THE GHIBLI GT HYBRID IS DESTINED TO BECOME THE BRIDGE BETWEEN MASERATI’S RICH HISTORY AND ITS EXCITING FUTURE.
There are test drives, and then there are magical Maserati experiences. This month, thanks to the outstanding team at Alfardan Sports Motors Company, OHLALA got to experience the Ghibli GT Hybrid, the very first electrified Maserati on the planet!
EXTERIOR
As soon as the mid-sized luxury sedan came into view, we felt the excitement and intrigue that has become synonymous with our Maserati inspections.
Sitting at the front of the beautifully sculptured hood, is Maserati’s elegant new concave grille. Its design was based around the famous Saetta logo, and on the GranSport trim level, features a Black Piano finish.
Shapely Bi-Xenon headlights complement the contours of the front end and add a further touch of attitude to the car’s already imposing demeanour. The three traditional airducts on the front mudguard sport a blue trim, as do the Brembo brake callipers.
At the flanks, the sleek yet powerful proportions of this fourdoor luxury sedan are highlighted by the flowing lines of the body. Electric sparks passing through the iconic triple side vents endow the Ghibli with an even more distinctive character, and were perhaps our favourite feature of the exterior. The 20-inch Urano Black wheels complement the athletic nature of the vehicle, whilst the Maserati logo sits proudly on the C-pillar.
The rear of the Ghibli has been transformed through the development of a new boomerang design light cluster that features a three-colour lens. Hinting at the performance capabilities of this luxury sedan is the sporty dual twin exhaust system.
INTERIOR
Slipping inside the Ghibli, a refined and sophisticated environment is what we discovered. The superior cabin craftsmanship was immediately apparent, with the most distinctive feature being the unique, cockpit-inspired dashboard design, perfectly matching the driver-orientated nature of the vehicle. We absolutely loved the dashboard’s carbon Macrotwill Trim.
“Shapely Bi-Xenon headlights complement the contours of the front end and add a further touch of attitude to the car’s already imposing demeanour.”
We found the 12-way power, leather front seats with anti-whiplash headrests to be supportive and extremely comfy. These sculptured sports seats are upholstered with a Full Premium Leather Interior, with black stitchings all done by hand.
The sports steering wheel is fitted with aluminium gearshift paddles. The updated gearshift lever, driving mode buttons and the high-quality aluminium double rotary knob, are all neatly accommodated on the centre console.
We appreciated the class-leading front legroom available in the Ghibli, along with the ample head and legroom present throughout the vehicle. The rear seating allows for up to three passengers to travel in comfort, even on extended journeys.
Storage-wise, the luggage compartment has a capacity of 500 litres and can be opened and closed using the key fob. The designers have also included large door pockets throughout the vehicle, along with an electrically lockable passenger glove box.
INFOTAINMENT & TECHNOLOGY
The Ghibli GT Hybrid now features a new generation Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) multimedia system. This system’s highdefinition screen has been enlarged to 10.1-inches and is now frameless, adding to the modern look of the interior setup. This new generation system also permits the opening of multiple windows, providing access to various features simultaneously. The Ghibli is also equipped with a wireless charger as standard.
The new GT is equipped with Maserati Connect and, in conjunction with the Maserati Connect app, ensures you are always connected to your Ghibli. This feature reminds you when a service is due, offers assistance in the case of emergencies or car theft, and much more.
Other notable features include a powerful Harman Kardon Premium Sound System, climate control with Air Quality Sensor, and assisted door closure.
POWER & PERFORMANCE
Starting up a hybrid, we weren’t sure if we would get to hear the distinctive Maserati growl. Through tweaking the fluid dynamics of the exhausts and adopting resonators, the brand’s master artisans have managed to recreate the sound, at least to a certain degree.
Power wise, the GT combines a four-cylinder, two-litre, turbocharged engine with a 48-volt battery hybrid system as an electric booster. This hybrid powerplant generates 330hp and 450Nm of torque. This, coupled with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, enables the GT to surge from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and generate a top speed of 255km/h.
Any doubts about the hybrid performing at the same level as other Maserati models dissolved the moment we set off down the tarmac. This Ghibli Hybrid boasts superb handling, cornering and braking capabilities, along with the double wishbone suspension. This makes it one of the smoothest and most enjoyable cars we have ever had the pleasure of test driving, especially with Sport Mode engaged.
The fact that this enhanced performance comes with a big reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, means that the GT Hybrid is even more efficient than its petrol and diesel counterparts.
SAFETY & ASSISTANCE
The designers at Maserati have included a host of safety and assistance features to ensure the well-being of you and your loved ones. The Maserati Stability Program (MSP) uses a wide array of sensors for early detection and intervention, designed to handle dangerous situations on the road.
The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) includes Active Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Driving Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Forward Collision Warning Plus, Advanced Brake Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and more. The Ghibli is also equipped with multiple airbags throughout.
For more information and to book a luxury test drive of your very own, please call Alfardan Sports Motors Company – Maserati Qatar showroom on 8000003.
@maseratiqatar
@alfardansportsmotors