Maserati Ghibli Trofeo 2021 Review

So prevalent are midsize German luxury sedans that you could be forgiven if you forgot that an Italian option exists. Even with its muscular styling and evocative exhaust note, the Maserati Ghibli flies well under the radar of most luxury-sedan buyers. For 2021, Maserati aims to change that with some key updates that include a new infotainment system, refreshed styling and an ultra-high-performance trim level known as the Trofeo. Meant to go head to head with Mercedes-Benz's AMG and BMW's M performance divisions, the Maserati packs a turbocharged with 580 horsepower and an advertised top speed of 203 mph.

Oddly, performance is one thing we never thought the Ghibli lacked. Since the Ghibli's debut for the 2014 model year, it's provided enjoyable handling and satisfying acceleration. What has been lacking is the high level of fit and finish of its ubiquitous German rivals. The Ghibli does have a certain old-world charm about it, but even the most sentimental buyers might expect a bit more for their money.

German sedans have added a little style to their portfolios, and the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz AMG GT sedan offer a new level of cool thanks to their coupe-like styling. Like the Maserati, they also offer multiple engines and available all-wheel drive, but their infotainment systems are much more advanced and their driver aids are generally more refined. The Maserati Ghibli is a bit of a left-field choice, but its mix of style, exclusivity and performance makes it worth a look, so long as there's a dealership near you. 

Which Ghibli does MatoCar recommend?

The Maserati Ghibli comes in four trim levels: base, GranLusso, GranSport and Trofeo. The GranLusso is focused on luxury, while the GranSport and Trofeo are more performance-oriented. The Ghibli's engine and feature lineup includes:

The base, GranLusso and GranSport trims start with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine good for 345 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. There's also an S version for these trims that ups output to 424 hp and 428 lb-ft. The top-range Trofeo gets an exclusive turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 that generates 580 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque.

All Ghiblis have an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive, known as Q4, is available on all but the Trofeo model.

Base Comes luxuriously equipped with:

• 19-inch wheels
• Limited-slip differential
• Sunroof
• Xenon headlights
• Power trunk
• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Dual-zone climate control
• Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)

Standard technology features include:

• 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• HD and satellite radio
• Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
• Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)

Optional on the base Ghibli is the Driver Assistance package, which adds:

• Full-speed adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Maserati and the car in front down to a stop)
• Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Ghibli and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)

GranLusso Adds the features of the Driver Assistance package plus:

• Adaptive LED headlights
• Unique front fascia with chrome trim
• Aluminum paddle shifters
• Wood trim
• Upgraded leather upholstery
• Ventilated front seats
• 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Wireless charger

GranSport Adds more performance and a sportier appearance, with:

• Adaptive suspension system
• 20-inch wheels
• High-performance brakes
• Special front fascia with gloss black trim
• Sport front seats

Trofeo Besides the more powerful engine, the Trofeo adds:

• Distinctive exterior styling
• 21-inch wheels
• Summer performance tires
• Carbon-fiber interior trim
• Special high-performance driving mode