Overview
The stylish and muscle-bound 2024 Ghibli serves as the entry point to Maserati’s sports-sedan lineup, but it’s no bargain-basement performer. With either the 424-hp twin-turbo V-6 or 572-hp twin-turbo V-8, the Ghibli is quite quick, and that acceleration is accompanied by melodic exhaust tones. When roads turn twisty, the Ghibli’s sport-tuned chassis provides plenty of driver entertainment, too. But its high points end there, as the Ghibli’s cabin is a disappointing mix of outdated tech and inferior fit and finish. Those looking for a higher-end interior should take a look at the Genesis G80 or the Mercedes-Benz E-class instead, but the Ghibli delivers an exotic flavor those rivals don’t, and the exclusivity that accompanies Maserati ownership can’t be discounted.
What’s New for 2024?
The Ghibli’s time is coming to an end, for this generation at least. To mark the final model year for its entry-level car, Maserati is offering it only in Ultima guise. Both a Modena Ultima and a Trofeo 334 Ultima trim will be available, both with special styling elements that set them apart from previous model year cars. The Modena Ultima comes with 21-inch wheels, red-painted brake calipers, sport seats with red stitching, and standard niceties such as ventilated front seats, a Harman/Kardon stereo system, and black leather upholstery. The Trofeo 334 Ultima comes with the 572-hp twin-turbo V-8 and wears a special blue paint called Scià di Persia, carbon-fiber exterior trim, and special 334 emblems throughout the design. Maserati may revive the Ghibli name on a future sedan, but so far we have heard of no such plans.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
If the Ghibli’s starting price seems high, that’s because it is. Most mid-size luxury sedans start around $55,000 and increase from there. But those rival sedans also have turbocharged four-cylinders for base engines and then graduate to more powerful V-6s as the prices rise. The Ghibli skips the fours and offers a twin-turbo V-6 as standard equipment. While we’re a fan of Maserati’s twin-turbo V-8, we’d suggest sticking with the Modena Ultima, as its 424 ponies are plenty for a car this size.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Modena Ultima serves as the entry-level model for the Ghibli lineup in 2024. It is powered by a twin-turbo V-6 that makes 424 horsepower. Going with the range-topping Trofeo 334 Ultima model adds a 572-hp twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine. Rear-wheel drive is the only setup for the Trofeo, but the Modena gets all-wheel drive (Q4 in Maserati parlance) as standard. Both engines have an eight-speed automatic transmission. We tested a V-6–powered Ghibli back in 2014 and were charmed by the exotic sounds it made. At our test track, it managed a 4.7-second zero-to-60-mph time—quick for 2014, but today it can be outrun by a non-AMG version of the Mercedes-Benz E-class. The V-8–powered Trofeo model packs a mightier wallop, and we estimate it’s capable of a 3.7-second run to 60 mph. The Ghibli’s on-road demeanor is frisky, but it maintains a level of refinement that keeps it in the hunt with some of today’s best luxury sports sedans.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Since the Ghibli lacks a base four-cylinder model, its EPA fuel-economy ratings are thirstier than the average mid-size luxury car. The V-6 models earn ratings of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The V-8–powered Trofeo is rated at 13 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. We haven’t tested the Ghibli on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, but plan to update this review when we get a chance to do so. For more information about the Ghibli’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
While the exterior exudes Italian style, the cabin isn’t as luxurious as expected. A few of its interior bits are sourced from lesser vehicles within the Stellantis product portfolio. For example, it uses the same window switches as the Jeep Cherokee and light switches and steering-column stalks from the now-defunct Chrysler Town & Country. Buyers can, however, spec the Ghibli with beautifully stitched leather-and-silk seats, a faux-suede headliner, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. The Ghibli’s trunk is larger than that of the E-class or the A6, but the BMW 5-series offers slightly more space. When a Ghibli visits our office, we’ll see how many carry-on suitcases it can accommodate and update this review with the results.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All Ghibli models come with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features a glossy display and runs a re-skinned version of Google’s Android Automotive interface. Navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all standard. An eight-speaker audio system is standard, too, but audiophiles will be happy to know that Maserati offers two different premium systems as upgrades. The first is a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon setup, while the second is a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Ghibli is offered with several driver-assistance features; most are standard equipment. For more information about the Ghibli’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Most mid-size luxury cars from Europe offer simple four-year/50,000-mile warranties, and the Ghibli follows suit. It would be nice if Maserati offered a complimentary scheduled maintenance package with the purchase of a new Ghibli, but such a policy has been omitted from the car’s standard package. The 5-series and the Jaguar XF both offer better value in this category.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
2021 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
BASE PRICE
$115,085
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, directfuel injection
Displacement
232 in3, 3799 cm3
Power
572hp @ 6750rpm
Torque
538lb-ft @ 2250rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 118.0in
Length: 195.7in
Width: 76.6in
Height: 57.5in
Trunk volume: 18ft3
Curb weight(C/D est): 4700lb
PERFORMANCE (C/DEST)
60 mph: 3.7sec
100 mph: 8.9sec
1/4-mile: 11.9sec
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 203mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 16/13/20mpg
2020 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 GranSport
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$96,840 (base price: $85,290)
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
182 in3, 2979 cm3
Power
424 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque
428 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 118.0 in
Length: 195.7 in
Width: 76.6 in
Height: 57.5 in
Trunk volume: 18 ft3
Curb weight: 4715 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 4.5 sec
100 mph: 11.8 sec
¼-mile: 13.2 mph
Top speed (drag limited, mfr’s claim): 178 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 19/16/24 mpg
