2016 Maserati Ghibli V6 Diesel review

What's it like?

Taking into consideration all the minor improvements made to the Ghibli since its introduction in 2013, it is a better car than it was then - and even a better one than it was 12 months ago. But it remains some way behind its rivals, including heavy-hitters such as such as the BMW 535d and Mercedes E 350 d, in this Diesel form. 

The main grievance is still the engine, which, despite Maserati's NVH work, still grumbles to life, sends noticeable vibration back through the wheel and pedals and never ceases its gravelly hum once up at motorway speeds in eighth gear. It never really feels particularly brisk, either, neither from a standstill nor from a rolling start, but Maserati's efforts to sharpen the gearbox have resulted in better responses when using the car's (optional) paddles.

The Ghibli's three driving modes, called ICE (Increased Control and Efficiency), Normal and Sport, are fairly self-explanatory, but none really fit their billing. Sport primes the gearbox and weights the steering and, on models with the optional Skyhook damping control, stiffens the dampers, but the Ghibli never feels as eager to change direction or as comfortable being pushed as a BMW 5 Series. New actuators in the Diesel's exhaust also aim to make a 'sporting sound', but it fails to deliver in the same way Audi's and Porsche's systems do.

Dialling back the dampers in Normal mode doesn't help the ride, either. In Sport the Ghibli shimmies and skips sideways over ruts mid-bend, while in Normal the extra breathing space only sends the body shuddering in a more pronounced way, as the wheels pick up on too many scars in the asphalt. 

In short, you'll have more fun driving a 5 Series, and be more comfortable and relaxed in an E-Class. But there is at least some good news inside the Ghibli, where its new infotainment system is a marked improvement. It's far more responsive than before and more logically laid out, while its new rotary controller and shortcut buttons make it quicker to navigate on the move. That it also has the latest smartphone integration is another huge bonus.

So it's a shame that the materials surrounding it aren't as slick. Maserati prides itself on luxuriousness and exclusivity, yes, but the Ghibli is nowhere near the class-leading leathers and plastics of the Mercedes and even feels behind the long-in-the-tooth 5 Series in this respect. Scratchy surfaces, cheap-feeling switches and creaking trims are all an issue. 

At least the front passengers still benefit from good space, and the driver gets a generous amount of electronic steering wheel and seat adjustment to fiddle with, so the majority of frames will get comfortable. However, those in the back still put up with mediocre leg and head room and a rear window line that cuts away past the side of the head. Behind, the Ghibli's boot is smaller than those of its rivals and harder to access.

Should I buy one?

Credit where it's due: the Ghibli is improved. It is slightly quieter than in 2013 and its new infotainment system makes connecting your smartphone and interacting with its features on the move a far more pleasurable experience. It also comes with a decent standard kit list, including leather seats, sat-nav, xenon headlights and climate control.