Maserati created headlines when news about the Italian auto manufacturer’s plans to introduce electrified vehicles came out. The first of the electrified range to hit the market is the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid, which has arrived in the region. We were invited to test drive Maserati’s first ever electrified vehicle, an experience we absolutely enjoyed. More on that later. First, let’s take a look at the Ghibli’s journey to electrification.
The four-door saloon debuted in 2013. Luxurious, sporty and the perfect everyday car, the Maserati Ghibli went on to become one of the most popular models bearing the Trident badge. The car’s powerful styling, beautiful interior, impressive performance and rear-wheel drive has given the Ghibli edge in the saloon segment. Getting this beauty onto the electrified automobiles universe would not have been easy for Maserati but the result is definitely noteworthy. The Ghibli Hybrid bridges Maserati’s renowned heritage with the future.
The Ghibli Hybrid is easily recognisable thanks to the design DNA – featuring sleek lines, contoured body complemented by an updated grille, sharper headlights and redesigned taillights. Maserati has chosen the colour blue to distinguish all models supported by hybrid technology. The colour is accentuated on the side air ducts, the brake calipers and the thunderbolt in the Trident logo on the rear pillar.
On the inside, the Ghibli Hybrid is every bit Maserati. Sturdy yet plush leather seats engulf as soon as you settle in. The styling inside the car is pretty much what you would expect from the Trident. The Ghibli Hybrid features the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) multimedia system, which is quite convenient and innovative allowing the driver to full customise the system. The multimedia screen has become slightly larger; also, part of the centre console is a new instrument panel.
Inside the Ghibli Hybrid beats a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from FCA that has been completely restyled by the team at Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena and a 48-volt alternator with a battery mounted at the back. The electrified Ghibli packs in 330 horsepower at 5,750 RPM and 332 pound-feet (450 Nm) of torque at 1,500 – 4,000 RPM. This Maserati goes from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 158 mph (255 km/h).
The Ghibli Hybrid is undoubtedly a chip off the old block. You feel the Maserati power as soon as you rev up the engine. Pedal down the accelerator and the car takes off, albeit slightly milder than the normal Ghibli. Yet, there is no denying that team Maserati has gone the extra mile to harness the power of technology to deliver a remarkable electrified automobile. Maserati aficionados will be happy to know that the signature roar reverberates through the car. For those wondering about the battery charging, Maserati has not taken the plug-in route but relies on regenerative braking to charge the battery.
With Maserati’s entry into the world of electrified cars, it will be interesting to see how the brand innovates and gives us all-electric vehicles. The Maserati Ghibli Hybrid is a great start for the brand and going by what we have experienced, the Trident is sure to surprise us with more exciting launches in the future.