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852 Posts
To begin, I am not a car expert; I believe I am an enthusiast, I like cars, I like to drive I like the feeling of pulling through a curve as fast as you can, downshifting and accelerating, shifting gears, driving fast. I have owned a 528I, a 540I and an E550 so you have an idea of where I am coming from. This review is totally IMO but hope that it will help those considering buying a Ghibli. I suggest you keep in mind the following:
· This car is primarily handmade (check out the videos on the manufacturing process which is very interesting).
· This car has a Maserati/Ferrari designed, Ferrari built engine (the true soul of this car!).
· This car has a newly designed/engineered dynamic AWD system specifically designed for sports car type driving.
· The design is all Italian, sexy, curvaceous, and cool. Turns heads wherever you go (especially when you blow by in sports mode!!).
· This is a Maserati……………..let me say it again……it is a Maserati…..let roll of your tongue and keep it in mind all the time.
· They made this car with a base including delivery for $77K……Let that number sink in for a moment. Consider the engineering the styling and everything else about this car and that you receive for the price. Ghibli is an automotive miracle!
Bottom Line – Maserati has created a ground breaking and innovative machine that will have the others (you know who they are) in their R&D facilities trying to catch up. Rides smooth when it needs to be or fast and agile. Highly engineered with ground breaking technologies (AWD, engine (output for size)) that creates an unbelievable ride regardless of where you are sitting. Awesome styling and look, solid feel, quiet, and provides an experience not just a ride and a smile every time you realize you are driving (or riding in) a Maserati!!
Exterior – the design of this car is spectacular how do I know – not only does it turn heads – it is a sight to behold and will be for a long time to come despite what others say. I am in a restaurant the other day and the owner wanted to know who owned the Maserati – he said beautiful car what did you pay $120K - $130K, and I said no just under $100K, really he says (funny weird face)….well congratulations and enjoy. When I leave the restaurant, what is sitting outside but a brand new BMW M6……………..clearly I just gave that guy a case buyer’s remorse….. what could have been……………not that an M6 is not a beautiful car but he never considered Maserati………….certain people are going to start to you can be sure of that!
Rear Design - I do not see why many do not like the rear design of this car……………..it is perfectly fine to me, I even like the integrated spoiler and twin dual pipes and the overall look. But beauty is in the eyes of the beholder!
Use of Aluminum – This car feels solid. The doors on the Ghibli do not sound tinny or feel cheap in your hand or when closed properly (not slammed). We could argue about where to use aluminum but my guess it was the hood and doors to maintain as close as possible to 50/50 (actually 51/49 for the Q S4) weight distribution. Should have been in the quarter panels? Maybe but you have to figure Maserati considered that.
Trunk lid is not the best feeling or sounding and unlike the doors feels light. Trunk needs to have a different opening system (he one they use is very bulky not hydraulic). However, I can close mine without slamming it like others have posted. Add some heavy padding on the lid and my guess is it will not pop up like it does currently and will feel more solid. Considering what you are buying this is a minor non-issue.
Trunk Capacity – very good. Fold down seats also very good. This is a daily driver so these are a must and was not left out.
Interior – There is a lot of debate on this but IMO they did a great job. I did not like the standard leather (felt hard and rough) but the luxury leather is excellent. Seats are very comfortable for cruising and driving hard. Eight way adjustable seats (others have many more but not sure how many more ways actually improve seating position). Seats have enough adjustments to select comfortable position. Standard headliner is very good and padded including all pillars. Good storage including air conditioned glove box and center console (keep drinks cool nice!!). Cup holders are small but hold a solo cup firmly which is good. Understand why Alcantra is extra (see other thread for a discussion on the benefits of this option). Guess it depends on what else you have driven and are used to but everyone who sits in my car just keeps saying what a beautiful car……
Trim choices are basic but decent Open Pore for those who do not like the high gloss, ebano for the high gloss and carbon fiber to coordinate a full sports car look. Wheels from 19-21” and a decent selection to create any look you want. Lots of third party options for wheels if none of the standard wheel packages are your cup of tea. Also, after market is starting to rev up which will add further choices for those who want them (spoilers, exhausts and in time ECU replacements).
