Maserati Ghibli updated for more class and thrills, going for RM619K

By THOMAS HUONG | 9 August 2017


The 2017 Maserati Ghibli sports saloon gets even more luxurious and sporty, with an updated Ferrari-built twin turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that now delivers 350hp, which is 20hp more than its predecessor.

It is priced at RM618,800 with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty.

And if you are concerned about the air quality on the road, fret not as the Ghibli now has Air Quality Sensor, which can calculate external pollution levels and prevent polluted air from entering the cabin.

file6uhxlqv5kmxururwlb2


Updates in the cabin include a large 8.4-inch touchscreen in the central dashboard linked to a new infotainment system that is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions.

The central, lower console between the front seats, now has a hosts a rotary knob to control volume and functions, a new lid and a new phone storage compartment.

So, the Ghibli's cabin has quite a busy lower centre console with lots of storage options and control functions.

For better safety on the road, the Ghibli gets the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) which includes front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera, Surround View Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Alert and Rear Cross Path Detection.

file6uhxmitjlwnib0xhlb1


Parking the Ghibli is now much easier with the Surround View Camera system, which uses four cameras to provide a 360-degree view around the car on a top-down image.

Available from Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati in Malaysia, the rear-wheel drive Ghibli carries a high price tag.

Rivals include the Jaguar XF, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A7 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class saloon.

However, potential buyers should take note of its mighty 3.0-litre V6 twin turbocharged petrol engine that produces a blistering 350hp and 500Nm of torque.

file6uhxkddlt6sslkgdlb1


Power is delivered via a smooth and efficient 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, which now features the Start and Stop function.

The 350hp Ghibli can do the 0 to 100kph sprint in just 5.5 seconds.

Built together with the Maserati Quattroporte on the same production line at the Avvocato Giovanni Agnelli plant in Grugliasco near Turin, the Ghibli also shares parts of its core architecture - chassis, suspension layout, V6 engines - with the flagship Italian saloon.

There's no lack of premium kit here, and you get nice kit like dual-zone automatic climate control, a space saving electronic parking brake, powered front seats with two memory settings for the driver's side, posh leather seat upholstery, and a 900W 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

file6uhxmfzt5p0myqv9lb1


Amid all the modern gadgetry in the cabin, there is still some old school charm with an analogue clock with the Trident emblem positioned on the top centre of dashboard.

It is a plush, well-appointed cabin with lots of practicality like rear air-conditioning vents, four door bins and an assortment of cup holders and cubbyholes for small items.

We really like the deep centre storage box with two cup holders (can fit two 600ml water bottles placed upright), and it's also where you can find a chiller function to cool drinks, and 180W power outlet.

A spacious 500-litre boot and 60/40 folding rear seats add more utility.

file6uhxmqzjrlhox3azlb1


Running on high-performance Pirelli P Zero tyres sized 245/45 (front) and 275/40 (rear) wrapped around 19-inch alloy wheels, the Ghibli can be a smooth, refined executive drive or a sporty, engaging and aggressive creature.

Drive modes include an "Auto Sport" mode with sporty gear engagement, and there's also the Skyhook adaptive damping system where at the press of a button, ride comfort and damping stiffness can be adjusted.

You get the thrilling full-bodied exhaust growl of a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo powered Italian stallion from the quad exhausts when putting the car through its paces on an empty highway stretch.

file6uhxk8866mb1ir6qflb1


The Ghibli's speed-sensitive, servo-powered hydraulic steering is precise and communicative, and throttle response is sharp.

While we did not push the Maserati too hard, we certainly enjoyed its composed handling at speed which is expected, given its sophisticated engineering, ideal 50:50 weight distribution, double-wishbone front and five-bar multi-link rear suspension set-up, and the standard limited slip differential.

With the 2017 updates and more safety features, the Ghibli continues to be an exciting, engaging drive with plenty of leather-clad luxury and high-tech driver assistance systems.

Maserati Ghibli (2017 model)
Engine: 2,979cc V6 twin turbo petrol
Maximum power: 350hp at 5,500rpm
Maximum torque: 500Nm at 1,750rpm to 4,500rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic from ZF
Acceleration (0 to 100kph): 5.5 seconds
Features: Seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera, surround view camera, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Alert, Rear Cross Path Detection, Brake Assistance System (BAS), Maserati Stability Program (MSP), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, rear ISOFIX fittings for child seats.
Price: RM618,800 (excludes road tax, insurance and registration); three-year unlimited mileage warranty

file6uhxnehm6f61436tflb2


Keywords

Overview

Styling
90%
Comfort
90%
Performance
90%
Safety
90%
Value
90%

CarSifu's Rating: 9.0