New Maserati Ghibli S GranSport review - is it a match for an M5 or E63?

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The Ghibli is an intriguing alternative to a Mercedes-AMG E 63. It doesn’t have the outright performance to live with cars such as this yet is priced to look as if it should at £73,840. But at least it now drives a lot better than it once did with excellent new electric steering. Plus there’s no denying it has a style and charm outside and in that the German cars at this level lack. It’s an eccentric choice, for sure.
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[@Isalei84]

You buy it for the pleasure and the emotion it can give you. Style, elegance, uniqueness. Unbelievable engine note. And you can understand it just when you drive it. 2018+ models have been improved on all the things that previous generation was found lacking. Now it hits a sweet spot. (Source: personal ownership).

[@tjay84]

If is was in the market for a fast 4-door, italian saloon, I would go down a size and buy an Alfa Romeo Giulia QV..

[@aryaahmadi4029]

this car better suits rich old men who play golf on weekends than an Alfa. it's marketed to them. no coincidence that Steve's in Monaco...

[@RaeMachiavelli]

...and the Alfa QV is for up and coming young business men who do coke on Tuesdays?

[@aryaahmadi4029]

Sounds legit.

[@monacobenedict8991]

Just picked up my black 2017 Ghibli SQ4, pristine example, with only 40k miles, with a full Maserati warranty on it until 2027. I'm really happy with my new Italian beauty! 🇮🇹🔱🇮🇹🔱🇮🇹🔱

[@JohnSRR-lw4bx]

Best looking sedan on the road by a mile.

[@DanielSadjadian]

The audio sounds distorted.

[@dil6969]

They used way too much noise reduction. It makes it sound like they're underwater.

[@chrisbest1000]

This is a trademark thing of Auto Express, they have been doing it for years.

[@SenszR]

Not distorted but raw

[@ramivalencia]

He has a British accent, bud. That's why it sounds odd 😁.

[@samethingsmakeuslaughmakeuscry]

I don't know what maserati (fiat, for that matter) were thinking when they built this. The Alfa Giulia competes with the M3 and the Quattroporte competes with the 7 series and S class. But the Ghibli is too big and heavy to compete with the M3 and C63 and also not as powerful and doesn't have as many bells and whistles as the M5 and E63. It's a shame, because I love the way it looks and I really like maserati as a brand

[@dimekoza]

It competes with BMW 550i or Merc E 43 AMG

[@DanielSadjadian]

Well the Quattroporte is the M5/E63 competitor then surely? Due to it's size, V8 engine, luxury, tech, etc... This is more of a E43 competitor.

[@dimekoza]

The Quattroporte is a 7 Series, S class, A8 competitor due to size, weight and price and luxury...

[@alanwayte432]

I have a 2015 Ghibli S and have just been offered a great deal on 2018S having had Audi 6 and Merc E for 12 years prior, I accepted Ghibli was technically not the better car, however it always puts a smile on my face, the engine, noise, looks....I am more than happy

[@sandyobertello8971]

Alan, I have one also, and it has been great!! People absolutely always stop and stare and comment on what a beautiful car it is. Here were I live BMW and MBZ are not a dime a dozen, they are a nickel a dozen...

[@diegodiegito7248]

best looking and sound !!!!

[@VG22.]

i love this car.... i have no clue why people hate on it lol it sounds like a beast and looks beautiful in any color

[@omarkhanlilcurry]

Vikram Goswami for some odd reason the back is reminiscent of the Kia Optima. I do like the car though. But you have to appreciate what else you can buy for the money

[@caneloalavarez8131]

Vikram Goswami they only hate on it because it don’t live up to the expectations of a Maserati like it’s overpriced 80k car that don’t come with Everything that it will expect where is thou a less priced car come with more than the Maserati has to offer

[@VG22.]

i agree with that. If I had the money to buy this i definitely would. Im a car enthusiast and I know how bmw m3 m4, audi rs5 rs4, even the lexus rcf out perform this car. But for a everyday 4 door daily driver I would take this over all of them. Im a big fan of the C63 amg's but for some weird reason I have a sweet spot for this maserati. Im a 100% sure they are working on a "beast" version of the GHIBLI. Thank you for your insight KEVIN

[@sic22l]

@omar khan Kia copied Maserati's design.

[@charlesfrison7135]

@@sic22l No they didn't. More a mixture of German and Bristish influence when designer for Kia made the redesigned Optima when it came out in 2011.

