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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
Overview
With a twin-turbocharged V-6 or V-8 engine under its shapely hood, the 2021 Maserati Ghibli is the Italian thoroughbred of the mid-size luxury sedan marketplace.
This hot-blooded four-door looks the part, too, with its aggressive, swept-back headlamps, bodacious body sides, and distinctive fender vents.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
Most models get the V-6, which makes either 345 or 424 horsepower and can be had with rear- or all-wheel drive.
Opt for the V-8–powered Trofeo and the Maserati will swap the V-6 for a Ferrari-derived, 580-hp twin-turbo V-8.
No matter the engine, the Ghibli rewards its driver with an athletic chassis and a growling exhaust note.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
Unfortunately, the sedan isn't as proficient at hauling people, as its rear seat is less spacious than the Audi A6 or Mercedes-Benz E-class
Plus, Maserati has borrowed several low-rent switches and knobs from elsewhere in the Fiat-Chrysler portfolio.
Still, the Ghibli's cabin can be optioned with all manner of luxury materials, including leather-and-silk upholstery from Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna, which add an undeniably upscale ambiance.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
What's New for 2021?
Like its siblings—the Quattroporte sedan and the Levante SUV—the Ghibli now comes in a racy Trofeo trim powered by a 580-hp twin-turbo V-8.
Opting for the range-topping Trofeo also adds a limited-slip rear differential and a Corsa driving mode with launch control.
All Ghibli models receive a new infotainment system for 2021, which includes a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen display, a voice-activated virtual assistant, and an available wireless charging pad.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- Base: $71,000 (est.)
- S: $76,000 (est.)
- GranLusso: $78,000 (est.)
- GranSport: $78,000 (est.)
- GranLusso Q4: $85,000 (est.)
- GranSport: Q4: $85,000 (est.)
- Trofeo: $130,000 (est.)
If the Ghibli's starting price seems high, that's because it is. Most mid-size luxury sedans start around $55,000 and increase from there.
The Ghibli skips the four-cylinders and offers a twin-turbo V-6 as standard equipment. I'd suggest the S model as it unlocks the engine's full 424 ponies and covers more of the Ghibli's interior with genuine leather upholstery.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The base setup for the Ghibli is a 345-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 with rear-wheel drive; the S performance version ups the power to 424 horsepower.
Going with the range-topping Trofeo model adds a 580-hp twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive (Q4 in Maserati parlance) is available with the V-6. Both engines have an eight-speed automatic transmission.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
Today it can be outrun by a non-AMG version of the Mercedes-Benz E-class. Since then, Maserati has upped the power on S models from 404 to 424 ponies.
The engine in the Maserati Levante SUV manages a time of 5.1 seconds, so the lighter Ghibli should be noticeably quicker.
The Ghibli's on-road demeanor is frisky but it maintains a level of refinement that keeps it in the hunt with some of today's best luxury sport sedans.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Since the Ghibli lacks a base four-cylinder model, its EPA fuel-economy ratings are thirstier than the average mid-size luxury car.
The rear-wheel-drive V-6 models earn ratings of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway; going for all-wheel drive drops the city rating to 16 mpg. The EPA hasn't released fuel economy estimates for the V-8–powered Trofeo.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
While the exterior exudes Italian style, the cabin isn't as luxurious as expected. A few of its interior bits are sourced from lesser vehicles within the Fiat-Chrysler product portfolio.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
For example: it uses the same window switches as the Jeep Cherokee and light switches and steering-column stalks from the now-defunct Chrysler Town & Country.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
Buyers can, however, spec the Ghibli with beautifully stitched leather-and-silk seats, a faux-suede headliner, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel.
The Ghibli's trunk is larger than that of the E-class or the A6, but the BMW M5-series offers slightly more space.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
Infotainment and Connectivity
All Ghibli models come with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features a glossy display and runs a re-skinned version Google's Android Automotive interface.
Navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all standard.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
An eight-speaker audio system is standard, too, but audiophiles will be happy to know that Maserati offers two different premium systems as upgrades.
The first is a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon setup while the second is a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. A wireless charging pad is a new feature for 2021.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not performed crash tests on a Ghibli, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has.
The Ghibli performed well in IIHS's crash tests but missed out on a Top Safety Pick designation because the agency has yet to test the car's headlamp performance or driver-assistance features.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
Key safety features include:
- Available automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
2021 Maserati Ghibli
Most mid-size luxury cars from Europe offer simple four-year/50,000-mile warranties, and the Ghibli follows suit.
It would be nice if Maserati offered a complimentary scheduled maintenance package with the purchase of a new Ghibli, but such a policy has been omitted from the car's standard package.
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| 2021 Maserati Ghibli |
The 5-series and the Jaguar XF both offer better value in this category.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Power-train warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance.
2021 Maserati Ghibli
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