2022 Maserati Ghibli

Italian cars are bought with the heart, and the Maserati Ghibli is all about passion. This Italian sports exec is one of the best-looking cars in its class, which is an impressive feat when you consider that it goes up against competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series. The Ghibli is powered by your choice of twin-turbo V6 power in multiple states of tune, the most powerful of which produces a healthy 424 horsepower, mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic gearbox but with the choice to go either rear- or all-wheel-drive on the Modena model. The Ghibli is a fine driver's car and offers a beautiful interior, but at the asking price, we expect more. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series are just too good at what they do.

There are no two ways about it: the Maserati Ghibli has to be one of the best-looking cars in its class and makes the BMW 5 Series look like a fairytale troll. The GT features 19-inch Poseidone aluminum wheels, Bi-Xenon projector-beam headlights, a sunroof, and a grille with chromed vertical slats. Modena models add a dark grille, different bumper and lower front fascia, a rear bumper with a black insert, and gloss-black painted brake calipers with white Maserati script. The GT has chrome model badging on the front wing and a chrome Maserati trident on the C-pillar, whereas these items are black on the Modena. Tributo models have distinctive F Tributo badges on the fender, and yellow-accented 21-inch wheels are standard. Yellow brake calipers are a throwback to Juan Manuel Fangio's 1957 Maserati 250F car with its yellow front-end.

The Maserati is a mid-size executive car that has similar dimensions to that of the BMW 5 Series. This sleek Italian measures in with a total length of 195.7 inches, a width of 83.8 inches when the side mirrors are included, and a height of 57.5 inches. The sedan rolls on a 118-inch wheelbase. The front track is 64.4 inches and the rear track is 65.1 inches. The GT and Modena RWD weigh in with a curb weight of 4,070 pounds, while the AWD Ghibli Modena Q4 weighs a more hefty 4,257 lbs.

The stunning Ghibli is available in seven different exterior paint colors for the main lineup. Your only no-cost color option is Bianco; last year's Nero is no longer offered. The metallic range of colors consists of Nero Ribelle, Grigio Maratea, Grigio, and Blu Emozione, all of which cost an additional $1,200. Bianco Alpi and Blu Nobile both go for $2,700. Blu Passione and Rosso Folgore have been discontinued. The Ghibli looks best in darker colors, so we would go for the Blu Emozione. Larger, 20-inch wheel options can be had in black or metallic, and the brake calipers are offered in blue, black, red, yellow, and silver.

The F Tributo special edition cars are only available in two colors, namely Rosso and Azzurro Tributo - red and blue, the former in honor of Italian race cars of the past and the latter in reference to the blue of the city of Modena. These models also feature yellow brake calipers.

There are few other places to look if you're after a fast Italian executive, and the Ghibli is precisely that: quick. In base guise, the Ghibli is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 345 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. That's good enough for a 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds for this rear-wheel-drive model. Next up is the Modena, which packs more potent performance specs, with 424 hp from its twin-turbo V6 engine. This setup allows the Ghibli to make the sixty sprint in only 4.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 178 mph. The Modena Q4 AWD version will run an even quicker 4.7 second time.

Maserati sources its V6 engines from Ferrari, which can only mean one thing: they've got soul. The base model's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 sounds brilliant when pushing all of its 345 hp to the tarmac, and while it might not be the strongest performer in its class, it still feels plucky around town and pulls hard on the top end. The more powerful V6 engine produces 424 hp and 428 lb-ft in the Modena variants and is the one to go for if you're power-hungry. In this configuration, the Ghibli feels like an actual performance vehicle and will push you back in your seat when provoked. All engines are mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, which manages to offer both relaxed or sporty shifting on demand. Power is sent to the rear wheels in all but the Q4 spec, which is AWD as standard.