[@connorrobertson280]

I have a 2017 levante S and have loved it since I took delivery in november 2016

[@Memories-_]

I really like this car. I saw a grey one and it looked very expensive

[@Kaisuke971]

No because it’s going at the M550i and the E43...

[@goga511]

Kaisuke971 yep

[@93remix]

u mean the 540i or the E43 , they both have 6 cyl

[@Kaisuke971]

No, the 540i is not a performance-oriented version.

[@93remix]

any BMW is an "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE"

[@93remix]

it's an unfair murder since the 550 is a V8 but ohhhh well!

[@henrypattinson9118]

It needs a V8.

[@davidmitchell5638]

Beat me to it!

[@josh9220]

Shhhh u will summon the americans

[@DanielSadjadian]

Yes the 4.7 V8 Maserati engine sounds a trillion times better than this new V6 engine.

[@josh9220]

Daniel Sadjadian v8's are fat, slow and lazy .... V6 sounds way better then any v8 except for a flat plain 😍

[@DanielSadjadian]

No they're not. Modern day turbo charged and supercharged V8s are very responsive and powerful. And the sound of a 6 cylinder engine is rubbish.

[@MAX-fs3gz]

Stunning!!! Love the new design!

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

Looks brilliant now .... I’d never buy one with unknown depreciation, and reliability - but I would lease one for 2-3 years, and have something different in the car park ....

[@scook2003]

James Hibbert they depreciate like a brick - they made a big mistake coming into this segment.

[@mascotgamerdk]

I’m really debating it😂

[@MM-fp3zb]

I’ve now leased 2 Ghiblis, a GTS and a Levante over the past 6-7 years and I have to say I haven’t had a single problem with any of them except the GTS electronics stunk. Bluetooth was poor. Stereo. Nav. But I believed they’ve since fixed it (just in time to discontinue the car). I LOVE the brand. Sharp looking, classy, comfortable and drives well. I prefer it to the E63 or BMW although there are things they admittedly do much better.

[@briansteele2723]

Incase people are wondering, the mountain road shots are near Gourdon at the start and Greolieres later on, as used in GoldenEye :)

[@sorintarna9649]

yeah right :)))) performace wise, it's a match only for the e39 m5 or the 2004 amg E-Klasse, but as a package it's not even close.

[@caneloalavarez8131]

Sorin Tarna I think that m5 will beat this thou because this is a v6 that m5 is a v10 and it got more horses than this the only thing you’ll pay for is the looks and the name Maserati but the bmw is better thou

[@iLLGT2]

Kevin, e39 m5 is a 400hp v8, e60 is a v10 500 hp

[@zissou6928]

best looking sedan

[@adamdiaz8150]

I have a Ghibli S with 410 bhp and 6 piston front brakes-definitely worth it for the extra power and stopping ability-and not much more used these days. Due to depreciation they are an insanely good value used car. If you get one after mid 2016 it has a far better touch screen infotainment system. Remember they all have the supremely reliable and smooth ZF box that all German boxes use. It looks and feels far more special than any 5-series or E-Class

[@SSSDDDOOOGGG]

How does the electronical steering help emissions? is it because of the weightsaving?

[@toshy]

No. It's because the hydraulic steering pump is driven by the engine, and that eats away some of its power output. It's the equivalent of having to carry some extra weight. The electric power steering is powered by the electric system and it draws way less power.

[@markleckband4495]

I’m gonna say this is more of a rival to CLS450 S7 and GranCoupe. Then the price becomes a little more reasonable. Also, Maserati cache/exclusivity warrants the price increase, I think. And, we know there are deals to be had. Still don’t think it’s better than its rivals, but it is for a certain type of buyer.

[@xxthehuskycaboosexx]

Mark Leckband the cls450 competes with the A7, not s7.

[@brettlee6211]

tbh, on paper and in every logical way, an equivilant E class or a 5 series is better, but... once you drive this thing, you cant forget about it ever. you just fall in love with this thing. In a way, its almost like that ex girlfriend that you never forget about

[@cj41079]

How would you compare that engine to Alfa Quadrifoglio engine? or is it same with different tune or turbo?

[@UndergroundVoice]

no

[@davidebonannini640]

CJ Yang nothing to do with the Alfa. That's a 2.9L 90° V6, the Maserati is a 3.0L 60° V6.

[@richardikin]

I still want one.

[@thelarry383]

can't wait for the $399 a month lease

[@Chirag-gp6mh]

HAHAHA

[@nicholaslee633]

If it’s so cheap why don’t u lease one instead of driving your current car?

