Maserati–Ghibli

February 2014

Maserati is looking to muscle in on the upper echelons of the executive saloon sector with its new Ghibli four-door saloon. It uses much of the same components and technology as the latest Quattroporte large saloon, which bodes well for driving pleasure. To make sure the Ghibli can compete on the sporting front, there are 326- and 404bhp twin-turbo petrol V8s, both driving through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. However, for fleet customers Maserati has taken the unusual step for the Italian firm of introducing a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel with 271bhp. It uses the same gearbox as the petrols and deals with 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds while offering 47.9mpg and 158g/km Co2 emissions. A BMW 530d is cheaper, quicker and more frugal, but the draw of the Maserati badge should be enough for some.