The ever-increasing pressure to produce environmentally-friendly vehicles has seen most volume sellers forced into adopting electrification in their range in some way, shape, or form. The latest manufacturer to include battery power to their range is none other than the illustrious Maserati, purveyors of performance machines with an undeniable Italian flair.
Very few manufacturers have evolved quite as much as Maserati over the last few years. Fanatics were shocked to hear of their forway into the SUV market with the Levante and then left perplexed as they heard of the diesel power plant on offer, not only in the Levante but also in their mid-size luxury sedan offering, the Ghibli.
Now it's the turn of the Ghibli to usher in a new era for Maserati with the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid which embodies the ethos of "Faster than diesel, greener than gasoline".
Related: The Maserati Ghibli S GranSport - More power, more panache.
Hybrid drivetrain
While some manufacturers are presenting full EV and PHEV alternatives of their current ranges, Maserati has elected to ease customers into the concept of electrification with a mild-hybrid drive system, akin to those found in Mercedes-Benz offerings.
The petrol-powered internal combustion engine is complemented by a 48-volt electrical system to assist with the overall power output and the seamless delivery of power when the turbocharger is not at optimum RPM. Consisting of a Belt Starter/Generator (BSG), a battery, eBooster and DC/DC converter, the beefy electrical system receives its charge from the petrol engine and is further assisted by the regenerative braking system as found in modern Formula 1 cars.
The BSG replaces the alternator and helps plumb charge into the battery pack that is located at the rear of the Ghibli. The eBooster is the one responsible for filling in the gaps in power delivery and for adding additional power at peak RPM. At part throttle applications, the eBooster helps balance the fuel usage and performance.
The Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) selected for the new Maserati Ghibli Hybrid is a down-sized 2.0-litre 4-cylinder offering with its roots in the Alfa Romeo stable. The Alfa Romeo TwinAir unit has been heavily redesigned to allow it to function in conjunction with the eBooster and BSG and uses a bespoke Bosch ECU (Engine Control Unit). Assembly of this engine takes place at the Maserati/FCA plant in Termoli.
This unit, while down on size, has been tuned to still provide a sporty sound, one befitting of a Maserati. The Maserati Ghibli Hybrid produces 246 kW (330 hp) and 450 Nm torque, sending the power to the rear wheel through a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox with steering-mounted paddles, and a limited-slip differential.
Maserati claims that the Ghibli Hybrid is good for a 0 - 100 km/h sprint time of 5.7-seconds and a top speed of 255 km/h.
Design
Only the subtlest of changes have been made to Maserati Ghibli Hybrid do help differentiate it from its stablemates.
The front bumper gets a slight redesign and the redesigned grille features a prominent Trident emblem with chrome detailing on the GranLusso trim level and Piano Black on the GranSport model. Further dark blue highlights on the wing vents, Brembo brake callipers, and in the thunderbolt on the pillar badge signify that this Maserati is electrified.
At the rear, new taillights with a boomerang design theme find their place, not only on the Hybrid but across the entire MY21 Ghibli range. The 3-colour lens is crafted with a 3K0injection moulding process for exemplary fit and finish.
Interior updates
The Maserati Ghibli Hybrid also introduces new interior features and tech that will be standardised across the MY21 Ghibli range, including a new infotainment system. The new-generation MIA (Maserati Intelligent Assistant) multimedia system utilizes an Android OS and HD screen. The screen size itself grows from 8.4-inches to 10.1-inches for the 2021 model year, providing more real estate thanks to its borderless design. This system plumbs audio to an 8-speaker, 280-watt Harman Kardon sound system with Harman Kardon Premium and Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound audio systems available as options.
The Ghibli gets 12-way electric power sport seats with integrated anti-whiplash headrests, a sports steering wheel and Inox sport pedals.
Trims vary between GranLusso and GranSport trims. The GranLusso model receives the Ermenegildo Zegna Silk interior with mulberry silk inserts.
Autonomy
While available since the MY18 update, the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid (and MY21 models) will feature an improved Level 2 autonomous driving system, replete with Highway Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist. Traffic Sign Recognition is an optional extra.
Where earlier systems only allowed for the Highway Assist to help with active steering on the highway, the updates see the system functioning off the highway, working in conjunction with the Adaptive Cruise Control and various cameras positioned around the car.
Still a Maserati
Maserati insists that the new Ghibli Hybrid is as much a thoroughbred Maserati as the models proceeding it. They have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Hybrid retains as much of the Maserati DNA as possible, making it an exhilarating drive that combines luxury and performance without sacrificing on either.
Everything, from the Skyhook suspension and drive modes to the sound and engine performance, has all been crafted in such a way that customers are guaranteed a pure Maserati experience.
South African customers can expect to see the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid available from December 2020 locally.
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