The new Ghibli Hybrid: Maserati’s first-ever electrified vehicle
After much anticipation, Maserati has finally revealed the all-new Ghibli Hybrid. This will be the brand's first-ever electrified car that adopts a mild hybrid system. Now the model may look very familiar to some people and that is because it is essentially an upgrade on the Ghibli sedan, which has produced over 100 00 units since it’s released in 2013.
So, for everyone wondering what will be the new features that will make the Ghibli Hybrid stand out from its predecessor, well it offers a new design of both the exterior and interior. The common factor being the restyling, developed by the Centro Stile Maserati, is blue in color and was chosen to be identified with all cars with hybrid technology and the new era they represent.
On the exterior of the model, the blue color will characterize the three side air ducts, the brake calipers, and the thunderbolt in the Trident logo on the rear pillar. The same blue color can also be seen embroidered in the seams of the seats. There have also been some massive changes at the rear of the car as the light clusters have been restyled. The changes have been rather minor, but it is under the hood where most of the changes have taken place.
Under the hood, we have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that features an electric supercharger, a 48-volt alternator, as well as a battery mounted at the back. It generates a maximum power output of 330 hp and torque of 450 Nm delivered from just 1,500 rpm. It has an impressive top speed of 255 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The Ghibli Hybrid will also offer the new Maserati Connect program. The latest Maserati Connect Program will include the latest software packages and will be based on digital inputs from Android Automotive software. The multimedia system’s HD screen comes with brand new graphics and has expanded in size from 8”4 to 10”1 inches.
Maserati will continue to go electric as the next-generation GranTurismo and GranCabrio will have full-electric versions and has already been scheduled for 2021.
Also worth a look: the Maserati GT2 Stradale: A Symphony of Speed and Opulence and the Maserati Quattroporte.
FAQ
Q: What does the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid cost in South Africa?
The Maserati Ghibli Hybrid starts at around R1,450,000 in South Africa, making it a proper premium offering that sits comfortably in the luxury sedan segment.
Q: Is the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid worth buying?
If you've got the budget and want Italian flair with hybrid efficiency, absolutely, but at R1,450,000 you're paying a premium for the Trident badge and that gorgeous exhaust note over similarly specced German rivals.
Q: How powerful is the Ghibli Hybrid engine?
The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with electric supercharger pumps out 243kW and 450Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm, giving it proper punch when you need it.
Q: What makes the Ghibli Hybrid different from the regular Ghibli?
The Hybrid gets Maserati's first-ever electrified powertrain with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, distinctive blue design elements throughout, and updated styling that signals the brand's new electrified era.
Q: How fast is the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid?
It'll hit 100kph in 5.7 seconds and top out at 255kph, which is plenty quick enough to make your morning commute significantly more interesting.
Should You Buy It?
The Maserati Ghibli Hybrid at R1,450,000 is for buyers who want something different from the usual German luxury sedan suspects. You're getting proper Italian style, that unmistakable Maserati sound, and the brand's first step into electrification. However, at this price point, you could grab a BMW 540i or Audi A6 with similar performance and arguably better reliability records for less money. If you're after the most sensible luxury sedan under R1,500,000 in SA, stick with the Germans. But if you want to make a statement and don't mind paying extra for exclusivity and that Trident badge, the Ghibli Hybrid delivers the goods. It's a maybe from us, depending on how much you value being different over pure practicality.
