Maserati Ghibli Review 2024

Maserati Ghibli At A Glance

2/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Maserati Ghibli makes much of the competition look distinctly ordinary. Its rarity is also guaranteed to create plenty of interest and admiration, and if that sounds good to you, then it might well be worth a look.

+Glamorous styling inside and out, an interesting and left-field choice, petrols are satisfyingly quick.

-Clunky gear selector action, brakes lack progressive feel, expensive alongside the competition, steering is a touch vague.

New prices start from £66,525
Insurance Group 50
On average it achieves 72% of the official MPG figure

The Maserati Ghibli is very glamorous in its looks and image, and that alone gives it some appeal. The desirable badge does no harm on that score, either, and neither does the fact that the Ghibli is a much rarer sight than its rather ubiquitous rivals, rivals that include the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Jaguar XF. If that sounds tempting, do bear in mind that it's a pricey option compared with the rivals mentioned, and what’s more, it trails behind most of them in several key areas. But, it’s an interesting and appealing car nonetheless.

Traditionally, Maserati has been a brand associated with style, glamour and exclusivity. With the Ghibli, however, the Italian manufacturer looked to change things up a bit. A more affordable offering to rival executive saloons like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, this car represented the beginnings of Maserati’s attempt to become less of a niche player, and more of a mainstream name.

There was already plenty of heritage behind the Ghibli name, too. It dates back to the 1960s, although back then, the Ghibli was a grand tourer designed to compete with cars like the Ferrari Daytona, rather than an executive saloon.

To keep Maserati purists happy, two Ferrari-built 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines with eight-speed automatic gearboxes were offered.

However, success in the executive saloon market hinges on the availability of a diesel, meaning that the Ghibli was the first ever Maserati model that could be fuelled from the black pump. The engine was the same 3.0-litre V6 unit used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but unfortunately, from the noise it made, you’d think it came from an old Routemaster bus.

To be honest, the Ghibli wasn’t ideal in other areas, either. The ride was firm and lumpy, the handling was only so-so and the steering was vague.

Inside, meanwhile, there wasn’t that much luxury or safety equipment, or that much space, the infotainment system on early cars was a mess and the quality of the materials and assembly wasn’t quite good enough. It’s not a bad car by any means, but remember, these are all areas in which the Ghibli’s German rivals really excel, so the differences are brought into even starker contrast.

That said, the car isn’t completely without appeal. It looks good for starters, with a long bonnet and short rear-end, and aggressive, angular features similar to those seen on the Quattroporte luxury car.

Ask Honest John

Why does my Maserati Ghibli have a steering judder problem?

"My Maserati Ghibli has a wheel judder issue when turning on hard lock. I read about the wheel judder on some Mercedes-Benz models also doing this. I have asked Maserati about this but they say it is quite normal and not to worry - but I do worry - it does not seem right! The manufacturers warranty is due to expire in a week so should I insist on a check before the warranty expires? "
If it happens on 3/4 lock there's a problem. If it only happens on full lock then the reason is that to give the car an acceptable turning radius the lock stops have been set too ambitiously. You can have the lock stops altered, but the result will be a greater turning circle. The Mercedes-Benz C43 and GLC problem is that it crabs well before full lock is applied.
Answered by Honest John

Best price on a new Maserati Ghibli?

"We are thinking of buying either a new Audi A7 or a Maserati Ghibli (both would be petrol). Increasingly we are steering towards taking a risk on the Italian (heart over head!). What discount should we be aiming to get on the Ghibli? And any view on best long term bet residual wise? "
VAG pitches its PCP residuals high; Maserati is being cautious, but, with the exception of Ferrari, on past performance, high residuals are more likely to be realised by German cars than by Italians. Any discount you can negotiate depends on whether the car is already in dealer stock or not and whether it's pre-registered or not. If he's been sitting on it for a while, he'll normally have to let it go.
Answered by Honest John

Buying a new Maserati Ghibli - what wheels?

"I am considering buying a 2015 Maserati Ghibli S which comes with 18 inch wheels as standard, but as an extra you can have 19 inch, 20 inch or 21 Inch wheels.On questioning the dealer he says the only difference is the look, but I have seen you advise that the ride is also affected. If so can you advise me which size you think I should choose?"
Unless you are planning to race the car, stick with the standard 18" wheels. The 19s, 20s and 21s all mean less rubber between the rims and the roads, which on Britain's pothole infested roads is a recipe for disaster as well as for a bruised coccyx.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Maserati Ghibli cost?