All players in this corner of the market are expected to offer a semblance of sporty handling, especially if you're going up against the always capable BMW 5 Series. The good news is that the Maserati Ghibli is a competent handler and is comfortable enough to coddle even the most hungover corporate banker's headache. In terms of comfort, the Maserati straddles the line between a sporty chassis and suspension setup and compliance, but in the end, the ride feels stiffer than some of its closest competitors. Unfortunately, our review found that this doesn't necessarily result in a car that's better around the corners. The Ghibli turns in sharply and neatly, but mid-corner bumps and quick changes in direction can upset it. The steering is precise, but as with most cars in this class, it lacks any serious feedback. At slower speeds, the chassis struggles to soak up bumps and road imperfections, especially in sport mode, and the large wheels don't help much either. Unfortunately, the Ghibli is no match for the BMW in terms of its overall balance between comfort and sportiness.

The Ghibli's engines might be soulful, but they sure aren't efficient, and competitors such as the BMW 5 Series crush it when it comes to gas mileage figures. According to the EPA's official rating, both variants of the RWD 3.0-liter V6 will return 18/25/20 mpg city/highway/combined, and the AWD version will see that number drop to 16/24/19 mpg. The 523-hp BMW M550i will match the consumption of the RWD Ghibli. The Ghibli's 21.1-gallon fuel tank should provide it with a maximum range of 422 miles.

The first time you step inside the cabin of the Ghibli, you'll be taken aback by its stylish design, but upon closer inspection, it turns out that Maserati has cut some corners. It is easy to spot the fact that some of the switchgear has been lifted straight out of Stellantis cars, such as the Jeep Cherokee, which brings the interior down a notch, especially when compared to the impeccable space provided by the BMW 5 Series. Maserati does, however, offer a range of luxury upholstery options such as leather and silk seats. There's more good news: the trunk is decently sized, and Maserati introduced an advanced new infotainment system for 2021, which lifts the rest of the interior by a notable degree.

According to Maserati, the Ghibli will seat five adults. Still, in our experience, you'd be better off sticking with four, as the narrow center seat in the rear is uncomfortable at best over short trips, and you can forget about long road trips with five up. At least the Ghibli's interior, in any trim level, is covered in quality leather, and front legroom and headroom are enough for six-footers. In the back, taller passengers might feel the pinch over longer distances. In the front, the driver gets a sporty driving position, and the seats offer good side support, but just as with other Italian sportsters such as the Lamborghini breed, the pedals are slightly offset, which can take some getting used to. Front passengers can easily get in and out of the car, but those in the rear will find it a bit tighter. If you're after space and luxury, perhaps look at something like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The interior of the Ghibli might contain some cheaper parts borrowed from the Stellantis family, but many of the other materials on offer here are world-class. The base model is presented with black leather seats as standard, but you can choose from seven other colors, including Cuoio, Sabbia, Nero/Rosso, and Nero/Cuoio. However, some of these colors are only available when upgrading to extended leather with contrast stitching ($1,100) or full premium perforated leather ($3,300). The dashboard is also available in a range of colors, and depending on seat color, you can have yours in Black, Nero with Rosso stitching, Nero/Rosso, Nero/Cuoio, and more. A leather steering wheel is standard, and you can choose from various colors for the headliner, as well as several different trim options. These include Open Pore Radica Wood Trim for $1,100 or High Gloss Rovere Wood Trim for $1,200. You can spec the luxury Zegna package on the GT, which includes silk and leather interior upholstery for $4,800. On the Modena, the Zegna Pelletessuta trim package costs $8,000 and is available in several shades too.

In F Tributo cars, you'll have unique high gloss carbon fiber lavishly distributed throughout, with the option of yellow or red stitching on Black PienoFiore leather.

Just because this car is Italian doesn't mean that it has to be impractical. In fact, the Maserati Ghibli is one of the most practical in its class, with a total trunk space of 17.7 cubic feet. That's enough space for about five wheels of Pecorino, Fontina, or whatever cheese you like to transport to work and family gatherings. Compare that to the 14 cubic feet you get in the BMW 5 Series, and you can start to get an idea of the extra level of convenience. For those who love cheese more than life itself, the 60/40-split-folding rear seat opens up even more space. On the inside, the Ghibli supplies its occupants with good-sized door pockets and an average-sized center console bin and glove box. A small storage nook behind the shifter is perfect for a pair of glasses, and there are two cup holders next to the shifter.

