2017 Maserati Ghibli Expert Review

Reviewed by Michael Cantu

Maserati added a new high-resolution 8.4-inch infotainment screen to the Ghibli and a redesigned center console with a rotary knob. The car also now offers new luxury and sport packages, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, a surround view camera system, and a standard air quality sensor.

Vehicle Summary

The Ghibli is Maserati's smallest and least expensive model in the automaker's lineup, behind the Levante SUV, the Quattroporte, the GranTurismo coupe, and the GranTurismo convertible.

Overview

The standard rear-wheel drive Ghibli's 345-hp, 369-lb-ft of torque 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 delivers an EPA-rated 17/24 mpg city/highway. The more powerful 404-hp, 406-ft-lb of torque 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 found in the Ghibli S and Ghibli S Q4 (all-wheel drive) surprisingly delivers 16/24 mpg. All 2017 Ghibli models use an eight-speed automatic.

The 2017 Maserati Ghibli's Luxury package now features the Zenga edition's silk and premium leather upholstery, Alcantara headliner, upgradable wood trim, 900-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system, and power-adjustable foot pedals. The Sport package features a new sport steering wheel with aluminum gear shift paddles, new sport seats with anti-whiplash integrated headrests, and sport pedals. Some available technology features include Siri Smart personal assistant, Wi-Fi hotspot, a Bower & Wilkins 15-speaker, 1,280-watt premium surround sound system, and a power trunk lid with a hands-free mode.

Safety

The IIHS gave the 2017 Maserati Ghibli its highest rating of Good for all crash tests conducted: the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats tests. The Ghibli now comes with a myriad of advanced driver assistance systems that feature but not limited to Blind Spot Alert, Lane Departure Warning, a new rearview camera with dynamic lines and a 360-degree surround view camera system. The adaptive cruise control monitors the space between the Ghibli and the vehicle ahead and maintains a safe pre-set distance while the Stop & Go function can adjust to the target vehicle's speed until it comes to a stop and will continue automatically within two seconds once the vehicle has moved. The Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist will warn you of a possible impact and apply the appropriate braking pressure once you start braking and the Automated Emergency Braking will apply autonomous braking if the driver does not respond.

What We Think

In a First Test review of the 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 we were a little disappointed at some of the cheap parts used in the interior, the not-user friendly shift knob, stiff ride, not so quiet interior, and the very intrusive traction control system. However, we said, "But any faults are long forgotten once the Ghibli S Q4's 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 sings its sweet song. Starting up the car never gets old, as the V-6 lets out a loud roar."

In 2015 <em>Motor Trend</em> Car of the Year testing, the Ghibli was a finalist because we loved the sedan's fun and impressive driving dynamics and loads of grip, but it didn't win because "build quality is haphazard, with some poor panel and trim fits," and "... dismal ergonomics. The cruise control was impossible to operate, for example."