Seats: 3

Max. Roof Load: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): N

Plated Front Axle: 1850

Plated 2nd Axle: 2150

Gross Train Weight: 6000

Body Glass

Electric windshield defroster

Fixed panel rear window

Driver Aids

VP modification centre

Reverse gear alarm

Driver Information

Digital, electronic, 24-hour Tachograph

Tachograph - wiring

Driving Mirrors

Dual power heated signal mirrors - Auto fold

Dual power heated signal mirrors

Driver large head/long arm mirror

Electrical

Power point plug 400W - Level 2 with Heavy duty battery

Heavy duty starter motor (-29 degree C)

Twin H8 AGM xtra heavy duty Batteries

H8 95AH AGM single Battery

Vehicle integration system

Auxiliary instrument panel console - 2 DIN Horizontal

Engine

56MPH engine governor

62MPH engine governor

70MPH engine governor

Manual regeneration initiation

Engine RPM controller

75MPH engine governor

Smart acceleration truncation

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Front splash guards/Mud flaps

Premium paint

Auxiliary fuel port

Special solid paint

Exterior Lights

Static bending headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Front air conditioning with electric automatic temperature control (EATC)

Interior Features

Console ashtray

Lockable glovebox with lid and A 4 file storage capability

Interior Lights

Conf int light/battery saver - 30 minutes

Packs

Seat package 4 - Transit with Quadrant City Cloth

Seat package 3 - Transit with Quadrant City Cloth

Driver assistance pack 15 - Transit

Seat package 5 - Transit with Quadrant City Cloth

Seat pack 4A - Transit with Vinyl Crosshatch Salerno

Seat pack 17A - Transit Quadrant City Cloth

Seat pack 12A - Transit Quadrant City Cloth

Seat pack 11A - Transit Quadrant City Cloth

Roof Conversion Prep Pack without Cab Roof - Transit

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Moondust silver

Metallic - Blue

Metallic - Agate black

Metallic - Magnetic

Paint - Solid

Solid - Frozen white

Paint - Special

Special solid - Race red

Special solid - Blazer blue

Premium - Matt grey

Safety

Chassis cab cutaway

First aid kit with first aid retain strap

Fire extinguisher fixings

Security

Thatcham category 1 alarm with metal bulkhead and door Entry remote control unit - 2 Fobs

Perimeter anti theft alarm system

Stolen vehicle recovery system

Configurable unlocking 7

Power door locks

Configurable unlocking 3

Fleet key

Keyless entry and start passive

Towing

Trailer tow attachments

Trailer tow electrics

Trim - Cloth

Seat pack 6A - Quadrant City Cloth - Dark Palazzo Grey

Seat pack 11A - Quadrant City Cloth - Dark Palazzo Grey

Seat pack 12A - Quadrant City Cloth - Dark Palazzo Grey

Seat pack 17A - Quadrant City Cloth - Dark Palazzo Grey

Seat package 4 - Quadrant City Cloth - Dark Palazzo Grey

Seat package 5 - Quadrant City Cloth - Dark Palazzo Grey

Seat package 3 - Quadrant City Cloth - Dark Palazzo Grey

Trim - Vinyl

Seat pack 4A - Vinyl Crosshatch Salerno - Dark Palazzo Grey

Wheels

Tyre vendor - Continental standard tread

Tyre Vendor - goodyear all weather tread

Wheels - Spare

Conventional steel spare wheel