2021 Maserati Ghibli

Starting at a base price of $74,390, the prices go up to $81,890 for the GranSport trim, the Ghibli is a true Maserati vehicle that caters to a segment of buyers that want to move to a luxurious and fun-to-drive sedan that seems to be a viable competitor to world-class German rivals like the BMW 5 Series 540i, Audi A6 55 TFSI, and the mighty Mercedes-Benz E-Class E450. 

2021 Maserati Ghibli is offered in three different trim levels. The base trim, at $74,740, comes equipped with the same Ferrari-based 3L V6 motor churning out 345 horses. It is plentifully equipped with attractive features such as a sunroof, heated front seats, premium perforated leather upholstery, parking sensors and camera, blind-spot alert, and so on. The GranLusso and GranSport, though similarly priced, are two different trim levels serving different purposes.

 The GranLusso overwhelms with luxury and sophistication while the GranSport comes with a unique sort of heritage and sporting DNA. The GranLusso features chrome inserts in the front fascia, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel amongst other practical and quirky features. At the same price, the GranSport comes with a unique sport fascia, 20” aluminum wheels, 12-way power front sport seats, and the sophisticated Skyhook performance suspension with electronic damping. 

Which Trim should you buy?

Though all the trims are well-equipped, we would recommend you prefer the 2021 GranLusso trim. At $81,890, the GranLusso is tailored for utmost pleasure and comes equipped with creature comforts like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive full-LED headlights with high beam assist, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon Audio System. With such niceties on offer, the GranLusso provides the best value for the money spent. 

The 2021 Maserati Ghibli comes equipped with the Ferrari-derived 3L twin-turbo V6 that churns out 345 horses and 369 lb.-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed ZF-sourced torque converter automatic transmission with manual or multiple transmission modes to power the rear wheels. The steering-mounted paddle shifters do take up the function when desired. 

The capable underpinnings drag the Ghibli from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, which isn’t anything greater than the rivals. The vehicle completes the quarter-mile race within 13.4 seconds. Off the line, the Maserati might not be as exhilarating and enthralling as the Audi or the Mercedes-Benz. However, its uniqueness lies in its aplomb ride quality and feedback, making it capable of everyday commutes. In fact, Maserati has designed the Ghibli as a grand tourer than a performance car. So, the vehicle does a good job for what it is designed and bought for. 

All three contemporary options make use of a mild-hybrid assist system in addition to their six-cylinder engines that help improve performance and as a result, Maserati Ghibli is the slowest in the segment. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E-450 is the most powerful churning out 362hp and emerges as the fastest option in the segment clocking 4.3 seconds in the 60mph run. Though the BMW and Audi are the least powerful, they are more than half a second quicker in the 0-60 sprint timings than the Maserati Ghibli. The Italian sedan, however, punches through the mid-range to clock similar timings in the quarter-mile run as its competitors and records the highest top speed of 166 MPH. 

How well does the 2021 Maserati Ghibli handle?

Maserati Ghibli is tailor-made for buyers who prioritize ride quality. The luxurious sedan has been given a well-tuned suspension setup. The impressive ride quality of the sedan is well-evident in heavy traffics or on highway speeds and the sedan absorbs all the undulations of the roads, giving minimum knowledge of them inside the cabin. The luxurious interiors with ample features do improve the feel inside the car.

Coming to the handling characteristics, the 2021 Maserati Ghibli is dynamic and classy. However, it suffers noticeable body roll and understeer, which compromises the drivability. The bigger dimensions and body roll shall pose problems when it comes to twisty or windy roads. However, the sedan rides well and well, offers an excellent feel, and is an impressive ride. The transmission and steering units respond too well and precisely, making it a good pick for speed-lovers too. 

Braking Performance

The 2021 Maserati Ghibli assures a safe and responsive braking system. With the 4-wheel disc brakes with the 13.6” brake rotors at the front and 12.6” ones at the rear, the sedan offers quick and easy braking, even from a higher speed. Though the exact braking distance figures aren’t available for the 2021 model year, the figures ought to be impressive and class-leading. The 4-wheel ABS does help in better braking performance. 

The bigger brakes in the Mercedes-Benz are necessary to stop the bigger curb weight. Being the second-lightest in the segment, Ghibli requires only the smallest rotor size among the rivals. The vehicles are well equipped with brakes ensuring enough safety. While the statistical data for the BMW is not yet available, the Audi A6 gets adequately sized rotors keeping in mind that it is the heaviest sedan in the segment. 

The 2021 Maserati Ghibli isn’t the best when it comes to fuel efficiency. While it cannot be termed as guzzler in the truest sense, the V6 takes up a good amount of fuel for the horses it gives off, which drags the vehicle behind in the race for efficiency. As the underpinnings are going to be unchanged, the 2021 model year would get the same 17 miles per gallon on the city, 25 miles per gallon on highways, and 20 miles per gallon combined. With a 21.1-gallon fuel tank, the Ghibli gives decent range figures. The sedan would run 358.7 miles on a full tank in the city, 527.5 miles on highways, and 422 miles combined, which means you’ll have to have only fewer stops at the gas station.

Perhaps, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series are curated to be inch-perfect when efficiency is concerned. Both the sedans average 27 and 26 MPG, respectively, which allows them to gain ascendancy over their rivals. However, in the truest sense, Mercedes is the most frugal option that can manage over 500 miles. On the other hand, the 2021 Audi A6 55 Prestige TFSI averages a mileage of 24 MPG and with a sizable tank that can hold 19.3-gallons, manages better range than the Maserati. 

The 2021 Maserati Ghibli is one of the most premium and classy sedans on the inside. The opulent and engaging interior layout, aided with the Italian styling, allows it to stand on par with any contemporary brand. The cabin is carried over for the new model year and continues to make use of premium quality materials with a few upgrades. It gets wrapped in premium leather, aluminum accents, and wooden inserts, altogether improving the car's aesthetic appeal. 

The cabin is spacious enough, airy, and catchy. The intelligently equipped vehicle gets a lot of features onboard, which includes heated and ventilated seats with power adjustability, leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, and climate control. The cabin seats 5 people comfortably, with enough room for three passengers in the rear row. Each seat gets adequately bolstered and you have ample under-thigh and knee support. The interior also features a class-leading 17.7 cubic feet of cargo area, which makes it more practical for the real world.

The interior spacing is highly competitive and sets the rivals on fire. Ghibli gets the least legroom dimensions, making it difficult for taller passengers, both in the front as well as rear row. The Audi A6 has the most proportionate cabin that provides ample space both upfront and at the back, however, it marginally cuts into the cargo capacity. The BMW and Mercedes-Benz also get adequate space, but the 2021 5-Series does have a tad bit higher cargo capacity of 14 cu.-ft. That said, the salient interior features available with the 2021 Maserati Ghibli include:

• Heated and powered seats
• Automatic Climate Control System
• Heated steering wheel
• Leather upholstery
• Steering-mounted controls and paddle shifters
• 11 interior color options

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 model year would witness the Ghibli being equipped with a more intuitive infotainment unit, which offers easier access and response. The graphics are made crispier and the screen responds precisely to your touches. It gets the all-new 10.1” touchscreen system paired with the 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in the higher trims, which offers rich music in the cabin. The base trim gets an 8-speaker Maserati sound system as standard.

The infotainment system also features smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gets an in-built navigation setup and SiriusXM radio. The system is advanced and less distracting and also gets wireless charging as a standard inclusion to make it quirkier than it already is. 

The salient infotainment features are:

• 10.1” touchscreen infotainment system
• 8-speaker Maserati Sound System
• 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Navigation
• SiriusXM Radio

With the massive and stunning front fascia, the 2021 Maserati Ghibli looks fresh and royal. Though the exterior is carried over from the previous model years, Ghibli still looks undeniably enticing and garners attention from a diverse set of buyers. With the subtle design and elegant engineering, the sedan looks unique and gains immense road presence. The 2021 MY comes with 10 exterior colors for the buyers to choose from. The distinct and attractive LED Headlight with LED DRLs takes the view way higher. The blacked-out oval grille gets the Maserati trident logo on the center, which looks stylish and up-class. 