The Ghibli range has been substantially simplified to this year's two trims: GT and Modena. The GT features a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated 12-way power front seats with two-position driver memory, dual-zone climate control, blind-spot alert, a leather-trimmed, power-adjustable, and heated steering wheel, a rearview camera with front and rear park assist, push-button start, and keyless entry and go. The Modena is similarly equipped but adds paddle shifters to suit its more powerful engine and more sporty nature.

In the past, the Ghibli's infotainment system couldn't stack up to the likes of BMW's iDrive or Mercedes' MBUX systems, but Maserati changed that in 2021 with an all-new offering. All Ghibli models benefit from a large 10.1-inch display screen that is controlled by a "Maserati Connect" program. The new infotainment system also includes the Maserati Intelligent Assistant with voice command. The 2022 Ghibli includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The standard eight-speaker system is adequate, but the optional ten-speaker, 900-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system really bangs. A 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system is optional too.

There have been no recalls issued or major problems reported for the Ghibli from 2018 to 2020, but the 2021 Ghibli was recalled three times - for a possible fuel leak, a malfunctioning seat-belt locking retractor, and for a tire placard showing the incorrect inflation information on the optional 21-inch wheel-and-tire combination. Maserati will cover the Ghibli car with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, including corrosion, roadside assistance, and drivetrain cover.

The NHTSA has yet to conduct a Maserati Ghibli safety review, but the IIHS has conducted a partial test of the 2021 model and found that the car performed well in the following tests: moderate front overlap, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints/seats.

You'll find industry-standard safety tech such as seven airbags, stability control, cruise control, and a reverse camera on board the Ghibli. More advanced safety assistance features include front and rear park assist, brake assist, auto on/off headlights, and blind-spot monitoring on the base model. GranLusso and GranSport models add a bunch of notable driver aids when you option on the Driver Assistance Package. These systems include a surround-view camera, pedestrian recognition, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with collision mitigation and automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and lane-keeping assist.

You don't buy a Maserati Ghibli with your head, you buy it with your heart. This Italian sports executive is one of the best-looking cars in its class, and because there are so few of them on the road, exclusivity is guaranteed, but the Ghibli has its shortcomings. The interior looks excellent at face value, but upon closer inspection, cheaper parts can be spotted. At least it's had an improved infotainment system since last year. The Ghibli isn't as comfortable or as capable as its German rivals on the road, but it won't break your back with suspension stiffness. Under the hood, the V6 engine is the way to go. It's got soul, but just don't expect great gas mileage, especially since the hybrid variant won't be sold stateside. The Ghibli is also more expensive than most of its rivals but offers less tech and overall value for money. Nobody ever accused the heart of being particularly smart, but sometimes it just wants what it wants.

The Maserati Ghibli will cost you a pretty penny, but what else would you expect from an Italian exotic such as this? The price of a new Maserati Ghibli begins at $78,000 in the USA for the GT, excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,495. The Modena goes for an MSRP of $82,700, with the Q4's all-wheel drive adding another $2,600 to that. They're not a dime a dozen, but you'll be able to find a good used model for sale in the US in the $40k region. If you're willing to live with the older infotainment system, pricing for the 2020 Maserati Ghibli could save you a lot of money.

F Tributo models are rare and while the manufacturer hasn't issued official pricing for it, a $101,390 starting price seems standard for US dealerships, with the Q4 version naturally adding a few thousand on top of that for the all-wheel drive system.

Maserati has slashed last year's nine trims right down to three, although some special editions and AWD get thrown in the mix, too, so the lineup looks as follows: GT, Modena, Modena Q4, Modena S, F Tributo, and F Tributo Q4. They all use a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 345 hp in the GT and 424 hp in the Modena, transmitting the power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Modena can optionally be specced with intelligent all-wheel drive with an active front differential and active torque control, dubbed Q4.

The GT is a comfort- and luxury-orientated model with more chrome on the outside and less power than the Modena. It runs on 19-inch Poseidone alloy wheels and has Bi-Xenon headlights, leather upholstery, powered and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, seven airbags, parking sensors front and rear, blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The infotainment system has a 10.1-inch touchscreen and incorporates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, navigation, Wi-Fi, SiriusXM, and an eight-speaker audio system,

The Modena adds very little to the basic specification of the GT and costs only $4,700 more. It has more aggressive exterior styling, model-specific bumpers and fascias, dark badging, and a black grille. What it does offer is 79 hp more power and the option of selecting all-wheel drive. It also has paddle shifters to appease sporty drivers.