MTC – Despite the moaning and groaning by many this is a decent system. Touch control is easy to navigate is well organized and has enough options to personalize how you want the car to function. I like the touch screen but some have a personal preference for an Idrive type system. Not enough to sway my decision to the contrary. I have only used the navigation system once and it seemed responsive. The music information does not get picked up from your iPhone but again minor deal. I have an SD card with 2700 songs and the voice system works just fine by song, artist or genre. Who cares that it is a Chrysler system. You want a lower priced Maserati…………..guess what…… Maserati cannot spend all the R&D on a infotainment system……..they spent it on the engine, drivetrain, and design which is what matters………………..want a better infotainment system buy a BMW or MB or Audi……but not really sure they are that much better………..regardless, I did not buy my car for the infotainment system. If that is really important to you then you do not understand the Maserati experience.
TFT (screen between speedo and tach)– Screen is very nice a lot of options to customize show turn by turn from the navigation system and while not heads up is very functional to get information without taking your eyes off the road too much. Plus I love blue so for me the gauges with mostly blue is just awesome.
Gear Shift – I have had my car less than a week I have full control of stick shift……it is a joystick like a video game (which I do not play)…enough said…………..just get used to it change is inevitable deal with it. Works fine. You do not like the look……..go for a ride in manual sports mode and you will forget all about the shifter……… because you will not be looking at it anyway!
Switchgear – Again if you want a Maserati for $77K base this is what you get…basic but functional…………I had some time to look at the interiors of the GT’s and QP and they do have nicer materials etc. You want that buy one and pay $120K-$180K……..switch gear works and I presume it is all durable but time will tell. But it does not detract from the overall look of the interior or my decision to buy this car.
Back Seat – room is just adequate not great but the back seats are comfortable and the center console has iPhone charger and a 12v socket and storage. Rear heaters if you want. Middle seat will work for local trips. Back should work fine for a family of four even on long trips………need more get a minivan (in 2015 Maserati will make one!! So just wait)
Steering Wheel – great solid feel and nice design – not as nice as the GT wheel but I will not belabor the point – nice enough for this price point, elegant styling and use of chrome accents and has all the functionality you will need. My favorite option heated steering wheel…………..worth every penny. Also like the wood accent around the circumference of the wheel which I believe is different.
Overall Impression – Cabin is elegant sleek beautiful with a clean look……not a lot of buttons…..why?.....because this car is for driving……..no one who has seen my car has said otherwise……………I agree it is nice to sit in the leather surrounds you and it is quiet (I have the laminated glass but difficult to tell how much quieter this option is)……(see other thread with a technical paper from long ago on the actual Db reductions)……….If all you can see is Chrysler stuff you are not looking at the interior the correct way, try again, and if it still really bothers you, spend much more money or look at something else because this does not detract from the overall experience or the high quality interior that Maserati has created for the Ghibli . Please refer back to the base price and the fact that this is a Maserati!!
Skyhook – while I have driven only a limited amount of miles, I have driven in NYC (crappy roads), hilly twisty roads and straight highway. There is not a lot of review information so here is my take on this feature. Normal mode is just heavenly, very compliant; cabin vibration and noise over imperfect surfaces and very rough pavement is nicely muted. Do not get the jarring discussed in the reviews which I believe were all on the base suspension. Sports Mode is stiffer while still continuing to compliant and muted (less than normal but not much) on imperfect or very rough surfaces. Body roll is minimized in sport mode while on the twisty roads and road imperfections are only slightly more noticeable than normal mode……car rides like a true sports car………not sure how this system does this but if you want a dual ride mode I highly recommend this option based on my driving experience so far. I believe sports suspensions are able to balance ride and handling they do not do it as well as skyhook. Unfortunately, I cannot compare Skyhook and the sports suspension with the Koni’s but there are some threads with some comments on that suspension . Overall sports mode is probably softer with Skyhook and no lowering of the car itself. You have to decide on the type of ride you want and make your decision accordingly.
Transmission/Drive Train and Driving Impressions - Sex is probably better but not by much (Ok not really). This is the finest car I have ever driven……(remember to see the other cars I have owned so you can take my comment into context)…………..summary by mode:
Auto – I do not notice any throttle lag (many threads on this topic) however in this mode I am driving the family and need smooth acceleration which is provided, in spades.
