2022 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo

　　

2022 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　If we asked you to picture in your mind a midsize luxury sedan, odds are it looks something like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or BMW 5 Series. But if you're not one to follow the crowd, you might be thinking of the Maserati Ghibli, the uniquely Italian alternative to the usual four-door suspects from Germany. 

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo 4dr Sedan (3.8L 8cyl 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

　　$293/mo  for Ghibli Trofeo

　　Ghibli Trofeo

　　Trofeo 4dr Sedan (3.8L 8cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $110,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The 2022 Maserati Ghibli tackles the midsize luxury sedan equation in its own way, with a focus on performance that's conveyed through its aggressively styled front end. Though the Ghibli can be had with exceptionally supple leather upholstery and plush materials, in general its interior fit and finish isn't on the same level as the Germans, with some bland-looking controls and lackluster design elements making it feel less special than its competitors. But if you can get past that, the Ghibli is a comfortable and fun-to-drive luxury sedan, especially in Trofeo guise, which competes with the likes of the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E 63. If you're looking for something different, read our in-depth Expert Rating to see if the Maserati Ghibli is for you.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Ghibli drive? The Ghibli Trofeo might be less about hardcore performance and more about high-speed, high-performance grand touring,  but it's definitely no slouch. That 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 bolts the Trofeo to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and takes it through the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds at 118.6 mph. With those numbers, it's certainly slower than cars like the BMW M5 and Audi RS 7, but the Ghibli Trofeo boasts a class-leading and astonishing top speed of 203 mph.

　　Like its acceleration, braking performance isn't top of the class but it's solid. Our shortest stop from 60 mph was a scant 106 feet and the brakes provided smooth, predictable stopping power around town. Handling, too, follows a more relaxed approach and favors a fun but safe balance on the open road. With its somewhat narrow tires, the Ghibli Trofeo managed to pull 0.96 g on our skidpad, but we wish the steering transmitted more feel to the driver.

　　Where the Maserati really shines is in its everyday drivability. The transmission is well matched to the engine's power, and the Ghibli Trofeo is more than happy to burble around town, giving no hint to other motorists of its explosive power. We're also fans of the large column-mounted metal shift paddles for both their look and feel.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Ghibli? With the Ghibli Trofeo, Maserati has prioritized ride comfort over handling performance and we're not complaining. Even with its impressive performance envelope, the Ghibli offers a quiet interior with minimal road noise and a comfortable ride. We prefer the adaptive suspension in its Sport mode since it offers better body control than the standard setting, but even the racy Corsa mode is tolerable on a daily basis. Rear passengers will be pleasantly surprised by the well-sculpted and supportive seats.

　　The climate control system could stand to look a little more stylish, but its controls are clear and easy to use and the dual-zone system keeps the temperature steady throughout the cabin. Heated and ventilated seats are standard, but if you opt for the unique woven leather seats, you lose the ability to have them ventilated.

　　Our only real complaint is the relative lack of noise coming from that wonderful twin-turbo V8. While we applaud Maserati for not piping in fake sound, we wish the engine was a bit more vocal, especially in Corsa mode.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below