Maserati Ghibli review - Engines, performance and drive

The Maserati Ghibli now drives a lot better than it once did, courtesy of the new electric steering. It replaces the old conventional hydraulic setup, and while it isn’t perfect – it can feel a little inert – it’s a step up from before.

But as a pure driver’s car, it doesn’t quite hit the spot. The ride quality is mediocre, even with the optional Skyhook electronic damping system, while the Ghibli never feels that quick, regardless of the engine choice. The chief problem is the weight, with the Ghibli knocking on for nearly two-tonnes.

Take it easy, and the Maserati is a mixed bag. Firm suspension fidgets and shimmies over bumps where the Jaguar XF feels stable and solid, while the sharp brake pedal also takes some getting used to. The car is great on a twisting B-road, but the rest of the time it’s too firm and unsettled to be a relaxing cruiser.

Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed

The entry-level Ghibli model uses a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol powertrain with an electric supercharger and 48-volt mild hybrid assistance. The engine develops 325bhp and 450Nm of torque, which means 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 158mph.

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Engaging drive with the shifter is tricky, as you need to be deliberate when pulling the trigger to select it, otherwise you’re left in neutral, which can be frustrating. Another niggle is that it’s easy to accidentally knock the lever across from drive to Sport mode, because it’s closely positioned just ahead of the climate and infotainment controls.

If it’s real excitement you’re after, the Ferrari-built twin-turbo V6 petrol will be more to your liking. Even in its less-potent 345bhp form, it delivers sharp throttle response and a much more Maserati-esque growl from the quad exhausts. 0-62mph arrives in 5.5 seconds, or 4.9 seconds in the 424bhp Ghibli S. Top speeds for the petrol models are 166mph and 177mph respectively.

The fire-breathing V8 Ghibli Trofeo takes things on even further with 572bhp and a sprint time of 4.3s. Top speed is also superior at 203mph.