The Maserati Ghibli is an executive mid-size sedan from the Italian firm that has a history nearly as long as the automobile itself. It's a return to the mid-size sedan for the firm and was unveiled to the public in 2013 and recently received a cunning refresh to bring it closer to its German peers.
Related: The Maserati Ghibli S GranSport - More power, more panache.
With all the Italian flair that you could ask for, the Ghibli is available in several trim levels and with your choice of two power-output petrol engines or even a diesel.
Here's what you need to look out for when you go test drive one:
1. Full-LED Adaptive Matrix Headlights
Both the GranLusso and GranSport variants of the Maserati Ghibli are equipped with full-LED Matrix headlights that create a 200% larger field of vision when compared to traditional halogen units. Casting light 55-meters further down the road than other non-LED systems, the Full-LED Matrix Headlights improve visibility and allow you to plan further ahead. These systems also ensure that blown bulbs are a thing of the past with a lifespan of over 12-years.
If you're test driving the car during the day, be sure to ask to see the lighting system in a basement parking lot or similar to see the difference for yourself.
2. Zegna interiors
Maserati has paired up with Ermenegildo Zegna, purveyors of fine fashion fabrics to create upholstery solutions befitting of the Maserati marque and their steeped history. Maserati vehicles specified with Zegna interiors will be trimmed in special colours, fabrics and trims, elevating the luxurious interiors to even greater heights. Customers are able to select from a variety of material and colour combinations to truly personalize the interior of their Maserati Ghibli.
Should your test model not be fitted with a Zegna interior, ask to see the samples and options available to you.
3. ZF 8-speed gearbox
Even the manual purists have to concede that the ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox is something special. Programmed to perfection, the ZF gearbox ensures that you are always in the right gear and ready to respond to your next input. It manages to combine the best of both worlds with the comfort of an automatic with the fast response times, slick shifts and power management capabilities of a traditional manual gearbox. It's further complemented by the mechanical limited-slip differential.
Take control of the Ghibli by switching over to manual mode and selecting the next gear with the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
4. 50:50 weight distribution
Part of the Ghibli's prowess is thanks to its near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution that ensures that there is as much weight over the front end as there is on the rear. This is thanks in part to the lightweight construction and intelligent systems used to create the Maserati Ghibli. The body shell comprises of lightweight alloys and steels and is fused together in such a way as to maximise rigidity.
5. Skyhook suspensions
The Maserati Ghibli GranSport model is equipped with the fantastic Skyhook suspension system that allows for continuously variable damper rates, ensuring a smooth ride and rapid response time as and when you need it. You'll be able to feel how it irons out the undulations yet still manages to respond in a sporty way through the corners.
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