2019 Maserati Ghibli Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

New exterior paint options and interior surfacesImproved infotainment and climate system interfacePart of the first Ghibli generation introduced for 2014

　　The 2019 Maserati Ghibli injects a dose of Italian style and flair into the genteel world of midsize luxury sedans dominated by its European and Asian rivals. With all the expected trappings of a luxury shuttle wrapped in a seductive design, a sonorous engine sound and sporty handling, the Ghibli makes a refreshing alternative to the segment's standard-bearers.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Maserati Ghibli 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$234/mo  for Ghibli Base

　　Ghibli Base

　　4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $74,980 MSRPS 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $79,980 MSRPGranSport 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $80,980 MSRPGranLusso 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $80,980 MSRPS Q4 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $82,480 MSRPS GranLusso 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $85,280 MSRPS GranSport 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $85,280 MSRPS Q4 GranSport 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $87,780 MSRPS Q4 GranLusso 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $87,780 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　For sedan buyers, the Maserati checks all the boxes. It delivers robust acceleration from a turbocharged V6 engine, and exceptionally balanced handling means you'll often look for the longer, more winding road to your destination. Factor in a roomy, quiet cabin, and the Ghibli also makes for a practical family sedan suited for long-distance travel.

　　The Ghibli falls short of its competitors in a key area, however. While the interior looks nice from a distance, and there are expansive opportunities to select colors and materials to taste, the quality of cabin materials and interfaces (knobs, switches, dials) feels a bit more downmarket than we'd expect of a $75,000 sedan. Nitpicking? Perhaps, but it's a detail not lost on the Maserati's competitors. The Ghibli's base V6, meanwhile, isn't quite as ferocious as some rivals, and you'll really want to step up to the uprated V6 of the Ghibli S.

　　But as an alternative to the established field of more buttoned-down luxury sedans, the Ghibli's sporty handling and exotic pedigree offer a unique fix.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Driving

　　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.

　　

Acceleration

　　The turbo V6 provides a smooth flow of thrust from 3,000 to 6,500 rpm. The exhaust is appropriately growly in Sport.

　　

Braking

　　The pedal has some softness early in the stroke, but the brakes do a good job of hauling the Ghibli down from speed with zero drama. There's no pedal fade.

　　

Steering

　　The steering effort was a tad too light, and our test car had a rubbery sensation off-center. It felt artificial, like it was electric. But it's hydraulic. Still, the Ghibli goes where it's pointed.

　　

Handling

　　Handling is precise, willing and perfectly balanced. The Ghibli is easy to control at the limit and exhibits almost zero understeer. As midsize luxury sport sedans go, this Maserati is one of the best.

　　

Drivability

　　Throttle delivery is smooth. The eight-speed automatic is happy to kick down a gear, but it could use stronger throttle blips to create smoother rev-matched downshifts.

　　

Comfort

　　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.

　　

Seat comfort

　　The front and rear seats are thickly padded and comfy. The front buckets have good lumbar support. Your body settles into these seats, forming instant lateral support to keep you secure when going around turns.

　　

Ride comfort

　　The adjustable suspension should satisfy most people. Normal mode isn't overly cushy, but it smooths out the big bumps. Sport mode is definitely more jiggly.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　The Ghibli is very quiet in routine driving. But the summer tires do produce some extra humming over coarse surfaces.

　　

Interior

　　The Ghibli's interior isn't as sumptuous as we thought it would be, and there are some ergonomic oddities. But there's plenty of room and good outward visibility as well as some useful storage.

　　

Ease of use

　　The steering wheel has an overly large diameter. It's hard to see the buttons for the climate controls as well as those next to the console shifter. The left-side paddle shifter interferes with the turn-signal stalk operation.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　It's easy to get in and out of the front, but the rear doors are small. Your feet can get caught on the doorsill on your way in. The center console also protrudes rearward in back, which can make it hard to slide across to the other rear seat.

　　

Roominess

　　Headroom in the front and rear is excellent, even for tall people. There's good kneeroom for the driver as well as decent elbow space up front. But rear footroom is poor.

