2018 Maserati Ghibli

Starting from $73,780 and going up to $82,060, the 2018 Maserati Ghibli is launched in three variants by Maserati. The car is launched with a subtle change in design when compared with previous models. The all-new 2018 model has new LED headlights, tweaked grills and bumpers, and minor changes in exterior design. Although there is no huge change in the exteriors, Ghibli 2018 looks refreshed and effective. The additional features that the new variant of Ghibli offers, are Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC), Electric power steering system, and premium interior styling.

Starting at a price of $73,780, Maserati Ghibli comes in three different variants named as Ghibli, Ghibli S, and Ghibli S Q4. 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. Sunroof is also available in all trims of Maserati Ghibli 2018. Other Interesting features that Maserati included in its latest Ghibli 2018 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.

Trims	Ghibli	Ghibli GranLusso	Ghibli GranSport
MSRP	$73,780	$79,540	$82,060
Key Features	19-inch alloy wheels	Chrome front fascia insert	20-inch Urano aluminum wheels
	Automatic xenon headlights
	LED running lights and taillights	Adaptive full LED headlamps with High Beam Assist	Unique front and rear Sport fascia
	Power and heated front seats	Heated black leather & wood steering wheel	Gloss red painted brake calipers with White Maserati script
	Dual-zone automatic climate control		Skyhook performance suspension with electronic damping
	Sunroof	Gloss black painted brake calipers with White Maserati script	12-way power front Sport seats
	Leather upholstery	Full perforated premium leather upholstery
	Driver-seat memory settings
	Rearview camera	Heated & ventilated front seats
	8.4-inch touchscreen
	Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration	14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system

The features mentioned in the Ghibli section of the above table are also present in Ghibli S and Ghibli S Q4 variants. The base variant is priced at $73,780 while the topmost variant is priced at $82,060 (Approx. $8k more). We recommend you to opt for the topmost Ghibli S Q4 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.

If you want a truly pulse-quickening Ghibli, you'll have to step up to the 424-hp S model. This base Ghibli's power is merely adequate. But the handling is sensational and perfectly balanced at all times. -edmunds

Engine and Transmission

The V6s power delivery is silky smooth as expected. The engine is competent in producing 369 lb.-ft of torque. The engine produces a fantastic as well as distinct sound which isn't at all harsh. 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 offers a more powerful experience on paper as well as in real life.

Model	Maserati Ghibli	Audi A7 (Premium Plus)	Mercedes-Benz CLS (550)	BMW M550i xDrive
MSRP	$73,780	$69,700	$75,150	$73,900
Engine	3.0L Twin Turbo V6	3.0L TFSI 6 Cylinder	4.7L V8 biturbo	4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	345 hp	340 hp	402 hp	456 hp
Torque	369 lb-ft	325 lb-ft	443 lb-ft	480 lb-ft

The Ghibli (2018) offers an eight-speed automatic transmission in all trims including the base variant. The power and torque count at 345 HP and 369 lb-ft respectively, which is below average in the segment through the real-life experience was fairly average.

Acceleration

Maserati Ghibli reaches to 60 mph from standstill in just 5.5 seconds which is really fast as it has a powerful 3.0L engine. The acceleration is good but not as good as of competitors. The German manufacturers like BMW M550i xDrive outshine Maserati Ghibli in 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.

Model	Maserati Ghibli	Audi A7 (Premium Plus)	Mercedes-Benz CLS (550)	BMW M550i xDrive
0-60 mph	5.5 sec	5.2 sec	4.9 sec	3.9 sec
Quarter Mile	13.4 sec	14.8 sec	13.7 sec	12.3 sec
Engine	3.0L	3.0L	4.7L	4.4L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	9.3	7.7	8.4	9.3

Maserati Ghibli reaches a quarter mile in just 13.4 second 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 overall riding experience was the positive one. The car his own feelings and comfort. The brand's distinct voice, interior positionings, and features. We were impressed with the seating comfort, position, and space, which was well managed and highly customer focused. The riding was comfortable and confident even on high speeds and a bit rough track (thanks to the advanced suspension technology). The handling was convenient, and the steering offers a good grip. We have no complaints from "Ghibli" in riding and handling segment.

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 good brake front and has decent 60 to still MPH scores.

Model	Maserati Ghibli	Audi A7 (Premium Plus)	Mercedes-Benz CLS (550)	BMW M550i xDrive
60-0 mph (ft.)	110	109	104	106
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3990	4255	4158	4372
Brake (Front)	13.6	14.0	14.2	14.0
Brake (Rear)	13.0	13.0	12.6	13.6

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.

Model	Maserati Ghibli	Audi A7 (Premium Plus)	Mercedes-Benz CLS (550)	BMW M550i xDrive
MPG (City)	17	20	18	16
MPG (Hwy)	24	29	26	25
MPG (Combined)	19	23	21	19

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

The Ghibli is quiet and comfortable, especially considering it's an Italian sport sedan. The front and rear seats are well-padded. The turbo V6 only gets loud when the Sport button is activated. The Normal suspension setting is just soft enough. -edmunds

Seating and Comfort

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 make 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.

Model	Maserati Ghibli	Audi A7 (Premium Plus)	Mercedes-Benz CLS (550)	BMW M550i xDrive
Passenger Capacity	5	4	4	5
Passenger Volume (Ft.3)	108.0	105.8	104.3	98.8
Headroom (Front/Rear) (in.)	38.8/38.5	36.9/36.6	36.9/36.1	38.8/37.5
Legroom (Front/Rear) (in.)	40.7/33.2	41.3/37.0	42.1/35.0	41.4/36.5
Shoulder Room (Front/Rear) (in.)	56.5/54.8	57.2/55.9	57.1/56.5	58.7/55.9

The Maserati Ghibli is boosted with premium and distinct interiors which 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 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 (2018).

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.

Model	Maserati Ghibli	Audi A7 (Premium Plus)	Mercedes-Benz CLS (550)	BMW M550i xDrive
Trunk Vol. (Ft.3)	17.7	24.5	15.3	18.7

"The Ghibli skin has also been tweaked for 2018, with GranLusso and GranSport variants featuring distinctive bumper designs. Both of those new trims also receive full LED headlights." - KBB

Dimensions and Weight

The Ghibli possess 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 2018. The Italian sedan offers a track width of 64.4 and 65.1 for front and rear respectively.

Model	Maserati Ghibli	Audi A7 (Premium Plus)	Mercedes-Benz CLS (550)	BMW M550i xDrive
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3990	4255	4158	4372
Wheelbase (in)	118.0	114.7	113.2	117.1
Length (in)	195.7	196.2	194.5	195.4
Width (in)	76.6	75.2	74.1	73.5
Height (in)	57.5	55.9	55.8	57.8
Ground Clearance (in)	4.5	4.4	5.1	5.1
Track Width Front (in)	64.4	64.7	62.9	63.0
Track Width Rear (in)	65.1	64.4	64.1	62.9

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 (2018) 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 includeside 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 (2018) scored a complete five stars in EURO NCAP safety ratings.

The car also performed well in 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.

Crashworthiness
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints &seats	Good
Front Crash Prevention	Basic

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 9-speed automatic transmission. There is no doubt that Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 outshines Maserati Ghibli (2018) 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 cars 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 competiton to the Ghibli.

Ghibli is a premium sport five-seater sedan with a fairly powerful engine and mileage when compared with the rivals. The Ghibli (2018) offers better interiors, suspension, and sound system than German competitors, and has its own design and styling legacy. The uppermost variant offers all-wheel-drive which is impressive. You should consider Ghibli (2018) as a good competitor in this luxury sports sedan segment which stand out of the crowd.