[@arnoldmatthews834]

Hehehe Hhehe how do you know what he/she is driving?

[@LexRuger718]

With a 4500 mile limit

[@XBeastlyxgamingX]

LexRuger718 I've looked into this exact car and in the UK you can get this for 36 months with a 3k down payment and around £500 a month and 10,000 annual miles which is very reasonable if you look at the e63s and m5 prices

[@jl7122]

Now the equipment is at the level of BMW and Mercedes. The engine is built in Maranello, for what concern the style no words needed.

[@Highlander_142]

off coarse, it is above them. maserati is exotic small brand whilst the bmw and mercedes are mainstream manufacturers. e class and 5 series are on every corner literally... you can't find a maserati with a 4cyl 2litres diesel engine with cloth seats, basic trims and so forth... regards

[@ramonj08]

You do realize that majority of the switch gear inside oh this car is shared with the Dodge Dart and other FCA cars. Its not above BMW or Merc for those reasons alone.

[@Highlander_142]

the same windows switches are in the mercedes gls, cls and so forth. they took it from mb... daimler and chrysler still cooperate. regards

[@muumuumu]

The V8 used in Maserati GranTurismo sounds so much better. Drove one I still havent heard anything better even though the car isn't very fast, fast enough for sure.

[@davidebonannini640]

It's a 5mt saloon with 430hp, why should it be "mind-blowing fast"? It's quick and beautiful and that's all it needs to be. Yes, an M5 has got 600hp, but the question is, do i need that absurd power in a saloon? No i dont. They could certainly make a V8 version since they've got that engine available already.

[@Ishaq_Vally]

The David Then don't charge a pricetag as though you have 600 horsepower in the car.

[@davidebonannini640]

Ishaq Vally there's no such a parameter as "$ per HP" in the car industry. Otherwise a RollsRoyce should cost $100,000.

[@Ishaq_Vally]

The David Have you seen a Rolls Royce interior and refinement? This car has absolutely nothing to justify its price tag. That's why this company is failing. It is not as fast, not as refined, not as luxury, not as advanced, but it is as expensive and more expensive.

[@davidebonannini640]

Ishaq Vally i know but it's gorgeous, while the others are not. When a Ghibli passes by i turn my head (especially this latest version which is quite different than before, it should be seen in reality).but when an Audi or a Bmw passes i dont care that much. They're too mainstream, a sort of a banal way to say "i've made it".

[@Supcharged]

style before substance at its finest

[@vroemtoet]

Great video, BUT noise reduction is always a bad idea, especially here. Now we can't hear the car interior sound ;-)

[@klackon1]

In 1968 I bought the Observer's Book of Cars, which featured virtually every current car of that year. My favourite of all - the Maserati Ghibli. By comparison, I think the new version is a little bland.

[@allcleansmith9003]

Purchased a new Maserati Ghibli Gran Sport 2019, The only thing i would say negative aspect of the Ghibli is the road noise compared with my last car BMW 5 Series . I would say the Ghibli holds the road better then my last car and in the rain it is very sure footed and the 2019 model is the one to go for .This Maserati has a direction about it and and the auto gearbox is smoother then the BMW , Even these days when i see a top superbly made German car i do not bother to look twice , Because there are so many on our roads . But if you are looking to stand out from the crowd and get admiring glances from fellow travellers and around the cost of a new BMW 530 d with a few extras , Go down to your local Maserati showroom you will be pleasantly surprised..

[@DocWolph]

Well, they are coming along.

[@JosephatOkora]

What happened to the audio?

[@marshallbelcher9161]

So what's the new DougScore?

[@charleshu5752]

Where is the road? it is so pretty

[@himynameistaylor]

I wish they'd actually show the car sitting still and point out any changes in the aesthetics

[@abdudaw492]

Maserati always plays it safe. Time for them to come up with something mind blowing I know they can

[@maxhi88]

How's the build quality of the interior ???

[@toshy]

Top notch if you spec it right with the extended fine leather, alcantara and carbon/high end wood trim.

[@maxhi88]

Arty Eet But how big are the panel gaps???

[@maxhi88]

Doug?

[@Aurora_v_cali]

the audio sounds like the music from stranger things wow that's weird. also. I know its played out, and that v6 sounds pretty nice(on the outside only) I still want a v8....

[@stefanmolnar4345]

Sir the ghibli s or sq4 is rival for the e53, S6, M550i in europe they cost well egquiped almost the same. Actually the merc is the most expensive. So this is a semi sporty level.

