Maserati Ghibli S is beguiling from any angle, but especially from the driving seat writes Geraldine Herbert
What is it? It seems there is no car company more aggressive on growth than Maserati. Central to their expanding range is the mid-sized Ghibli, an executive model that competes against the likes of the Mercedes E Class, BMW 5 series and the Jaguar XF.
First impressions of the new Maserati Ghibli? With smouldering Italian good looks the Ghibli takes its design cues from its larger sibling the Quattroporte but the coupe-like silhouette has a more aggressive stance. Interestingly this is the third time Maserati have launched a Ghibli, it began life as a 1970s saloon and two decades later a coupé.
What about the interior? But beneath this stunning exterior is a cabin that blends Italian styling chic with genuine space for four, and a generous 500-litre boot that can be expanded with folding rear seats. Behind the wheel feast your eyes on the sculpted dashboard, exquisite detailing and chrome-trimmed instrumentation while glove soft leather drapes everything else.
And on the road? Under the bonnet is a Ferrari sourced 3-litre twin turbo V6 that comes with a roar that is simply intoxicating surpassed only by the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Press the Sport’ button and as you watch the revs climb a host of snarls and growls are unleashed. Befitting such a soundtrack the Ghibli S reaches 100km/h in 5.0 seconds and has a top speed of 285km/h. Combined with the smooth, seamless shifting between eight-gears the Ghibli handles tight and sticks beautifully to the road on 19-inch wheels. On the downside it is firm, bordering on harsh and the steering is a little unnatural, with too much artificial assistance but that said this is a car that will bring out the girl racer in any business woman.
How much? This may be the smallest Maserati on the market but there is nothing cheap about it, starting at £48,925 for the V6 Diesel our test car was priced at a very hefty £80,853. Fast cars with big engines also use a lot of fuel matched to high emissions and the Ghibli is no exception, according to Maserati it uses about 10.4 litres per 100 or 27.2 mpg on a combined cycle and Co2 emissions of 242 g/km mean motor tax is €2,350. On the flip side the Maserati Ghibli is far more exotic than executive and should be reflected in the price you get when you go to sell it.
How safe? Lots to keep you safe including seven airbags and a high strength design. Also very reassuringly the Ghibli has a five star Euro NCAP Rating, scoring 86 out of a maximum 100 with 95% for adult protection, 79% for child protection, 74% for pedestrian protection and 81% for safety and driver assistance systems.
What about my options? There are three versions to choose from the Ghibli, Ghibli S and Ghibli Diesel, the first Maserati in history to be powered by a diesel engine and Irish prices range roughly from €70,000 to €110,000.
3 words to describe the Maserati Ghibli; Potent; Sleek: Practical
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Geraldine Herbert
29th April, 2015
