2019 Maserati Ghibli Review

The 2019 Maserati Ghibli injects a dose of Italian style and flair into the genteel world of midsize luxury sedans dominated by its European and Asian rivals. With all the expected trappings of a luxury shuttle wrapped in a seductive design, a sonorous engine sound and sporty handling, the Ghibli makes a refreshing alternative to the segment's standard-bearers.

For sedan buyers, the Maserati checks all the boxes. It delivers robust acceleration from a turbocharged V6 engine, and exceptionally balanced handling means you'll often look for the longer, more winding road to your destination. Factor in a roomy, quiet cabin, and the Ghibli also makes for a practical family sedan suited for long-distance travel.

The Ghibli falls short of its competitors in a key area, however. While the interior looks nice from a distance, and there are expansive opportunities to select colors and materials to taste, the quality of cabin materials and interfaces (knobs, switches, dials) feels a bit more downmarket than we'd expect of a $75,000 sedan. Nitpicking? Perhaps, but it's a detail not lost on the Maserati's competitors. The Ghibli's base V6, meanwhile, isn't quite as ferocious as some rivals, and you'll really want to step up to the uprated V6 of the Ghibli S.

But as an alternative to the established field of more buttoned-down luxury sedans, the Ghibli's sporty handling and exotic pedigree offer a unique fix.

The 2019 Maserati Ghibli is a midsize luxury sedan sold in three trims: base, GranLusso and GranSport. The base model is well-equipped right out of the box, with standard features that include heated seats, leather upholstery, navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability. From there, buyers can choose the luxurious GranLusso or the thrilling GranSport model. A turbocharged V6 powers all Ghiblis, though the S and SQ 4 variants develop more power.

Each of the above trims is available in three distinct powertrains. The base Ghibli is motivated by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (345 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque) that drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The same engine powers the S, though it's more powerful in this application (424 hp, 428 lb-ft). The S Q4 adds all-wheel drive to the S model.

Standard features on the base Ghibli include 19-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlights, LED taillights, a sunroof, automatic wipers, a rearview camera, remote engine start, keyless entry and ignition, auto-dimming mirrors, a 7-inch driver information display, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power-adjustable and heated front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seats, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory functions, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Also standard are a navigation system, an 8.4-inch touchscreen and an eight-speaker audio system with satellite radio, a USB port, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Safety features include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring.

From there, buyers can choose between the luxury-themed GranLusso or the enthusiast-oriented GranSport. Both build off the base model's features, though each comes with adaptive LED headlights and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Standard features for the GranLusso include chrome exterior styling elements, laminated (i.e., quieter) rear glass, a hands-free trunk, power soft-closing doors, a power rear sunshade, open-pore wood accents, upgraded leather upholstery, additional leather trim, a heated steering wheel with wood, and ventilated front seats.

The GranSport includes 20-inch wheels, red-painted brake calipers, adaptive dampers, aerodynamic enhancements, column-mounted shift paddles, a sport steering wheel, sport seats, and leather coverings on the dashboard and door armrests.

Many of the GranLusso's and GranSport's upgrades can be added to the other models for an additional cost. Other stand-alone options include 19-, 20- and 21-inch wheels; carbon-fiber shift paddles and doorsill trim; heated rear seats; a power rear sunshade; a rear armrest with USB ports; and a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. A Driver Assistance package is available on all trims, adding a 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and a blind-spot monitoring system that can change the direction of the Ghibli if you attempt to merge into a lane with a vehicle in the blind spot.

The S and S Q4 models are essentially the same as their counterparts with the base engine, though all trims come with upgraded brakes.