Maserati gives Ghibli a quick nip and tuck

UPDATED 30/08/2017 3:00pm: Story updated to include new details of the top-shelf GranSport trim level for the 2018 Ghibli, which was revealed only in GranLusso guise last week, before the revised Ghibli's debut at the Ghengdu motor show in China.

Maserati has freshened up its Ghibli for 2018.

The changes are minor, but include new GranLusso and GranSport versions of the sporty Italian rival for BMW's large 5 Series sedan.

Outside, the Maserati sedan gets a redesigned front bumper that features more inserts and a new front grille.

Look closer and you might spot the new GranLusso/GranSport badging on the side skirts while, at the rear of the car, you'll find a new bumper that now incorporates a diffuser that's claimed to provide a real aerodynamic benefit.

Under the bonnet, the entry-level MY18 Ghibli continues with the upgraded 260kW twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 it received last year (previously 243kW/500Nm), while the Ghibli S now gets an increase in outputs from 301kW/550Nm to 320kW/580Nm.

As such, the upgraded Ghibli S will hit 100km/h in a claimed 4.7 seconds (0.1sec sooner than before) on its way to a top speed 286km/h. As with the standard V6 petrol Ghibli, the Ghibli Turbo Diesel's 202kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 remains unchanged.

Now with the addition of GranLusso and GranSport trim levels, Ghibli customers will be able to choose from nine model variants, including three drivetrains and three trim levels.

Also part of the mid-life facelift is the introduction of full-LED headlights with glare-free Matrix high-beam, Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) stability function and, to replace the outgoing Ghibli's hydraulic steering system, Electric Power Steering (EPS).

The latter facilitates new Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) including Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist. Together with Adaptive Cruise Control and Traffic Sign Recognition, these features will be available in an optional Driver Assistance package.

The facelifted 2018 Ghibli range will arrive in Australian and New Zealand showrooms early next year, when full local pricing and specifications will be announced.