I’ve had the distinct pleasure of experiencing the allure of Maserati firsthand, having spent time with three exceptional vehicles from the iconic Modena factory. My journey began with a 2005 Maserati Coupe Cambiocorsa, a thrilling machine boasting a Ferrari-derived 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower. Its “Cambiocorsa,” or “race change,” designation stemmed from its F1-inspired 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Alt text: Driving experience in a 2018 Maserati Ghibli S showcasing its sleek design and performance on open road.
The 2005 Maserati Coupe Cambiocorsa, with its meticulously crafted interior featuring luxurious materials like a quilted leather headliner, was equally enjoyable for spirited drives and relaxed city cruising. This car indelibly imprinted upon me the essence of Maserati’s finely tuned automotive perfection.
Alt text: Luxurious interior of a 2005 Maserati Coupe Cambiocorsa highlighting the quilted leather headliner and premium craftsmanship.
My second Maserati encounter was with the 2014 Ghibli SQ4, a pivotal model for the brand. This Ghibli marked Maserati’s strategic shift towards mass production under Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles, aiming to compete directly with German luxury giants like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW.
Alt text: Rosso Folgore exterior of a 2014 Maserati Ghibli SQ4, emphasizing its elegant sedan design and signature Maserati styling.
The 2014 Ghibli SQ4 was a refined sedan equipped with a potent twin-turbo V6 engine that delivered exhilarating acceleration. While a significant achievement and commercially successful, it wasn’t without minor shortcomings, inevitable compromises to meet a more accessible price point. Despite these minor flaws, the 2014 Ghibli deepened my appreciation for the Maserati marque.
Naturally, the opportunity to test drive the updated 2018 Maserati Ghibli S, a model benefitting from a comprehensive product improvement program, was eagerly accepted. My key questions were: Could this new iteration uphold Maserati’s renowned power, performance, and luxury while incorporating contemporary features and refinements? Would it rectify the earlier Ghibli’s imperfections? And most importantly, would it reignite the same automotive passion sparked by previous Maseratis? The answers were forthcoming, and are detailed below.
Before delving into the enhancements of the 2018 model, it’s crucial to outline the strengths and weaknesses of the 2014 Ghibli SQ4 I previously experienced.
Alt text: Two-tone black and Cuoio interior of a 2014 Maserati Ghibli SQ4, showcasing the luxurious leather and interior design elements.
The “SQ4” designation signified a Sport model with all-wheel drive and a high-output engine. This engine configuration delivered 404 horsepower, a notable increase over the standard model achieved through aggressive tuning rather than engine displacement or turbocharger upgrades. Power was delivered via an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capabilities.
The SQ4 also featured an active valve sport exhaust system, famously cited in studies for its ability to evoke strong emotional responses. Beyond scientific findings, the exhaust note was undeniably captivating and addictive.
Aesthetically, the 2014 SQ4 was striking in Rosso Folgore, a deep burgundy metallic hue, complemented by a two-tone black and Cuoio tan interior and striking 19-inch Maserati Proteo wheels paired with Pirelli P Zero tires.
The 2014 Ghibli SQ4 struck a remarkable balance of performance and luxury. However, certain aspects detracted from the overall experience. The most significant issue was the transmission shifter located on the center console. Its flimsy plastic construction felt fragile and unreliable. Furthermore, its operation was frustratingly vague and cumbersome, particularly for a vehicle in this class.
Alt text: Close-up of the problematic shifter in a 2014 Maserati Ghibli SQ4, highlighting its unintuitive design and cheap material.
Simple maneuvers like shifting from Park to Drive often became multi-step trials, frequently missing the intended gear and cycling through Neutral or Reverse. The lack of defined detents for each gear position made operation maddeningly imprecise. This subpar shifter was a baffling oversight from a manufacturer like Maserati, especially when compared to the refined shifters found even in mainstream vehicles.
Alt text: Substandard console buttons in the 2014 Maserati Ghibli SQ4, illustrating the cost-cutting measures in interior components.
Another area of concern in the 2014 SQ4 was the interior appointments. While leather and wood trim were undeniably premium, several buttons, especially those for climate control and steering wheel functions, were constructed from cheap, lightweight plastic. These components exhibited noticeable wiggle and felt out of place in a vehicle approaching a $90,000 price point. This level of cost-cutting in interior materials was unexpected and disappointing, particularly when benchmarked against competitors like Mercedes-Benz E-Class or BMW 5 Series, where such details are meticulously refined.
Other minor yet noticeable issues included a flimsy rubber strip protecting auxiliary and USB ports that seemed prone to detachment and an insubstantial sunshade. The overhead lighting also appeared somewhat unfinished, with visible wiring within the cover at certain angles.
Alt text: Uninspired dashboard design in the 2014 Maserati Ghibli SQ4, highlighting the large expanse of plain leather and lack of detail.
Furthermore, the dashboard design felt somewhat bland, featuring a large, uninterrupted expanse of leather on the passenger side lacking visual interest. This design element contributed to an overall “unfinished” aesthetic. The 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen, while functional and familiar from other FCA vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, felt derivative and lacked a unique Maserati identity. Occasional lag in the UConnect system further detracted from the premium experience.