　　

Visibility

　　The narrow and short windshield pillars allow an excellent view out the front. The rear of the car sweeps up, so the rear window is wide but short.

　　

Quality

　　The interior could be better. The Chrysler-sourced switchgear brings down the quality level of the Ghibli. We also noticed some sharp edges on the trim, and one car had a rattle from the back deck.

　　

Utility

　　The better-than-average trunk space, split-folding rear seats and rear-seat pass-through give the Ghibli surprising cargo-carrying flexibility and utility.

　　

Small-item storage

　　There's a large center armrest bin with an air vent inside to keep small items cool. The door pockets are reasonably deep, but they're narrow.

　　

Cargo space

　　The trunk is bigger than those of many rivals. The split-folding rear seats come standard and enhance utility.

　　

Technology

　　An 8.4-inch touchscreen display appears lifted from the Dodge-Jeep-Chrysler family, but that's not a bad thing. The big surface area and quick response make it easy to use on the road. The optional audio systems are legitimate audiophile offerings, especially the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system.

　　

Which Ghibli does zzdcar recommend?

　　We recommend that you not be swayed by the Ghibli's low base price. The base engine's 345 horsepower isn't all that impressive, especially considering its roots in the Ferrari engine line. Instead, opt for the 424-hp S or S Q4, and check the box for the optional GranSport trim package.

　　

2019 Maserati Ghibli models

　　The 2019 Maserati Ghibli is a midsize luxury sedan sold in three trims: base, GranLusso and GranSport. The base model is well-equipped right out of the box, with standard features that include heated seats, leather upholstery, navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability. From there, buyers can choose the luxurious GranLusso or the thrilling GranSport model. A turbocharged V6 powers all Ghiblis, though the S and SQ 4 variants develop more power.

　　Each of the above trims is available in three distinct powertrains. The base Ghibli is motivated by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (345 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque) that drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The same engine powers the S, though it's more powerful in this application (424 hp, 428 lb-ft). The S Q4 adds all-wheel drive to the S model.

　　Standard features on the base Ghibli include 19-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlights, LED taillights, a sunroof, automatic wipers, a rearview camera, remote engine start, keyless entry and ignition, auto-dimming mirrors, a 7-inch driver information display, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power-adjustable and heated front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seats, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory functions, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

　　Also standard are a navigation system, an 8.4-inch touchscreen and an eight-speaker audio system with satellite radio, a USB port, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Safety features include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring.

　　From there, buyers can choose between the luxury-themed GranLusso or the enthusiast-oriented GranSport. Both build off the base model's features, though each comes with adaptive LED headlights and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

　　Standard features for the GranLusso include chrome exterior styling elements, laminated (i.e., quieter) rear glass, a hands-free trunk, power soft-closing doors, a power rear sunshade, open-pore wood accents, upgraded leather upholstery, additional leather trim, a heated steering wheel with wood, and ventilated front seats.

　　The GranSport includes 20-inch wheels, red-painted brake calipers, adaptive dampers, aerodynamic enhancements, column-mounted shift paddles, a sport steering wheel, sport seats, and leather coverings on the dashboard and door armrests.

　　Many of the GranLusso's and GranSport's upgrades can be added to the other models for an additional cost. Other stand-alone options include 19-, 20- and 21-inch wheels; carbon-fiber shift paddles and doorsill trim; heated rear seats; a power rear sunshade; a rear armrest with USB ports; and a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. A Driver Assistance package is available on all trims, adding a 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and a blind-spot monitoring system that can change the direction of the Ghibli if you attempt to merge into a lane with a vehicle in the blind spot.

　　The S and S Q4 models are essentially the same as their counterparts with the base engine, though all trims come with upgraded brakes.

　　

2019 Ghibli Highlights

Trim: BaseSGranSportGranLussoS Q4S GranLussoS GranSportS Q4 GranLussoS Q4 GranSportBase

　　

Base MSRP	$74,980
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$234/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles