A trident embedded in the centre of a gorged air inlet - a prominent symbol that most car lovers would find familiar. There is no doubt that we are talking about Maserati - or more specifically its latest offering, the Ghibli.
The nameplate stirs up illustrious events in the marque's 100-year history, the first being the hugely popular two-door, two-seater V8 grand tourer which outsold its rivals - the Lamborghini Miura and Ferrari Daytona.
The new Ghibli will extend this heritage in a more practical four-door, five-seater trim, although we have to say the latest iteration is nothing less of a looker than before.Exterior
You'll be forgiven for thinking that the Ghibli is merely a shrunk version of its big brother, the Quattroporte. Besides sharing the base architecture, gearbox and various powertrain options, both sedans also sport very similar design cues. An untrained eye can even have trouble telling the two apart.
The nameplate stirs up illustrious events in the marque's 100-year history, the first being the hugely popular two-door, two-seater V8 grand tourer which outsold its rivals - the Lamborghini Miura and Ferrari Daytona.
The new Ghibli will extend this heritage in a more practical four-door, five-seater trim, although we have to say the latest iteration is nothing less of a looker than before.Exterior
You'll be forgiven for thinking that the Ghibli is merely a shrunk version of its big brother, the Quattroporte. Besides sharing the base architecture, gearbox and various powertrain options, both sedans also sport very similar design cues. An untrained eye can even have trouble telling the two apart.
But there wouldn't be many criticisms - not when the Ghibli has inherited looks from a sibling which easily makes it to the A-list. The executive sedan has also been given an array of iconic 'Maserati' touches, such as the triangular C-pillar, which makes it immediately identifiable as a 'trident bearer'.
At 4,971mm x 1,945mm x 1,461mm (L x W x H), the Ghibli is noticeably smaller than the Quattroporte. It is, however, longer and wider than many of its close competitors, such as the Audi A7, the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes CLS-Class, which helps to boast a more sporting presence on the road.
At 4,971mm x 1,945mm x 1,461mm (L x W x H), the Ghibli is noticeably smaller than the Quattroporte. It is, however, longer and wider than many of its close competitors, such as the Audi A7, the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes CLS-Class, which helps to boast a more sporting presence on the road.
Interior
Like the Quattroporte, the Ghibli's cabin reeks of Italian flavour. The two-tone upholstery lifts the ambience and brings about a sense of exclusivity, which is further helped by attention to little details such as subtle-looking stitching and chromed trims.
The up-sized paddle shifters, milled from single pieces of aluminium, give off a racy vibe and make driving more engaging. These will certainly be some of the highlights for the keen driver.
Like the Quattroporte, the Ghibli's cabin reeks of Italian flavour. The two-tone upholstery lifts the ambience and brings about a sense of exclusivity, which is further helped by attention to little details such as subtle-looking stitching and chromed trims.
The up-sized paddle shifters, milled from single pieces of aluminium, give off a racy vibe and make driving more engaging. These will certainly be some of the highlights for the keen driver.
Passengers, likewise, will be pampered in a luxurious setting. The rear quarters, although not the most spacious, live up to expectations with expensive-looking, beautifully crafted cow hide seats - though they are best left for two for longer journeys.
It is noteworthy that while there's a great amount of attention to make sure the cabin looks as good as it feels, functionality is not forgotten. The Ghibli comes with 60:40 folding rear seats to harbour bulkier items when the occasion calls for it.
It is noteworthy that while there's a great amount of attention to make sure the cabin looks as good as it feels, functionality is not forgotten. The Ghibli comes with 60:40 folding rear seats to harbour bulkier items when the occasion calls for it.
The Drive
The base Ghibli packs a 3.0-litre V6 engine with two turbochargers, and is coupled to a ZF-sourced eight-speed gearbox - the same unit found in the Quattroporte.
Being smaller and 50kg lighter than the flagship has clear advantages - the Ghibli feels instinctively more agile and, hence, more fun to drive. The smaller brethren is also less taxing to pilot in packed traffic.
The Ghibli will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in a sprightly 5.6 seconds, but figures alone speak little of how this is accomplished. Although there is a slight run up to the turbo boost, the Ghibli will tear away from traffic with ease once fully stoked.
Accompanying any spirited driving is a delectable soundtrack - one that is seldom heard from a car of its genre and will make its closest rivals feel inert in comparison. The aural experience is further heightened in 'Sport' mode, where exhaust valves open for a full bellow.
However, the Italian does not take first spot in every aspect. The eight-speed box, for instance, can be seamlessly quick but it isn't as intuitive as that found on the rivalling Bimmer. The car's electronic systems aren't the easiest to work with either.
Conclusion
By replicating its automaking recipe, Maserati's first venture into the executive market is nothing short of a soulful one.
We have no doubt about the Ghibli's 'sex appeal' - its attention-seeking prowess on the fly. We would even find ourselves jealous of anyone who's driving it.
Compared to the Germans, however, it isn't as all-rounded.
What it does offer is a truck load of character for those looking to own and drive something different.
Conclusion
By replicating its automaking recipe, Maserati's first venture into the executive market is nothing short of a soulful one.
We have no doubt about the Ghibli's 'sex appeal' - its attention-seeking prowess on the fly. We would even find ourselves jealous of anyone who's driving it.
Compared to the Germans, however, it isn't as all-rounded.
What it does offer is a truck load of character for those looking to own and drive something different.
