Skip advert
Advertisement

Maserati Ghibli petrol review

We see if the petrol version of the Maserati Ghibli executive saloon is a match for the more efficient diesel model

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Maserati Ghibli
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The fact that the diesel Ghibli returns 18.5mpg more than this V6 model will be too much for most UK buyers to ignore. However, if you want a ‘proper’ Maserati, wrapped up in a practical four-door body, this petrol model ticks more boxes. A throaty exhaust note, crisper reactions and the same great body control make it a very tempting proposition.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The diesel version of the new Maserati Ghibli has stolen the headlines, but the petrol model has a claim to fame, too. While designed by Maserati engineers, the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 is built at Ferrari’s Maranello factory.

There’s a 404bhp version of this engine with two or four-wheel drive in the top-spec S, but we drove the 325bhp rear-wheel-drive model. A true Maserati engine needs to sound great, and while it’s no match for the GranTurismo’s operatic 4.7-litre V8, the gargle from the four exhausts builds in intensity as the revs rise.

Performance is impressive, too – acceleration feels brisk rather than brutal, but keep the revs high and the turbos whirling, and throttle response is sharp enough to spin up the rear wheels in tight corners.

In fact, the whole driving experience feels less muffled than the diesel model’s. With 25kg less weight to haul around, the petrol car is lighter on its feet, the front end responds marginally quicker to steering inputs and it’s just as much fun as a BMW 535i to throw about on twisting back roads.

To maximise the Ghibli’s potential, you’ll need to engage Sport mode, which sharpens the throttle and gearbox, while adding weight to the steering and raising the volume. We’d also recommend paying an extra £2,045 for the Skyhook adaptive dampers, which improve body control significantly in their firmer setting, but in comfort mode turn the Ghibli into an accomplished cruiser.

The interior also feels and looks sufficiently expensive, there’s plenty of room for large adults in the back and the boot holds 500 litres of luggage. As for the curvy design? It’s not Maserati’s finest hour, but its a breath of fresh air in this often straight-laced market.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,884 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,919
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £14,750
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025