Maserati's Ghibli Diesel switch hit

Maserati's Ghibli sedan will touch down in Australia around mid-year, the prestige brand's local distributor has revealed today. 

And priced from $138,900 it will place Maserati in direct competition with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series for the first time in the manufacturer's long history. 

That entry-level price is for the diesel variant – the car the local distributor told motoring.com.au barely a month ago we wouldn't be seeing in Australia for the time being. The first of two petrol variants is less than $2000 dearer, at $139,990. Topping the range is the Ghibli S at $169,900. 

"The Ghibli is smaller, shorter, lighter, more dynamic, less expensive and more economical than the flagship Quattroporte and, by providing Maserati with two four door saloons in its range for the first time, it takes Maserati into a new market sector with significantly more sales potential," says Glen Sealey, General Manager of Maserati Australia. 

"Clients in this sector will, for the first time, have access to Maserati exclusivity, style and performance – in short everything that has made Maserati an automotive legend."

All three variants are powered by turbocharged V6 engines. Displacing three litres like the two petrol engines, the diesel produces 202kW and 600Nm for a 0-100km/h time of 6.3 seconds and a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.9L/100km.  

Rated at 243kW and 500Nm of torque, the lower-output twin-turbo petrol V6 can knock over the 0-100km/h time in a respectable 5.6 seconds, yet combined-cycle fuel consumption is officially 9.6L/100km. The engine in the Ghibli S employs its 301kW to reach 100km/h from a standing start in five seconds exactly, the manufacturer claims. All three engines drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

"The petrol engines provide the traditional sports car performance of an advanced petrol engine across a wide rev-range, while the turbo diesel provides the effortless, unstoppable thrust of acceleration delivered by a wall of torque at low engine speeds," explained Sealey, as quoted in a press release. 

In the right environment the diesel can travel up to 1100km without refill, the manufacturer claims. And an Active Sound system eliminates the diesel NVH in exchange for traditional Maserati engine character. 

According to specifications, the Ghibli, which is built at Grugliasco near Turin, is 50kg lighter than the Quattroporte. Externally, the Ghibli is 173mm shorter in the wheelbase, with overall length reduced by 291mm. Boasting a 50:50 weight distribution, the new model is underpinned by double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link IRS system. Inside, the Ghibli is appointed with Poltrona Frau leather, WLAN WiFi connectivity and a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. 

2014 Maserati Ghibli pricing (plus ORCs):

Ghibli Diesel -- $138,900

Ghibli -- $139,990

Ghibli S -- $169,900

Pictures: Ghibli Diesel (grey), Ghibli S (blue)