ICE – good for grandpa and snow as it is designed to be. Get Snow tires your Perelli P Zeros are going to be bricks in Winter. My Dealer’s current Deal $3,195 four Pirelli Snow tires, Mounting and Dismounting for three years and storage, not bad and painless.
Sport –There is slight throttle lag when you punch it but is it is slight and does not affect needed acceleration in regular driving conditions and this mode is still great for highway once you are up to speed and want higher shift points but not drive in manual. Exhaust note good but manual sport is way better.
Manual Sport (Skyhook engaged) – this is what this car is all about. Instant shifting, no hesitation, like being on rails and what is over steer and under steer because I cannot find any. Thank you dynamic AWD. And the exhaust note is so melodious even with the windows up you still can hear the sweet sounds. Downshifting, upshifting nothing but pop gurgle and roar……just unbelievable. Curves at speeds I did not think physically possible.
Speed/Power– 0-60 per the spec is 4.7 sec, going from 60-100 is literally takes a heartbeat! 100 feels like 60; 120 like 80 be aware and get a good radar/laser detector as you are going to need it. This Italian thoroughbred wants to go fast and when it is not, you can feel it wanting to go. I have not driven the base Ghibli, and some are going to scream NO, but I can see where some may want this model as it has more than enough power for a day to day family car. If you are in need of speed the Q S4 is the only way to go.
The future – This is the first year of a brand new car, not a remodel or upgrade a NEW car…………..one reviewer said how rare that was and how nice it was to test drive a truly new car…………… will Ghibli improve over time of course it will……………will what I consider minor will be corrected I think so. More tech (heads up, lane departure, active cruise control, etc.) may be in the future plans but when you think about why you buy a Maserati, how much of this tech do you really want? Some new tech is safety oriented and should be included in the future. More luxury items like self-closing doors and trunk lid sure, but you cannot get it all right on the first try, but you have to give Maserati credit because there was long hard thought given into what to focus on and I think they did an outstanding job. Buying now makes you a part of history in a great company that is going places and I am glad to be a part of their transformation.
I think Maserati has delivered an award winning machine with solid construction, top notch engineering, and the true Maserati experience to many who thought getting a Maserati was just a dream………..stop dreaming…….start driving you will not be sorry.
· This car is primarily handmade (check out the videos on the manufacturing process which is very interesting).
· This car has a Maserati/Ferrari designed, Ferrari built engine (the true soul of this car!).
· This car has a newly designed/engineered dynamic AWD system specifically designed for sports car type driving.
· The design is all Italian, sexy, curvaceous, and cool. Turns heads wherever you go (especially when you blow by in sports mode!!).
· This is a Maserati……………..let me say it again……it is a Maserati…..let roll of your tongue and keep it in mind all the time.
· They made this car with a base including delivery for $77K……Let that number sink in for a moment. Consider the engineering the styling and everything else about this car and that you receive for the price. Ghibli is an automotive miracle!
Bottom Line – Maserati has created a ground breaking and innovative machine that will have the others (you know who they are) in their R&D facilities trying to catch up. Rides smooth when it needs to be or fast and agile. Highly engineered with ground breaking technologies (AWD, engine (output for size)) that creates an unbelievable ride regardless of where you are sitting. Awesome styling and look, solid feel, quiet, and provides an experience not just a ride and a smile every time you realize you are driving (or riding in) a Maserati!!
Exterior – the design of this car is spectacular how do I know – not only does it turn heads – it is a sight to behold and will be for a long time to come despite what others say. I am in a restaurant the other day and the owner wanted to know who owned the Maserati – he said beautiful car what did you pay $120K - $130K, and I said no just under $100K, really he says (funny weird face)….well congratulations and enjoy. When I leave the restaurant, what is sitting outside but a brand new BMW M6……………..clearly I just gave that guy a case buyer’s remorse….. what could have been……………not that an M6 is not a beautiful car but he never considered Maserati………….certain people are going to start to you can be sure of that!
Rear Design - I do not see why many do not like the rear design of this car……………..it is perfectly fine to me, I even like the integrated spoiler and twin dual pipes and the overall look. But beauty is in the eyes of the beholder!
