[Taboleo] Eco-Friendly Sedan for Running... Maserati Ghibli HEV

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] "Maserati's upcoming electric vehicle lineup will be called 'Folgore,' which means lightning in Italian. Although it is an electric car, we aim to deliver Maserati's unique exhaust sound and driving performance."

Kimura, Maserati's Asia-Pacific Regional Director, mentioned the name and identity of Maserati's electrification lineup at the Seoul Mobility Show on the 25th of last month. He expressed confidence in producing eco-friendly cars that maximize the strengths Maserati has shown in internal combustion engine vehicles. However, rather than making a rapid shift to electric vehicles, Maserati plans to first sell hybrid models and naturally join the electric vehicle market. In this transitional phase toward electrification, Maserati released its first electrified model, the Ghibli Hybrid, in July, followed by the Levante Hybrid last month. To get a sense of Maserati's electrification direction, I test-drove the Ghibli Hybrid GranLusso on a 300 km round trip from Seoul to Daejeon.

- How is the design of the Ghibli Hybrid model?

▲ The Ghibli Hybrid model maintains the sleek coupe shape similar to the existing gasoline model, preserving its distinctive sharp shark-like appearance. The body size is also identical to the gasoline model. The length, width, and height are 4970 mm, 1945 mm, and 1485 mm respectively, giving it a grand mid-to-large size. Additionally, the taillights feature boomerang-shaped LED light clusters inspired by the 3200 GT and Alfieri concept car. The edges are black, the center has three lenses of different colors showing red, and the lower section is transparent. Blue accents emphasizing the hybrid model are applied to the air vents and C-pillars. Blue brake calipers are also available as an option.

- How about the interior?

▲ The vehicle I rode in was equipped with Ieno Fiore seats. Upon entering the cabin, the intense red color throughout the interior, Maserati's trident logo, and the analog clock installed in the center immediately catch the eye. For those who prefer a weightier interior over a sporty one, black leather seats and premium leather options are available. Moreover, blue accents are added to the seats, armrests, door panels, and dashboard, creating a more futuristic interior atmosphere. Especially in the GranLusso trim, the Radica open-pore wood trim on the dashboard and the wood-finished leather steering wheel add elegance. The center fascia display has grown from an 8-inch 4:3 ratio screen to a 10-inch 16:10 ratio screen, improving visibility. The center console features an intuitive gear shift lever and driving mode buttons, and the audio volume key is made of aluminum, giving a premium feel.

- Are you satisfied with the driving performance?

▲ The Ghibli Hybrid combines a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with a 48V battery. It delivers a maximum output of 330 horsepower and a peak torque of 45.9 kg·m. The top speed is 255 km/h, and the zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time is about 5.7 seconds. At low speeds initially, I was surprised by how strong the exhaust sound was, making me wonder, "Is this really a hybrid?" This is due to the adjustment of airflow in the exhaust intake and the use of a resonator. Equipped with a belt starter generator and e-booster, the initial acceleration at low RPMs was excellent, matching the strong exhaust sound. I expected the driving thrill to be slightly less than the gasoline model, which has a zero-to-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds, but the response speed when accelerating to the speed limit on the highway was good, allowing for enjoyable high-speed driving.

- What about safety and convenience features?

▲ The Ghibli Hybrid reduces driver fatigue with active driving assist using adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. It also enhances safety with active blind-spot assist, forward collision warning plus, advanced brake assist, and emergency braking systems. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connect wirelessly through the center display, allowing control of T-map navigation, music, and more. Heated car seats can also be adjusted via the display. Additionally, a Harman Kardon 280W system with eight speakers is standard. Playing music through it delivers rich sound quality, making you feel as if you are listening live at a concert. Optional Harman Kardon premium sound system and Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound system are available as add-ons.

- What are some drawbacks?

▲ When using Bluetooth wirelessly, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connections sometimes fail or disconnect intermittently. Voice commands also still feel insufficient. The volume and playback controls are located between the steering wheel and paddle shifters; having volume and playback buttons on the front panel would be more intuitive. Also, the hazard light button is hidden inside the gear knob area, which made me wonder if it could be pressed quickly in an emergency.

- How about fuel efficiency and price?

▲ The Ghibli Hybrid's combined fuel efficiency is 8.9 km/L, which is 1 to 2 km/L better than the gasoline model. Depending on road conditions, it achieved 12 to 13 km/L on the highway but dropped to 6 to 7 km/L in heavily congested urban areas. The domestic sales price ranges from 114.5 million to 121.5 million KRW.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.