[@MrWarwick15]

Audio quality.....?

[@Kyle-nr6nm]

if they up the quality and put in the ferrari 3.8turbo V8 then this thing might have a chance to go against the M5 or E63.

[@allcleansmith9003]

I have taken one out for a test drive ..Everybody was looking ,,Do not get that from a M5 ,Merc etc ...So im getting one ...And they look beautiful unlike the rest ....

[@NYC_SUPER_AUTO]

so.....440hp which is more than infiniti red sport...isnt quick from a 3.ol t.t. ?

[@ItsMikeArre]

They should have compared this to the Alfa Romeo Giulia instead with there similar Ferrari built engines in the F160 vs F154 even tho it’s out powered by about 101hp

[@UndergroundVoice]

giulia v6 is not ferrari engine...

[@dennishena1399]

Why does the background audio sound like the "Stranger Things" theme?

It really names Ghibli? :/ As in Ghibli Studio?

[@faizzaziz]

Im privileged to own one

[@maxtroy8511]

Steve is definitely one of the best auto journalists out there... Would like to see him review the new JGC Trackhawk.

[@petercavellini3232]

How often do you see one...?, unless you live in a City you’ll be lucky to see one anywhere else, and when you do see one you turn and look, it’s not about ho w it goes how it feels it’s just a nice place to be sitting enjoying the noise of the engine, maybe it’s just me but when I jump in the Car I don’t think let’s max it!😎, and eighty grand....not a lot of money for its perceived one Car better looks.

[@sergh8605]

Are you guys using Stranger Things opening credits?

[@manowar5516]

Another fine euro sedan you'll be able to buy for a couple of magic beans in America within 14months.

[@Highlander_142]

Living on the road... :)

[@RK1FX]

I'll take one over an f90m5 & e63 any day

[@AndreasLawson]

You are usually a bit more focused. "It's more exciting than an E-Class and 5-Series". It's a Ghibli S costing 70k plus and, as you yourself say, the competition is not E-Class and 5-Series, but E63 and M5. Is it more exciting than those? "The suspension, steering represents an improvement over the last Ghibli". So what?

[@user-qo7ul3wm1g]

AndreasLawson the E63 is an E class....

[@JBOsurf]

I've never seen Steve less excited to drive a car.

[@unpredctable1147]

One day you'll afford one of these don't worry

[@JBOsurf]

@@unpredctable1147 you should stick to playing call of duty little boy...

[@unpredctable1147]

@@JBOsurf I love call of duty but i also love my 2020 sq4 more than my 2022 E53amg 💯🤣 your broke sir.

[@JBOsurf]

@@unpredctable1147 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 and a new 2023 Civic Type R on order. I'm doing just fine thanks. Oh, and you're, not your.

[@unpredctable1147]

@@JBOsurf ok you win

[@johanlittorin2765]

Ghibli is sized between a 3-series and a 5-series, right?

[@giuseppelapomarda598]

The car competes with cls and similar not with m5

[@griphy]

Alfa Romeo needs to put a detuned version of that V6 in the Giulia! There's something missing between the 505hp 6cylinder QV and 280hp 4cylinder Veloce. They need a v6 to compete against the S4, C43, XE-S and 340i.

[@davidebonannini640]

griphy yeah, everybody say that.

[@sic22l]

They're going to squeeze more out of the 2.0 turbo (~350hp).

[@ericking8402]

This is absolutely better than the Camry

[@ericking8402]

Mopar unreliable You know I’m with you when I’m comparing a Maserati with a Toyota

[@stefanmolnar7950]

The E 63 S AMG In Europe ( i dont know the prices in UK ) fully loaded, 170000 EUR, the M 5 with nice M performance 170000 EUR, the ghibli with carbon parck SQ4 = 130000 EUR , how can you compare this??? THe new TROFEO with the V8 will be price wise cheaper too than the merc and bmw, that will be the real deal.

[@Xeross25]

This review doesn't make sense the ghibli compares with the cls coupe, a7, and the 6 series not the e class nor the 5 series

[@DanielSadjadian]

I think the Quattroporte and the GranTurismo are much nicer cars with their shouty V8s. Especially if you are looking for a C63 Coupe/M4 competitor, the GranTurismo is the perfect Maserati to go for.

[@naturesounds3957]

Anyone got the Geico add??😂

[@robcoleman4779]

Sounds great, looks great and isn't a BMW, Audi or Merc. Turns heads and is classier.