Use of Aluminum – This car feels solid. The doors on the Ghibli do not sound tinny or feel cheap in your hand or when closed properly (not slammed). We could argue about where to use aluminum but my guess it was the hood and doors to maintain as close as possible to 50/50 (actually 51/49 for the Q S4) weight distribution. Should have been in the quarter panels? Maybe but you have to figure Maserati considered that.
Trunk lid is not the best feeling or sounding and unlike the doors feels light. Trunk needs to have a different opening system (he one they use is very bulky not hydraulic). However, I can close mine without slamming it like others have posted. Add some heavy padding on the lid and my guess is it will not pop up like it does currently and will feel more solid. Considering what you are buying this is a minor non-issue.
Trunk Capacity – very good. Fold down seats also very good. This is a daily driver so these are a must and was not left out.
Interior – There is a lot of debate on this but IMO they did a great job. I did not like the standard leather (felt hard and rough) but the luxury leather is excellent. Seats are very comfortable for cruising and driving hard. Eight way adjustable seats (others have many more but not sure how many more ways actually improve seating position). Seats have enough adjustments to select comfortable position. Standard headliner is very good and padded including all pillars. Good storage including air conditioned glove box and center console (keep drinks cool nice!!). Cup holders are small but hold a solo cup firmly which is good. Understand why Alcantra is extra (see other thread for a discussion on the benefits of this option). Guess it depends on what else you have driven and are used to but everyone who sits in my car just keeps saying what a beautiful car……
Trim choices are basic but decent Open Pore for those who do not like the high gloss, ebano for the high gloss and carbon fiber to coordinate a full sports car look. Wheels from 19-21” and a decent selection to create any look you want. Lots of third party options for wheels if none of the standard wheel packages are your cup of tea. Also, after market is starting to rev up which will add further choices for those who want them (spoilers, exhausts and in time ECU replacements).
MTC – Despite the moaning and groaning by many this is a decent system. Touch control is easy to navigate is well organized and has enough options to personalize how you want the car to function. I like the touch screen but some have a personal preference for an Idrive type system. Not enough to sway my decision to the contrary. I have only used the navigation system once and it seemed responsive. The music information does not get picked up from your iPhone but again minor deal. I have an SD card with 2700 songs and the voice system works just fine by song, artist or genre. Who cares that it is a Chrysler system. You want a lower priced Maserati…………..guess what…… Maserati cannot spend all the R&D on a infotainment system……..they spent it on the engine, drivetrain, and design which is what matters………………..want a better infotainment system buy a BMW or MB or Audi……but not really sure they are that much better………..regardless, I did not buy my car for the infotainment system. If that is really important to you then you do not understand the Maserati experience.
TFT (screen between speedo and tach)– Screen is very nice a lot of options to customize show turn by turn from the navigation system and while not heads up is very functional to get information without taking your eyes off the road too much. Plus I love blue so for me the gauges with mostly blue is just awesome.
Gear Shift – I have had my car less than a week I have full control of stick shift……it is a joystick like a video game (which I do not play)…enough said…………..just get used to it change is inevitable deal with it. Works fine. You do not like the look……..go for a ride in manual sports mode and you will forget all about the shifter……… because you will not be looking at it anyway!
Switchgear – Again if you want a Maserati for $77K base this is what you get…basic but functional…………I had some time to look at the interiors of the GT’s and QP and they do have nicer materials etc. You want that buy one and pay $120K-$180K……..switch gear works and I presume it is all durable but time will tell. But it does not detract from the overall look of the interior or my decision to buy this car.
Back Seat – room is just adequate not great but the back seats are comfortable and the center console has iPhone charger and a 12v socket and storage. Rear heaters if you want. Middle seat will work for local trips. Back should work fine for a family of four even on long trips………need more get a minivan (in 2015 Maserati will make one!! So just wait)
Steering Wheel – great solid feel and nice design – not as nice as the GT wheel but I will not belabor the point – nice enough for this price point, elegant styling and use of chrome accents and has all the functionality you will need. My favorite option heated steering wheel…………..worth every penny. Also like the wood accent around the circumference of the wheel which I believe is different.
