Overview
With designer looks and twin-turbo power, the 2022 Maserati Ghibli brings a ton of Italian attitude to the mid-size luxury sedan party. Four-cylinder engines be damned, the Ghibli offers a 345-hp twin-turbo V-6 as standard while upper trims come with either a 424-hp version of that engine or a 580-hp twin-turbo V-8. To go along with its powerful engines, the Ghibli’s chassis is set up for driving thrills—it’s a joy to pitch down a curvy back road. Unfortunately, it may be too focused on fun, as the Ghibli doesn’t stack up well against rivals in the luxury and comfort categories, as its rear seat is less accommodating than rivals such as the Audi A6 or the Mercedes-Benz E-class. A host of leather, wood, and metal trims dot the Ghibli’s cabin to upscale effect, but several knobs and switches appear to be lifted directly from the Stellantis (Maserati’s parent company) parts bin. Still, the Maserati’s styling and performance make it endearing, plus its relative obscurity means it turns heads like Italian exotics from Ferrari and Lamborghini.
What’s New for 2022?
Maserati has simplified the Ghibli’s lineup for 2022 and created three distinct trim levels, starting with the 345-hp GT, then graduating to the 424-hp Modena and then the beastly 580-hp Trofeo. The GT presents a more luxury-oriented design while the Modena and Trofeo lean heavily on more aggressive design themes to project their performance. The Ghibli now comes standard with a host of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
If the Ghibli’s starting price seems high, that’s because it is. Most mid-size luxury sedans start around $55,000 and increase from there. But those rival sedans also start with turbocharged four-cylinders and then graduate to higher-powered V-6 engines as the price rises. The Ghibli skips the four-cylinders and offers a twin-turbo V-6 as standard equipment. We’d suggest the Modena model as it unlocks the engine’s full 424 ponies and covers more of the Ghibli’s interior with genuine leather upholstery.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The base setup for the Ghibli is a 345-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 with rear-wheel drive; the Modena model ups the power to 424 horsepower. Going with the range-topping Trofeo model adds a 580-hp twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive (Q4 in Maserati parlance) is available with the V-6. Both engines have an eight-speed automatic transmission. We tested an S model (replaced by the Modena for 2022) back in 2014 and were charmed by the exotic sounds it made. At our test track, it managed a 4.7-second zero-to-60-mph time—quick for 2014, but today it can be outrun by a non-AMG version of the Mercedes-Benz E-class. Since then, Maserati has upped the power on that version of the V-6 engine to 424 ponies. When we tested this engine in the Maserati Levante SUV, it managed a time of 5.1 seconds, so the lighter Ghibli should be noticeably quicker. The V-8–powered Trofeo model packs and even mightier wallop, and we estimate it’s capable of a 3.7-second run to 60 mph. The Ghibli’s on-road demeanor is frisky, but it maintains a level of refinement that keeps it in the hunt with some of today’s best luxury sport sedans.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Since the Ghibli lacks a base four-cylinder model, its EPA fuel-economy ratings are thirstier than the average mid-size luxury car. The rear-wheel-drive V-6 models earn ratings of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway; going for all-wheel drive drops the city rating to 16 mpg. The V-8–powered Trofeo is rated at 13 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. We haven’t tested the Ghibli on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route, but plan to update this review when we get a chance to do so. For more information about the Ghibli’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
While the exterior exudes Italian style, the cabin isn’t as luxurious as expected. A few of its interior bits are sourced from lesser vehicles within the Stellantis product portfolio. For example: It uses the same window switches as the Jeep Cherokee and light switches and steering-column stalks from the now-defunct Chrysler Town & Country. Buyers can, however, spec the Ghibli with beautifully stitched leather-and-silk seats, a faux-suede headliner, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. The Ghibli’s trunk is larger than that of the E-class or the A6, but the BMW 5-series offers slightly more space. When a Ghibli visits our office, we’ll see how many carry-on suitcases it can accommodate and update this review with the results.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All Ghibli models come with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features a glossy display and runs a re-skinned version Google’s Android Automotive interface. Navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all standard. An eight-speaker audio system is standard, too, but audiophiles will be happy to know that Maserati offers two different premium systems as upgrades. The first is a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon setup, while the second is a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Ghibli is offered with a number of driver-assistance features; most are standard equipment. For more information about the Ghibli’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Most mid-size luxury cars from Europe offer simple four-year/50,000-mile warranties, and the Ghibli follows suit. It would be nice if Maserati offered a complimentary scheduled maintenance package with the purchase of a new Ghibli, but such a policy has been omitted from the car’s standard package. The 5-series and the Jaguar XF both offer better value in this category.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
