- Powerful engines
- Capable dynamics
- High standard of fit and finish
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Steering lacks feel
- Stiff, awkwardly shaped seats
- Cramped rear seat and boot
Review: Maserati M157.I Ghibli (2014-16)
Overview
Released in Australia in August 2014, the Maserati M157 Ghibli was an executive sedan. Manufactured in Grugliasco, Italy, the rear-wheel drive Maserati Ghibli was available with two 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine (see table below).
Engines
Built by Ferrari at its engine production plant in Maranello, the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines both had direct petrol injection (operating at 200 bar), two low-inertia parallel IHI turbochargers, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank (chain-driven), continuously variable inlet and exhaust valve timing, four valves per cylinder, two continuous camshaft phasers per cylinder bank and compression ratios of 9.7:1.
For the Ghibli D, the 3.0-litre VM Motori A630 diesel V6 engine had common-rail injection (operating at 2000 bar), double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), variable inlet and exhaust valve timing, a variable geometry turbocharger, intercooler, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 16.5:1. The Ghibli D was also fitted with the ‘Maserati Active Sound’ exhaust system which used two sound actuators – fitted near the exhaust tailpipes – to accentuate and modulate the engine’s tones according to driving style, while a ‘Sport’ button provided greater resonance.
In November 2015, the Ghibli D engine was upgraded with a ‘Start&Stop’ function which enabled it to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic. Furthermore, all Maserati Ghibli engines were upgraded to comply with Euro 6 emissions standards at this time.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghibli D | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 (A630HP/M157C) |
8sp auto | 202 kW at 4000 rpm | 600 Nm at 2000 rpm |
| Ghibli | 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 (F160AM/M157B) |
8sp auto | 243 kW at 5000 rpm | 500 Nm at 4500-5000 rpm |
| Ghibli S | 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 (F160AM/M157A) |
8sp auto | 301 kW at 5500 rpm | 550 Nm at 1750-5000 rpm |
ZF AT8-HP70 transmission
All Maserati Ghibli models were fitted with an eight-speed ZF AT8-HP70 automatic transmission which could be controlled via steering wheel gearshift paddles. While the M157 Ghibli was offered with a part-time ‘Q4’ viscous coupling all-wheel drive system in left-hand drive markets, right-hand drive vehicles were rear-wheel drive only.
Dimensions and suspension
Based on a shortened version of the Maserati Mk.6 Quattroporte platform, the M157 Ghibli was 4971 mm long, 1945 mm wide, 1461 mm tall and had a 2998 mm long wheelbase; boot capacity was 500 litres. Like the Mk.6 Quattroporte, the Ghibli had double wishbone front suspension and five-bar multi-link rear suspension with four aluminium suspension arms. For Australia, Maserati’s ‘Skyhook’ electronically-controlled damper system and a mechanical limited-slip differential were both fitted as standard.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Maserati Ghibli included dual front airbags (two-stage), a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The standard braking package for the Maserati Ghibli consisted of 345 mm by 32 mm ventilated and drilled front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and 320 mm by 28 mm rear discs with four-piston calipers.
The Maserati Ghibli S, however, had 360 mm by 32 mm ventilated and cross-drilled dual-cast front brake discs with six-piston Brembo fixed brake calipers and 350 mm by 28 mm ventilated rear discs with four-piston calipers.
Euro NCAP testing
In Euro NCAP testing , the Maserati Ghibli received a five star safety rating which included a 95 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 79 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, occupant protection was generally assessed as good although protection of the driver’s lower leg was rated as adequate. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test, though in the more severe pole test, chest protection was only assessed as adequate.
Features: Ghibli and Ghibli D
Standard features for the Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli D included 18-inch ‘Alfieri’ alloy wheels, a 600 watt sound system with ten speakers, a CD/DVD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/SD card reader) and Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, satellite navigation system with an 8.4-inch touch screen display, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, six-way power adjustable front seats, cruise control, daytime LED running lights, a rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 40/60 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, proximity key (i.e. keyless entry), power windows, power adjustable and heated door mirrors with power folding function, a power adjustable steering column (for height and reach), a 12 volt power sockets (front and rear), tyre pressure monitoring, open pore ‘Radica’ wood trim, a trip computer, an alarm and an immobiliser.
Features: Ghibli S
The Maserati Ghibli S was fitted with 18-inch staggered wheels, eight-way power adjustable front seats, heated front seats, bi-xenon headlights with an ‘Automatic Front Lighting System’, aluminium gearshift paddles and driver memory settings for the driver’s seat and steering column.
November 2015 update
In November 2015, standard features for the Maserati Ghibli were extended with the Siri Personal Assistant which enabled a range of services and features to be operated by voice command through the Maserati telematics system. Furthermore, the door mirrors would automatically dip to show the kerb when reversing and the boot could be operated by the key fob or by waving a foot under the rear bumper.
Related links
Review: Maserati M157.II Ghibli (2016-on)
Overview
Released in Australia in December 2016, the Maserati M157 Series II (M157.II) introduced an upgraded interior and optional active safety technologies. Furthermore, ‘Start&Stop’ systems were introduced for the petrol engines to reduce fuel consumption (previously limited to the post-November 2015 Ghibli D).
