Maserati has revealed it’s dumping diesel in favour of its first ever electrified car – the new Ghibli Hybrid.
While not fully electric, or even a regular hybrid, the new Ghibli is a mild hybrid aimed at cutting emissions. It will replace the outgoing V6 diesel model.
Available to order now, prices start from £58,220 – £3,385 more than the diesel it’s replacing.
And you’ve guessed it, the Ghibli Hybrid won’t be a V6 like the rest of the Ghibli range.It’s powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine and an electric supercharger supported by a battery and a 48 volt alternator.
If you’re wondering where Maserati plucked a 2.0-litre engine from, you’d be right in thinking it’s borrowed from Alfa Romeo. Although Maserati is keen to point out that it’s non-identical, and even uses a different turbo.
Like with other mild hybrid systems, kinetic energy is recovered while braking and transformed into electricity, which is stored in a battery.
First cars should reach showrooms by the end of October, while buyers will have two trims to choose from – GranSport and GranLusso.
This new Ghibli is the first baby step in a plan to electrify all Maserati models. The first fully-electric cars will be the new GranTurismo and GranCabrio, scheduled for 2021.
Maserati Ghibli Hybrid performance
While a 2.0-litre turbo might not sound like a lot, it manages to pump out 330hp and 450Nm of torque. Top speed is 158mph and 0-62mph is dealt with in 5.7 seconds.
Despite the added weight of the hybrid gubbins, Maserati reckons it’s 80kg lighter than the diesel model it’s replacing. Plus, the battery is usefully mounted in the rear of the car, which gives the Hybrid a more even weight distribution.
Maserati, well aware of its downsizing measures in terms of engine size and cylinders, has revealed that an optimised exhaust with specially designed resonators will give the car an ‘unmistakable sound’.
Why hybrid?
In a world of ever increasing emissions regulations, it makes more sense than ever for a manufacturer that’s smallest engine is currently a 3.0-litre V6, to make a 2.0-litre mild hybrid. After all, the 2.0-litre produces 25% less CO2 than the V6.
Beyond this, Maserati has said it’s also responding to market demands.
Design
What sets the Hybrid apart from the regular Ghiblis? The brake calipers, side air ducts, and a neat looking thunderbolt in Maserati’s Trident logo on the rear pillar are all blue.
The blue theme continues inside, with the same shade being applied to the embroidered seams of the seats.
Away from the blue hue, the front grille has been redesigned, as have the rear lights.
Connectivity
The new Hybrid will see the introduction of a new Maserati Connect programme. This allows for over the air software updates, and it can perform checks on the car.
Infotainment wise – the new Ghibli gets a 10.1-inch screen, up from the old car’s 8.4-inch one. While there’s also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What this means for you
If you’ve always wanted a Maserati, but could never quite justify buying one, then the Ghibli Hybrid could be a way of getting you into this evocative Italian brand.
Not only is the Ghibli the cheapest and smallest Maserati, with the introduction of the Hybrid, it’s also the cleanest, cheapest to tax, most BIK friendly, and most economical too.
Of course, ditching diesel, while good for emissions, might not be great for mile-munchers. Although Maserati reckons the new hybrid will perform very similarly to the diesel.
Just don’t expect it to thrill you like a V8.
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