Maserati Ghibli 2019 Review

The executive luxury sedan market has always been an arena balancing brand heritage and performance. As the entry-level four-door model of the Trident brand, the 2019 Maserati Ghibli aims to stand out in a market dominated by German competitors with its distinctive Italian design and a rare rear-wheel-drive layout in its price range. This review focuses on the current Ghibli and Ghibli S core models, with the main aim of evaluating their performance, luxurious feel in line with the brand positioning, and practicality for daily family use.

The exterior design of the Ghibli continues Maserati's family-style aesthetics, with a highly recognizable front grille featuring the iconic vertical slatted shield design, matched with sharp LED headlights on both sides. The fluent side lines of the car, along with its length of 4971mm and a wheelbase of 2998mm, create an elegant executive stance. The Trident emblem on the end of the C-pillar serves as an eye-catching detail. At the rear, the design features dual round exhaust outlets and a slightly raised ducktail, retaining a sporty vibe; the intricate structure of the LED taillights ensures clear visibility when lit at night. The overall design avoids excessively exaggerated lines while maintaining an identifiable luxurious vibe, perfectly suiting the understated aura of a high-end brand.

Inside the car, the Ghibli’s interior predominantly adopts a black color scheme, with extensive leather wrapping and wood grain trims enhancing the sense of luxury. Most touchpoints are made of soft materials. The center console is tilted towards the driver, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen embedded in the center of the dashboard. The interface is intuitive and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with smooth operation that meets mainstream standards. The seats are wrapped in genuine leather, with front seats offering electric adjustment and lumbar support. The side bolsters provide moderate support, balancing comfort and sportiness. In terms of configuration, the standard model includes dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry/start, cruise control, and other practical features. The Ghibli S adds paddle shifters and sports seats to enhance its sporty attributes.

In terms of space performance, the 2998mm wheelbase ensures sufficient legroom in the rear. A passenger standing 175cm tall would have about two fist widths of legroom, while the headroom appears slightly compact at around one fist width. The rear central tunnel has a relatively high bump, making it less suitable for a third passenger to sit for extended periods. Regarding storage, the capacity of the front central armrest and door panel storage boxes is moderate. The trunk has a regular shape with a typical volume of 500L, easily accommodating two 28-inch suitcases, meeting the needs of daily commuting and short trips. The rear is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, providing decent practicality.

In terms of performance, the Ghibli is equipped with a 3.0T V6 low-output engine producing a maximum of 335PS and a peak torque of 500N·m, while the Ghibli S features a high-output version with a maximum of 416PS and a peak torque of 550N·m. Both are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. During daily driving, the Ghibli offers smooth power delivery, with light initial acceleration, and the turbo noticeably kicks in when the revs exceed 2000rpm, delivering strong acceleration. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 5.5 seconds. The Ghibli S has a more robust power reserve, allowing for effortless overtaking during mid-range acceleration without needing to press the accelerator hard. The gearbox exhibits intelligent shifting logic; in sports mode, downshifting is active and responsive to the driver’s intentions. In normal driving mode, the gearbox prioritizes smoothness, making it suitable for daily commutes.

Handling performance is a highlight of the Ghibli. The electric power steering is precise, with minimal dead zone. It feels light at low speeds and stable at high speeds, providing a delicate touch. The chassis features front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for sportiness. When passing over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension quickly filters out vibrations without feeling loose. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and the rear-wheel-drive layout offers more driving pleasure compared to front-wheel-drive competitors. The braking system performs linearly, with moderate pedal force in the initial stage, and the vehicle remains stable during emergency braking.

In terms of fuel consumption, the Ghibli has an average fuel consumption of approximately 10.5L/100km, while the Ghibli S is slightly higher at about 11.8L/100km, which aligns with the energy consumption level of a 3.0T V6 engine. Regarding noise control, wind noise and tire noise are well-suppressed at high speeds, but the engine's roar at high RPMs penetrates into the cabin. This magnetic growl enhances the driving atmosphere, fitting the positioning of a sporty luxury car. The seat padding is thick, making it comfortable for long trips without causing fatigue, and overall driving comfort is well-balanced.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2019 Maserati Ghibli lie in its distinctive Italian design, driving fun from the rear-wheel-drive layout, and the charm of its V6 engine's sound. Compared to German competitors in the same price range, it boasts a more unique brand character without falling behind in performance. However, its interior tech updates are relatively slow, and the rear headroom is somewhat tight, which are its drawbacks. This car is suitable for consumers who seek the prestige of a luxury brand but do not want to follow the crowd with German cars, especially young families who value driving fun. It is a practical choice for daily commuting while accommodating occasional spirited driving needs. If you're looking for an executive sedan with personality and excellent handling, the Ghibli is worth considering.