The 2021 Maserati Ghibli gets a coupe-like rearview, which makes it a treat for your eyes. The curved roofline joins the beautiful LED taillights reminding a coupe. The standard 10” wheels look fabulous on the sedan while the optional 20” and 21” make the deal more pleasing. The rear end gets a quad exhaust system, which makes the look sportier and stylish. The wide hood gets curves carved on it, making it astonishing. With all these said features, the 2021 Maserati Ghibli continues to be one of the best-looking sedans selling in the U.S. 

The 2021 Maserati Ghibli gets the longest wheelbase of 118 inches. However, it is the second-lightest among all. The BMW 540i is the longest and tallest offering with the highest ground clearance of 5.7 inches. On the other hand, the Maserati is the widest option at 76.6 inches and is well-proportioned and beautiful looking, capable of offering tougher competition to rivals. However, each contemporary mid-size sedan has a luxuriant design and reeks of opulence, so it is a matter of personal choice whichever vehicle you end up choosing. 

The notable exterior features are:

• Heated power-adjustable side mirrors
• Sunroof
• Blacked-out oval grille
• Automatic LED Headlights
• LED DRLs
• Quad exhaust system
• 19” alloy wheels

There haven’t been any crash tests conducted on the Ghibli for the 2021 or 2020 model year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested certain parameters in the crash test, which are all marked ‘Good’. This proves that the 2021 Maserati Ghibli is a safe sedan to be in.

The sedan is equipped with plenty of safety features and a long list of driver-assistance features. It gets a well-packed system of airbags and the side impact beams do function to take up impacts during the crash. Some standout safety specifications include:

• Automated Emergency Braking
• Blind-spot Monitoring
• Lane-departure warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert system
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Self-leveling Headlights

2021 Maserati Ghibli vs 2021 Audi A6 55 Prestige TFSI

The Audi A6 is one of the best offerings in the mid-size sedan segment with top-notch performance, sleek acceleration, and interior quality. Compared with the Ghibli, A6 boasts of better efficiency and has a roomier cabin, making it an appealing choice over the former. The sportier and fun-to-drive Audi is still pricier than Ghibli. Coming to the ride quality Ghibli takes the lead. It looks classier and stylish than the A6. However, naming the best offer among the two, the 2021 Audi A6 55 TFSI would be suggestible.

2021 Maserati Ghibli vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E450

The Mercedes-Benz E450 is uncompromisingly a performance sedan with top-notch luxury and styling. The faster and frugal powertrain of the Merc seems to dominate over the Ghibli. It gets better built-quality and comfortable interiors than Ghibli. However, the E450 fails to defeat the Ghibli in terms of aesthetics or road presence. The ride quality of the Ghibli also seems to be the best in the segment.

2021 Maserati Ghibli vs 2021 BMW 5 Series 540i

The BMW 5 Series is a highly competent rival to the Ghibli and both sedans represent true German and Italian craftsmanship. The 5-Series offers top-notch luxury and class-leading interior quality. Moreover, it gets a refined drivetrain that offers more fuel economy and driving dynamics than its rivals. However, the smaller engine makes it less powerful than the Ghibli but turns out to be more affordable to buy than the Ghibli. 

At $74,740, the 2021 Maserati Ghibli is one of the viable choices in the segment. It gets the best-in-class exterior styling, road presence, and ride quality. Ghibli offers great deals on the interior as well as on the infotainment side. The sedan has also proven its safety. However, the sub-par fuel efficiency and cramped legroom seem to disappoint some of the buyers, especially with capable rivals standing opposite. Still, Maserati Ghibli survives with class-apart looks and ride comfort.