Maserati keeps the refreshments light for the sharp-looking Ghibli sports sedan in 2015, updating technological details to keep pace with today’s automobiles. A handy, new navigation system is now installed in all models to help guide you to any destination on your journey, and Bluetooth connectivity allows simple, convenient operation of the onboard telematics system. Also new is a special finish for the brake calipers, as well as contrast stitching in the cabin to add a touch of your own persona to your Ghibli. Finally, as a special bonus, Maserati will now offer 3 months subscription to Sirius XM satellite radio with your purchase.
What hasn’t changed is the racing lineage that forms the essence of this third-generation machine, wearing the Ghibli moniker. Both the Base and the more spirited SQ4 models remain equipped with 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 engines that are eager to impress and have noticeably little lag. However, the SQ4 comes with a slight edge in power.
Sinking the gas pedal releases 404 horses, but, in case that's not enough for you, don’t be discouraged - even the slower of the two still has a top speed of about 166mph (certainly enough for any go-fast junkie). Unfortunately, this sports sedan also offers go-fast fuel efficiency. Which is to say, your gas disappears at a rate of 15 mpg city/25 highway/19 combined for the base model, and 18 mpg combined with the SQ4.
Ever since the brand new sedan version of the Ghibli debuted at 2013 auto shows, it's been equipped with the same, widely-used 8-speed ZF automatic transmission as many other high-end luxury cars, and 2015 will be no different. Still smooth and strong, this transmission precisely directs the engine’s output to the rear wheels, although there is the option of going with the AWD configuration for the addition of vastly improved all-weather capabilities. When more pristine weather prevails in optimum grip situations, the powertrain’s abilities can deliver you to highway speed in the coveted, under-five-second club at just 4.7 seconds.
As performance and style would be considered the current Ghibli’s strengths, a relatively lackluster interior and rigid ride quality can be considered its shortcomings. All of its safety scores came back at the highest mark of Good though - every single one - so Maserati was quite thorough in the safe design of the Ghibli. It's just not the all-around stunner of its pricier stablemates.
Granted, the cabin is vastly copious for a sporty car. Unfortunately, this also provided Maserati more areas to integrate some of the shabbier materials used alongside the more supple ones. Front passengers will have plenty of room for heads and legs, although the bench-style back seat is not quite suited for taller individuals and may be difficult to access. That being said, up to three smaller companions should fit in quite nicely.
For a short trip downtown or just a spirited drive through a mountain pass, the 2015 Maserati Ghibli is a wonderful Italian machine, gracefully blending sports car with touring sedan. However, due to the seats being reported as uncomfortable with prolonged use and a rather noisy cabin, the Ghibli may not be as well-suited for long treks as some of its competitors.
It still is a head turner, looking as gorgeously sleek as you would expect of any Maserati - just try not to notice the cacophony of Chrysler parts lurking about. Looking ahead, things have been quiet from the automaker about any future improvements, but it’s probably a safe assumption that there will be. Maserati doesn't refresh as frequently or scrupulously as other makers, but the cosmetic focus this year indicate we can expect big changes next year. This one is tried and true with new technology though, and every bit worth a look.
While turning a corner going slowly (accelerating from a stop) on a hill, my 2015 SQ4 has wheel slippage/juddering. The dealership is saying that is normal, but I feel this caliber of car should have wheel slippage/juddering when going 5-15 mph. Has anyone experienced this or have an opinion about it?
What is the phone # for the individual selling the 2015 Maserati stock # 1551
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 280 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.87 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.81 · Limited slip differential: rear · Locking differential: rear
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8.4 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit · Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.73
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic front side · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 280 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.81 · Limited slip differential: rear · Locking differential: rear
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8.4 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit · Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.73
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: remote operation