2017 Maserati Ghibli: An Overview
The 2017 Maserati Ghibli offers a compelling blend of Italian luxury, sporty performance, and distinctive styling in the mid-size luxury sedan segment. It aims to provide an engaging driving experience with a touch of exotic appeal, setting itself apart from more mainstream European rivals.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The 2017 Ghibli offered two potent engine choices, both developed in collaboration with Ferrari.
- 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged V6 (Ghibli & Ghibli S): This smooth and powerful V6 delivered robust acceleration and a satisfying exhaust note. It was available in two states of tune: a standard 345 horsepower and a more potent 404 horsepower version in the Ghibli S, offering a distinct step up in performance.
- 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Diesel V6 (Ghibli Diesel): For markets where diesel was prevalent, Maserati offered a fuel-efficient yet torquey diesel V6. This option provided excellent torque for effortless cruising and strong low-end grunt, while still delivering respectable performance.
- Safety Features: The 2017 Ghibli came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies designed to enhance driver awareness and protect occupants.
- Standard Airbags: A full complement of front, side, and curtain airbags provided comprehensive occupant protection.
- Available Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Buyers could opt for or find on higher trims features like:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a set distance from the car ahead, reducing driver fatigue on highways.
- Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling, helping to prevent unintentional lane changes.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Detects vehicles in the driver's blind spots, providing an audible or visual warning to prevent collisions when changing lanes.
- Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects potential frontal collisions and can alert the driver or apply the brakes automatically to mitigate or avoid an impact.
- High-Strength Steel Body Structure: The chassis was engineered with a focus on rigidity and impact absorption, forming a strong protective cage for occupants.
- Trim Summary: The 2017 Ghibli was primarily offered in these key configurations:
- Ghibli: The entry-level model, still offering a potent V6 engine and a luxurious interior, providing a taste of Maserati performance and style.
- Ghibli S: This trim significantly upped the performance ante with the more powerful 404-horsepower version of the twin-turbo V6, offering a more exhilarating driving experience and often coming with sportier suspension tuning.
- Ghibli Diesel: (Market dependent) This variant focused on fuel efficiency and torque, offering a different flavor of performance suitable for longer journeys and daily driving.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Distinctive Italian Styling: The Ghibli boasts a captivating design, with signature Maserati cues like the trident grille, elegant lines, and sculpted bodywork that exudes sportiness and sophistication.
- Luxurious Interior: The cabin is a highlight, featuring high-quality materials such as premium leather, wood or carbon fiber accents, and a driver-focused cockpit. The overall ambiance is one of refined opulence.
- Skyhook Suspension: Many models featured Maserati's "Skyhook" adaptive damping system, which continuously adjusts the suspension to provide a balance of comfortable ride quality and sporty handling.
- ZF 8-Speed Automatic Transmission: Paired with the engines, this highly acclaimed transmission delivered smooth and rapid gear changes, contributing to both performance and efficiency.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Maserati Ghibli is an experience that leans towards the passionate enthusiast who appreciates Italian flair and a more engaging drive than many of its competitors. You can expect a car that draws attention and elicits smiles on winding roads.
- Ownership Experience: The Ghibli offers a more visceral connection to the driving process. The engine sounds, the responsive steering, and the well-tuned chassis combine to create a rewarding driving experience. The interior is a pleasant place to be, with comfortable seats and a well-appointed cabin. However, it's not a vehicle that prioritizes outright practicality in the same way some of its German rivals might. The infotainment system, while improved over previous generations, might feel less intuitive or feature-rich compared to the very latest offerings.
- Maintenance: As a luxury performance sedan with Italian roots, maintenance for the Ghibli can be more involved and potentially more expensive than for more mainstream luxury brands. Regular servicing, including oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks, is crucial to keeping the potent V6 engines in optimal condition. Brake wear might be accelerated if driven enthusiastically. Finding qualified Maserati technicians might also be a consideration depending on your location. It's essential to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule to ensure longevity and reliability.
- Insurance: Insurance costs for the 2017 Maserati Ghibli are likely to be higher than for comparable vehicles from less performance-oriented or less exotic brands. This is due to several factors, including the vehicle's performance capabilities, higher repair costs for specialized parts, and the luxury status of the brand. Obtaining quotes from multiple insurance providers with your specific driving record and location is highly recommended.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Maserati Ghibli offers a compelling package, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects:
- Infotainment System: While improved from earlier iterations, the infotainment system in the 2017 model might not be as cutting-edge or user-friendly as systems found in newer luxury vehicles. Touchscreen responsiveness and the interface's intuitiveness could be points of critique for some.
- Rear Seat Space: While categorized as a mid-size sedan, the Ghibli's rear seat space is not as generous as some of its larger competitors. Passengers may find it slightly more confined, especially for longer journeys.
- Reliability Perception: Historically, Italian luxury brands have sometimes faced perceptions of lower long-term reliability compared to their German or Japanese counterparts. While Maserati has made significant strides in recent years, potential buyers should research specific model year reliability data and consider the availability of reputable service centers.
- Fuel Economy: While the available diesel engine offers better fuel efficiency, the gasoline V6 engines, particularly the more powerful S variant, will have a noticeable thirst for fuel, especially when driven with spirited intent.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Maserati Ghibli stands as a captivating choice for those seeking a luxury sedan with a distinct Italian personality. It delivers an engaging driving experience powered by potent Ferrari-derived V6 engines, wrapped in a beautifully sculpted exterior and a sumptuously appointed interior. While it may not always match the ultimate practicality or the absolute latest in infotainment technology found in some rivals, its unique blend of style, performance, and luxury makes it a desirable option for buyers who prioritize passion and exclusivity in their automotive pursuits.