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INTRODUCTION
Maserati has always been a niche brand but, in 2013, it looked to expand into new markets with the Ghibli. It’s a four-door executive saloon and it’s effectively a smaller version of the plush Quattroporte that sits above it in the range. Maserati has confirmed that it will not build a model smaller than a Ghibli or Levante, so this represents the entry point to the luxury Italian brand’s products.
MODEL RANGE
Maserati offered the Ghibli with high-powered petrol engines from launch, but the only one you’ll find here is the Diesel model. This came with a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, which delivered 275hp and 570Nm until 2015, when it was replaced by an uprated version of the same engine with 30Nm more torque (for a peak of 600Nm), but the same power; this more muscular V6 diesel came ahead of a wider facelift for the Ghibli range, which took effect in 2017. Either version of the Ghibli Diesel comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive, and performance sees 0-100km/h come up in 6.3 seconds with the Ghibli capable of running on to a 250km/h maximum. The Ghibli, thus equipped, holds the honour of being the first Maserati ever fitted with a diesel engine.
BEST BUY
There’s only one – the pre-2016 570Nm Ghibli Diesel will be cheaper but, if you can stretch to it, the later 600Nm car is worth seeking out.
THE NUMBERS
Maserati Ghibli Diesel
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel
Power: 275hp
Maximum speed: 250km/h (limited)
0-100km/h: 6.3 seconds
Fuel consumption: 5.9 litres/100km
CO2: 158g/km
GOOD POINTS
• Strong engine
• Handsome looks
• Spacious in the rear
BAD POINTS
• Occasionally unsettled ride
• Mediocre infotainment
• Rare, so hard to get hold of
SUMMARY
The Maserati Ghibli is an intriguing alternative to the mainstream executive fare, and it blends some classic Italian style with a good chassis and strong V6 diesel engine. Its relative rarity makes it a hard car to track down on the used market but, if you can find a good one, it’s well worth trying out.