Overview
With its brawny twin-turbo powertrain and snappy styling, the 2023 Maserati Ghibli is a sports sedan with exceptional Italian flair. You won’t find any wimpy four-cylinders here, either. The Ghibli’s entry-level engine is a 345-hp twin-turbo V-6 that can be upgraded to 424 horses in the mid-range Modena trim. The most ripped model is the twin-turbo V-8 Trofeo, which puts out a stout 580 horsepower. The Ghibli’s chassis is tuned for fun, with balanced sports car handling with a ride that’s refined enough to satisfy luxury buyers who might go for an Audi A6 or Mercedes-Benz E-class. Unfortunately, those improvements didn’t carry over to the Ghibli’s interior. It features a mix of materials starting with the expected leather, wood and metal trim. But that richer finish is mixed with some cheap bits of plastic and fitting trim. Even so, the Ghibli’s exotic looks and blistering performance are qualities to be admired.
What’s New for 2023?
While the Ghibli doesn’t receive significant changes for 2023, its entry price certainly does. The base model GT is now $6100 more than last year. The price of the mid-range Modena is up by $7000 and the top-of-the-line Trofeo is up $5900.
Price and Which One to Buy
If the Ghibli’s starting price seems high, that’s because it is. Most midsize luxury sedans start around $55,000 and go up from there. But the rival sedan also has a turbocharged four-cylinder for the base engine and then switches to a more powerful V-6 as the price rises. The Ghibli skips the four and offers a twin-turbo V-6 as standard equipment. We’d suggest the Modena model because it unlocks 424 horses and covers more of the Ghibli’s interior with genuine leather upholstery.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
The base setup for the Ghibli is a 345-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 with rear-wheel drive; the Modena model increases power to 424 horsepower. Followed by the range-topping Trofeo model added a 580-hp twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive (Q4 in Maserati parlance) is available with the V-6. Both engines have an eight-speed automatic transmission. We tested the S model (replaced by the Modena for 2022) in 2014 and were blown away by the exotic sound it produced. On our test track, it managed a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.7 seconds—quick for 2014, but today it could be beaten by the non-AMG version of the Mercedes-Benz E-class. Since then, Maserati has increased the power of the V-6 engine version to 424 horsepower. When we tested this engine Maserati Levante SUV, it managed to record 5.1 seconds, so The lighter Ghibli should be faster. V-8 powered Trofeo models supplies an even greater wallop, and we estimate it’s capable of a 3.7-second run to 60 mph. The Ghibli’s demeanor on the road is nimble, but it maintains a level of refinement that keeps it in the running with some of today’s best luxury sports sedans.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
Since the Ghibli doesn’t have a four-cylinder base model, its EPA fuel economy rating is more worn than the average midsize luxury car. Rear-wheel-drive V-6 models earn ratings of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway; using all-wheel drive drops the city rating to 17 mpg. 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 on the Ghibli’s fuel economy, visit EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
While the exterior exudes Italian flair, the cabin isn’t as luxurious as expected. Some of its internal bits are sourced from lower vehicles in the Stellantis product portfolio. For example, it uses the same window switch as Jeep Cherokee and light switches and steering column stalks from The now defunct Chrysler Town & Country. However, buyers can specify the Ghibli with beautifully stitched leather and silk seats, a faux suede headliner and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. The trunk of the Ghibli is bigger than the E-class or A6, but BMW 5-series offers less space. When Ghibli visits our office, we’ll see how many suitcases it can fit 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 reskinned 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 as well, 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 Features and Driver Assistance
Ghibli is offered with several driver assistance features; most are standard equipment. For more information on Ghibli crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:
- Standard automatic 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 a simple four-year/50,000-mile warranty, and the Ghibli follows suit. It would be nice if Maserati offered a free scheduled maintenance package with the purchase of a new Ghibli, but such a policy has been omitted from the car’s standard package. 5-series and Jaguar XF both offer better value in this category.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No free scheduled maintenance
Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
2021 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo
TYPE OF VEHICLE
front engine, rear wheel drive, 5 passenger, 4 door sedan
BASIC PRICE
$115,085
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
232 in33799 cm3
Power
580hp @ 6750rpm
Torque
538lb-ft @ 2250rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 118.0in
Length: 195.7in
Width: 76.6in
Height: 57.5in
Trunk volume: 18 ft3
Curb weight (estimated C/D): 4700lb
PERFORMANCE (C/DEST)
60 mph: 3.7 seconds
100 mph: 8.9 seconds
1/4 mile: 11.9 seconds
Top speed (claimed mfr): 203mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 16/13/20mpg
2020 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 GranSport
TYPE OF VEHICLE
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 head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
182 in32979 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 inches
Height: 57.5 inches
Trunk volume: 18 feet3
Curb Weight: 4715 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 4.5 seconds
100 mph: 11.8 seconds
¼ mile: 13.2 mph
Top speed (drag limited, mfr claims): 178 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 19/16/24 mpg
More Features and Specifications