Overall Impression – Cabin is elegant sleek beautiful with a clean look……not a lot of buttons…..why?.....because this car is for driving……..no one who has seen my car has said otherwise……………I agree it is nice to sit in the leather surrounds you and it is quiet (I have the laminated glass but difficult to tell how much quieter this option is)……(see other thread with a technical paper from long ago on the actual Db reductions)……….If all you can see is Chrysler stuff you are not looking at the interior the correct way, try again, and if it still really bothers you, spend much more money or look at something else because this does not detract from the overall experience or the high quality interior that Maserati has created for the Ghibli . Please refer back to the base price and the fact that this is a Maserati!!
Skyhook – while I have driven only a limited amount of miles, I have driven in NYC (crappy roads), hilly twisty roads and straight highway. There is not a lot of review information so here is my take on this feature. Normal mode is just heavenly, very compliant; cabin vibration and noise over imperfect surfaces and very rough pavement is nicely muted. Do not get the jarring discussed in the reviews which I believe were all on the base suspension. Sports Mode is stiffer while still continuing to compliant and muted (less than normal but not much) on imperfect or very rough surfaces. Body roll is minimized in sport mode while on the twisty roads and road imperfections are only slightly more noticeable than normal mode……car rides like a true sports car………not sure how this system does this but if you want a dual ride mode I highly recommend this option based on my driving experience so far. I believe sports suspensions are able to balance ride and handling they do not do it as well as skyhook. Unfortunately, I cannot compare Skyhook and the sports suspension with the Koni’s but there are some threads with some comments on that suspension . Overall sports mode is probably softer with Skyhook and no lowering of the car itself. You have to decide on the type of ride you want and make your decision accordingly.
Transmission/Drive Train and Driving Impressions - Sex is probably better but not by much (Ok not really). This is the finest car I have ever driven……(remember to see the other cars I have owned so you can take my comment into context)…………..summary by mode:
Auto – I do not notice any throttle lag (many threads on this topic) however in this mode I am driving the family and need smooth acceleration which is provided, in spades.
ICE – good for grandpa and snow as it is designed to be. Get Snow tires your Perelli P Zeros are going to be bricks in Winter. My Dealer’s current Deal $3,195 four Pirelli Snow tires, Mounting and Dismounting for three years and storage, not bad and painless.
Sport –There is slight throttle lag when you punch it but is it is slight and does not affect needed acceleration in regular driving conditions and this mode is still great for highway once you are up to speed and want higher shift points but not drive in manual. Exhaust note good but manual sport is way better.
Manual Sport (Skyhook engaged) – this is what this car is all about. Instant shifting, no hesitation, like being on rails and what is over steer and under steer because I cannot find any. Thank you dynamic AWD. And the exhaust note is so melodious even with the windows up you still can hear the sweet sounds. Downshifting, upshifting nothing but pop gurgle and roar……just unbelievable. Curves at speeds I did not think physically possible.
Speed/Power– 0-60 per the spec is 4.7 sec, going from 60-100 is literally takes a heartbeat! 100 feels like 60; 120 like 80 be aware and get a good radar/laser detector as you are going to need it. This Italian thoroughbred wants to go fast and when it is not, you can feel it wanting to go. I have not driven the base Ghibli, and some are going to scream NO, but I can see where some may want this model as it has more than enough power for a day to day family car. If you are in need of speed the Q S4 is the only way to go.
The future – This is the first year of a brand new car, not a remodel or upgrade a NEW car…………..one reviewer said how rare that was and how nice it was to test drive a truly new car…………… will Ghibli improve over time of course it will……………will what I consider minor will be corrected I think so. More tech (heads up, lane departure, active cruise control, etc.) may be in the future plans but when you think about why you buy a Maserati, how much of this tech do you really want? Some new tech is safety oriented and should be included in the future. More luxury items like self-closing doors and trunk lid sure, but you cannot get it all right on the first try, but you have to give Maserati credit because there was long hard thought given into what to focus on and I think they did an outstanding job. Buying now makes you a part of history in a great company that is going places and I am glad to be a part of their transformation.
I think Maserati has delivered an award winning machine with solid construction, top notch engineering, and the true Maserati experience to many who thought getting a Maserati was just a dream………..stop dreaming…….start driving you will not be sorry.