While these shortcomings, aside from the shifter, were not critical flaws, they indicated areas needing refinement as the Ghibli evolved. In terms of performance, the 2014 SQ4 excelled, particularly in its powertrain and exhaust system. The all-wheel-drive system operated seamlessly, primarily sending power to the rear wheels and engaging the front axle only when necessary. Similarly, traction and stability control systems were unobtrusive, intervening only at the limits of adhesion and readily defeatable for spirited driving.
Alt text: Light and vague steering feel in the 2014 Maserati Ghibli SQ4, impacting driver confidence during spirited driving.
However, the steering was a performance weak point. The electronically assisted system, implemented to reduce production costs, felt light, vague, and disconnected from the road. While adequate for typical city driving, it lacked the feedback and confidence-inspiring feel expected during more dynamic driving scenarios, especially when coupled with the car’s inherent understeer at its handling limits. Greater steering feedback was desired, particularly when pushing the car on winding roads.
This brings us to the 2018 Maserati Ghibli S.
Alt text: Striking Blu Passione exterior of the 2018 Maserati Ghibli S, showcasing its elegant lines and updated styling.
The S model is a later addition to the Ghibli lineup, positioned between the base Ghibli and the SQ4. It forgoes the all-wheel-drive of the SQ4 in favor of rear-wheel drive, but compensates with a 20 horsepower increase, totaling 424 horsepower. The 2018 Ghibli S test vehicle, finished in Blu Passione, a rich midnight blue, with a Sabbia (light parchment) interior, was visually as captivating as its predecessor.
Alt text: Minor exterior updates on the 2018 Maserati Ghibli S, including subtle trim changes and modern LED headlights.
Exterior revisions since 2014 are minimal, primarily limited to minor trim adjustments and the adoption of LED headlights replacing the previous xenon units. The significant changes lie within the interior and mechanical components, which is justifiable given the Ghibli’s timeless exterior design that has aged gracefully and remains visually appealing.
Inside the 2018 Maserati Ghibli S, the improvements are extensive and address every critique of the 2014 model. The problematic shifter has been entirely redesigned. It now operates with precise detents, ensuring accurate gear selection every time. The test car was also equipped with substantial magnesium paddle shifters, exuding quality and luxury.
Alt text: Enhanced interior of the 2018 Maserati Ghibli S showcasing upgraded switchgear and contrast stitching on the dashboard, addressing previous flaws.
The廉价plastic buttons on the console and steering wheel have been replaced with high-quality alternatives featuring improved finish and tactile feel. The unsettling “jiggle” is eliminated. Other previously noted trim issues have also been resolved, including improvements to the sunroof shade, USB cover, and overhead lighting. Notably, a luxurious Alcantara headliner now graces the cabin, replacing the previous cloth material.
The dashboard has been redesigned with contrast stitching, effectively breaking up the previously criticized expanse of plain leather and lending a more refined and complete appearance. The UConnect touchscreen system has also undergone significant revisions, both in hardware and software. The screen now presents a more contemporary tablet-like aesthetic, mounted atop the center stack rather than being fully integrated. The user interface is now distinctively Maserati, offering intuitive operation and near-instantaneous response times.
Alt text: Detail shot of the 2018 Maserati Ghibli S interior highlighting the attention to detail and premium materials used throughout.
Collectively, these enhancements elevate the interior of the 2018 Maserati Ghibli S to a level befitting the Maserati name, placing it on par with the luxurious ambiance of the Coupe Cambiocorsa – a truly inviting space.
Performance-wise, the 2018 Ghibli S is demonstrably as quick and agile as the SQ4, confirming that the increased horsepower effectively compensates for the rear-wheel-drive configuration in terms of acceleration. A 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds is only imperceptibly slower than the SQ4’s 4.6 seconds. Quarter-mile performance is also nearly identical, with both models completing the run in 13.2 seconds at 105 mph.
Traction and stability control systems operate just as seamlessly in the new model, although their parameters and engine mapping have been refined since the initial model year. The active exhaust system of the S produces the same exhilarating and evocative soundscape as its predecessor.
Alt text: Author’s admiration for the 2018 Maserati Ghibli S, reflecting its improved design, performance, and overall driving experience.
The most significant performance improvement in the 2018 Ghibli S is the steering. The electronic power steering assist has been recalibrated, resulting in a more precise and less vague feel. Road imperfections are effectively isolated while still providing enhanced feedback to the driver, instilling greater confidence when approaching handling limits. While the test drive in Los Angeles traffic limited full exploration of the S’s handling capabilities, brief bursts of spirited driving confirmed the significant improvements made over the past four years.
In conclusion, the improvements implemented in the 2018 Maserati Ghibli S are genuinely impressive. The model retains its inherent strengths while effectively addressing nearly all of its previous weaknesses. The Ghibli now stands as a true competitor in its class, and driving a Maserati in a city saturated with Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi vehicles offers a distinct sense of exclusivity. Buon lavoro, Maserati!