As special editions go, the F Tributo models are more like appearance packages, featuring custom exterior badging and limited paintwork to pay homage to Maserati's racing heritage. The interior also gets unique contrast stitching and loads of carbon fiber, and there's yellow brake calipers to help set it apart.

A lot of the equipment that used to come standard in the top models of last year's extensive nine-trim range is still available, but as extras and optional packages. See the GT as a classy and the Modena as a sporty canvas that you can adorn with your chosen extras. The GT can be equipped with the $3,490 GT Sport Package, which adds 20-inch Dark Perseo wheels, GranSport front and rear fascias, high-gloss Piano Black wood trim, and gloss black-painted brake calipers with white Maserati script. This package also requires one to fit performance tires for $420, raising the price to $3,910.

With more standard driver-assistance features fitted this year, last year's Driver Assistance Package falls away. The GT Sport Nerissimo Package adds black 20-inch wheels, the GranSport exterior fascias, black wood trim, the GT Sport interior package, and black calipers for $4,590 and the Comfort and Convenience Package adds soft-close doors, a hands-free trunk lid, front and rear parking sensors, and power-adjustable foot pedals for $1,500. Another interesting option is the $700 Climate Package that adds heated rear seats, heated windshield washers, and a power rear sunblind. Lots of standalone extras like upgraded audio systems (ranging from $1,100 to $2,500), extended leather trim ($1,100), and adaptive LED headlights ($1,450) are available.

Modena models are available with a $2,600 Interior Carbon Fiber Package, which adds carbon fiber column-mounted paddle shifters, carbon fiber door sills, and high gloss carbon fiber twill trim. Also only available on the Modena is the $4,000 Sportivo Package with its sports seats and pedals, Alcantara headliner, Skyhook performance suspension, and adaptive LED headlights.

Because the Ghibli is more expensive than its competitors, we would try to keep costs to a minimum, while dialing up the fun. For that reason, we'd go with the Maserati Ghibli Modena RWD. The Modena gets the more powerful 424-hp twin-turbo V6 engine. It retains the less powerful base model's features, though, which include 19-inch Poseidone aluminum wheels, a 10.1-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi connectivity, power front seats, dual-zone climate control, blind-spot warning, front and rear parking sensors, and keyless start. The extra power alone is worth the $4,700 premium.

The Quattroporte is the bigger sibling and starts out at an asking price that is $30,000 more than the Ghibli. From the outside, the Quattroporte shares similar styling with the Ghibli but measures over ten inches longer and has a wheelbase nearly seven inches longer. Under the hood, the Quattroporte shares its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with the Ghibli in exactly the same two power outputs. For 2022, the Quattroporte range is identical to the Ghibli range, with the same three trims, drivelines, and engines. The bigger car is just a little slower because it is heavier. Both cars offer a similarly sporty driving feel, with the Ghibli being arguably the sportier of the two due to its lower curb weight. On the inside, the Quattroporte offers a stunning interior that is a step up from the Ghibli, with a lot more passenger space. Tech and features are on the same level. Where the Ghibli does battle with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Quattroporte has to go up against the Porsche Panamera and even the Merc S-Class. If you need the extra space, go for it, but we'd stick with the cheaper Ghibli.

The BMW 5 Series has traditionally lived at the top of the class, and the 2022 iteration is no different; it is a shining example of what a sporty executive sedan should be and combines luxury and technology effortlessly. Besides the Maserati's stunning looks, there is very little that it does better than the BMW. There's a solid range of engine choices on offer in the 5 Series lineup, but the most potent trim, the M550i, supplies a massive 523-hp from its twin-turbo V8 engine that blows the Ghibli out of the water. On the road, it is the superior car, both in terms of comfort and sportiness. The interior is also a more comfortable and luxurious space, and the tech levels are far superior. At $76,800 for the M550i xDrive Sedan, we don't understand why anyone would pay more for less.