[@teamflounder]

Knockoff stranger things intro?

[@g00dfeeling]

Just adore this car. MB or Audi crowd are just too dumb for this.

[@hasanal-habbobi4018]

g00dfeeling Thays not true. It has a beautiful design which can be appreciated by any one.

[@g00dfeeling]

Its not just design but the way proper Italian cars are created. Standard manufacturers just cannot match that.

[@derbigpr500]

Just get a Giulia QV if you want an Italian sports saloon for that sort of money.

[@G2Merica]

I like the new design from the outside but the inside(where you spend 90% of your time) still looks like a “Parts bin catalog”. The inside isn’t an occasion like the price tag would suggest and the aggressive outer looks show.

[@Westside7be]

I nearly fell asleep during this review. Had a few too many during lunch?

[@khasmir666]

Sound is really bad, would be nice to hear the noise it makes. One more comment: title says "match for M5 or E63" but I hear Jaguar XF instead of M5 in the vid?

[@allcleansmith9003]

They never make cars like this today.

[@gottgaame]

EPS is better feels lighter and more sensitive

[@PauloHeaven]

The audio track makes me want to sleep and is blooming irritating. Seriously, I can't wait for a review from Doug, carwow or Car Throttle.

[@MM-fp3zb]

Doug is a dolt. Should be reviewing bicycles.

[@connannbarbarin3033]

maserati needs 707 hp hellcat engine

[@hasanal-habbobi4018]

Does the Ghibli??

[@Marv1385]

Please someone link the road via google maps

[@toh3211]

Interior looks like my Subaru Outback

[@onofrioverzicco7821]

Ghibli needs V8 engine, M5 F90 has 600 hp, For me is This beautiful car is rival to M4 gc. NOWADAYS SAFE-SISTEM ARE VERY IMPORTANT

[@babasan5411]

I was hoping to see details about the interior improvement. Did they fix the questionable built quality and poor fit and finish? How about the new safety features that the current car is lacking? This is far from a comprehensive review! I'd call this a quick spin.

[@sharjeelkhan7437]

Maserati ruined the ghibli when they first introduced it, they took it for granted , sheer carelessness. Now the desperation to salvage its image is a constant hard battle.

[@snvffxxx]

70% new? lol.. it is almost identical to my 2015 Ghibli

[@timmietz]

Great review. Subpar car.

[@deet4895]

Sorry but this just doesn't have the performance to compete with the Germans, it's HP, topspeed etc. more put it inline with the Lexus GS-F more than anything else.

[@HANYSAADPS]

S Q4 Gransport is much better than S coz S Q4 is all wheel drive

[@sic22l]

It's not a match and it was never meant to be one.

[@HawkMillFarm]

Sorry to say I found that video a bit slow and boring. Sexy car though.

[@michaelyounes29]

I'd have the equivalent Alfa

[@MM-fp3zb]

Alfa is nice and drives great but not in the same class in terms of comfort or elegance inside. The Alfa is a souped you go cart in this class.

[@douthinkesawus]

Pointless big barge that fills a parking spot in UK so you struggle to get out, don't understand the appeal

[@ElishaMukumba]

F80 M3? Yes. F10 M5? No. F90 M5? DEFINITELY NOT!

[@andrejkostovski5172]

for the m3 and c class yes but not for the m5 and e class

[@leonpeaks8967]

Just hire a skilled mechanic an they will give you a Maserati so he can stay busy

[@firefox39693]

STRANGER THINGS!

[@LegendInThaMakin]

Looks like the new bmw 8 series

[@basithph8958]

No still prefer M5 and E63

[@Ridwan-yn3md]

But we need doug's opinion

[@davidhayes4814]

Damning with faint praise

[@petersothern2909]

M5 vs this...M5 for me

[@93remix]

nope can't compete with the M5 or AMG E63, more like the 540i and the AMG E43

[@MM-fp3zb]

It’s much better looking and sounds better than either of them if that matters. The Benz looks like someone tried to soup up a cheaper car with gadgets.

[@azfarzaidi5698]

No, it is an E43, S6, M550i rival. Yes it priced aggressively but thats the premium for the maserati badge.

[@TheJustina102085]

Maserati has an outdated interface and in my limited experience doesn’t have the precision or performance compared to cars in class BUT you buy Maserati for its quite elegant design and you don’t see million trident logos driving around unlike a BMW or Mercedes..

[@vinideno]

This review made fall asleep. Honestly dose this guy like his job or what!! He needs a double espresso to wake up.