Maserati outs refreshed Ghibli pricing

MASERATI has released pricing for its expanded Ghibli range, with the large sedan line-up expanding from three variants to nine, starting with the oil-burning Ghibli D from $138,990 plus on-roads.

The Ghibli D, and the entry-level petrol Ghibli, have not changed in price, with the Ghibli still costing $143,990. The most potent version, the Ghibli S, has reduced in price by $4000 to $175,990, despite receiving a bump in power and additional equipment.

While the range will only consist of the three aforementioned powertrains, two new trim levels offered in each variant, bringing total choice to nine offerings.

Seen in other Maserati model lines, the GranLusso and GranSport trim offer a more generously specified Ghibli, with one focusing on luxurious features, and the other, performance.

Both trim lines are priced identically, starting with $159,990 for the Ghibli D, up to $163,990 for the Ghibli and $195,990 for the Ghibli S.

Opting for the GranLusso or GrandSport package adds $21,000 to the price of the Ghibli D, and $20,000 to the petrol-powered variants.

Additional standard equipment on the GranLusso includes a chrome grille, Alcantara headliner, 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch on Ghibli S), soft-close doors, Bowers and Wilkins sound system, easy-entry system, wood-trim steering wheel, extended premium leather interior, perforated leather seats with headrest trident stitching, Segna silk seat trim, full LED headlights, and high-pressure headlight washers.

The GranSport adds a black-gloss finish grille, 20-inch alloys (21-inch on Ghilbi S), a Harman Kardon sound system, sport steering wheel, dual-cast brakes, skyhook suspension, carbon-fibre interior trim, red brake callipers, eight-way adjustable sports seats, Inox sports pedals, full LED headlights, headlight washers and a power rear-window sunshade.

Changes across the range include a switch from a hydraulic power steering system to an electric-assisted set-up which allows for the inclusion of a number of active safety features.

The advanced driver-assistance package, which is standard on the S and optional on the D and Ghibli, consists of highway assist, lane-keeping assist, active blind-spot assist and traffic-sign recognition.

Also introduced across the range is the integrated vehicle control (IVC) system by Bosch, which prevents vehicle instability, improves driving dynamics, and enhances active safety.

Visual tweaks to the updated Ghibli range include a revised grille, resculpted front bumper with chrome trims, and an updated rear bumper that surrounds the exhaust outlets.

Engine choices remain the same, with the D employing a 202kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, while the Ghibli continues to use the Ferrari-built 243kW/500Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6.

The Ghibli S uses the same petrol V6, but with the update gives it a 20kW/30Nm boost, to 321kW/580Nm.

All variants send power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

In 2017, Maserati sold 219 examples of the Ghibli, down 33.6 per cent over the 330 it managed in 2016.

The drop can be partially explained by the cannibalisation of sales from the Levante SUV, which launched last year and will enter its first full year of sales in 2018.

Last year's sales was enough to place the Ghibli fifth in the $70,000-plus large passenger car segment, behind the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (1896), BMW 5 Series (1245), Audi A6 (315) and Jaguar XF (249).

2018 Maserati Ghibli pricing*

Ghibli D (a)	$138,990
Ghibli (a)	$143,990
Ghibli S (a)	$175,990
Ghibli D GranLusso (a)	$159,990
Ghibli GranLusso (a)	$163,990
Ghibli S GranLusso (a)	$195,990
Ghibli D GranSport (a)	$159,990
Ghibli GranSport (a)	$163,990
Ghibli S GranSport (a)	$195,990

*Excludes on-road costs