Inside, the Maserati M157.II Ghibli featured a redesigned dashboard, new infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions), a redesigned lower central console with a rotary knob and a new phone storage compartment. An Air Quality Sensor was also introduced which monitored air quality and could prevent polluted air and toxic gases from entering the cabin.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghibli D | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 (A630HMS/M157D) |
8sp auto | 202 kW at 4000 rpm | 600 Nm at 2000 rpm |
| Ghibli | 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 (F160AO/M157B) |
8sp auto | 257 kW at 5000 rpm | 500 Nm at 4500-5000 rpm |
| Ghibli S | 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 (F160AM/M157A) |
8sp auto | 301 kW at 5500 rpm | 550 Nm at 1750-5000 rpm |
Safety equipment
For the Maserati M157.II Ghibli could be specified with an optional, extra-cost ‘Advanced Driver Assistance System’ which included the following technologies –
- Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist: monitored the distance to the vehicle ahead and, if there was a risk of a rear-end collision, the driver would be warned via visual and audible alerts. If the driver braked and the system determined that insufficient brake force had been applied, Advanced Brake Assist would compensate by providing additional braking;
- Automated Emergency Braking (AEB): if the driver failed to respond to visual and audible warning, AEB could apply the brakes to reduce vehicle speed and the severity of a collision;
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop&Go: when cruise control was activated, ACC utilised a radar sensor in the front grille to maintain a pre-set distance from the vehicle ahead by providing automatic braking and acceleration up to the cruising speed. The Stop&Go function enabled the Quattroporte to brake until the vehicle was stationary and would automatically accelerate within two seconds when the car ahead accelerated; and,
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): using a forward-facing camera in the interior rear-view mirror, LDW operated at speeds over 70 km/h and would warn the driver via graphic instructions on the instrument panel and an acoustic chime if the Ghibli unintentionally crossed lane markers.
As an extra-cost option, the Maserati Ghibli could also be specified with a ‘Surround View Camera’ system which used four cameras – two lateral cameras beneath the door mirrors, a front camera and a rear camera – to generate a virtual 360 degree view of the vehicle that was displayed in the central display.
Features: Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli D
Standard features for the Maserati M157.II Ghibli and Ghibli D included 7.5J x 18-inch front and 8.5J x 18-inch rear ‘Alfieri’ alloy wheels with 235/50 R18 tyres, an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 700 watt sound system with eight speakers and eight-channel amplifier, CD/DVD player, SD card reader, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, Poltrona Frau leather upholstery, eight-way power adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, LED daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, steering wheel gearshift paddles, 60/40 split folding rear seats, remote central locking, power adjustable and heated door mirrors with folding and auto-dipping on reverse functions, power windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, an electronic parking brake, a sunroof, power rear blinds,12 volt power sockets (centre console and boot), tyre pressure monitoring, ambient lighting, open pore ‘Radica’ wood trim, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
Features: Maserati Ghibli S
The Maserati Ghibli S was differentiated by its 8.J x 21-inch front and 10.5J x 21-inch rear ‘Titano’ alloy wheels, 245/35 R21 front and 285/30 R21 rear tyres, twelve-way power adjustable front sports seats, heated front seats, extended leather upholstery, bi-xenon headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), INOX sports pedals and piano black interior trim.
Euro NCAP testing
In Euro NCAP testing , the Maserati Ghibli received a five star safety rating which included a 95 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 79 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, occupant protection was generally assessed as good although protection of the driver’s lower leg was rated as adequate. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test, though in the more severe pole test, chest protection was only assessed as adequateUSB/SD card reader) and Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, satellite navigation system with an 8.4-inch touch screen display, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, six-way power adjustable front seats, cruise control, daytime LED running lights, a rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 40/60 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, proximity key (i.e. keyless entry), power windows, power adjustable and heated door mirrors with power folding function, a power adjustable steering column (for height and reach), a 12 volt power sockets (front and rear), tyre pressure monitoring, open pore ‘Radica’ wood trim, a trip computer, an alarm and an immobiliser.
Features: Ghibli S
The Maserati Ghibli S was fitted with 18-inch staggered wheels, eight-way power adjustable front seats, heated front seats, bi-xenon headlights with an ‘Automatic Front Lighting System’, aluminium gearshift paddles and driver memory settings for the driver’s seat and steering column.
Sport Pack, Sport Carbon Pack and Luxury Pack
As an extra-cost option, the Maserati Ghibli, Ghibli D and Ghibli D could be specified with the following packs:
- Sport Pack: included 20-inch ‘Urano’ machine polished alloy wheels, twelve-way power adjustable front sports seats, leather covered dashboard, sport steering wheel, INOX sports pedals, piano black interior trim, a dual-cast braking system and red-painted brake calipers. For the Ghibli S, however, the Sport Pack had 21-inch ‘Urano’ machine polished alloy wheels;
- Sport Carbon Pack: based the Sport Pack, the Sport Carbon Pack differed in that it had a sport steering wheel with carbon fibre trim inserts, carbon fibre interior trim, carbon fibre gearshift paddles and carbon fibre door sill trim;
- Luxury Pack: included 19-inch ‘Poseidon’ alloy wheels, a Harman Kardon premium sound system (with a 900 watt, twelve channel amplifier and ten speakers), ventilated and heated front seats, premium leather upholstery for the seats and dashboard, open pore ‘Radica’ wood trim, rear armrest with 12 volt and USB sockets, Alcantara headlining and black-painted brake calipers; and,
- Luxury Pack Zegna Edition: differed from the Luxury Pack in that it had combination leather and Zegna Silk upholstery.
Specifications
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