Updated Maserati Ghibli details revealed

Maserati has revealed specification details for the updated Ghibli sedan, which is due for release in Australia early 2017.

Unveiled at the Paris motor show in September, the 2017 Ghibli receives a similar suite of updates as that found on the new Quattroporte sedan – with a few exceptions.

Every Ghibli model will receive a new, redesigned dash to accommodate a brand-new 8.4-inch, high-resolution touch-screen infotainment system that accommodates both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Controlling the new infotainment system is a centrally-mounted rotary dial.

Elements of the car’s interior have also been overhauled, and the cabin adopts new technologies that reduce cabin noise through improved sound insulation.

All engines will feature carryover outputs save for the base 3.0-litre V6 petrol, which has had its outputs bumped 15kW to 257kW overall. The change will enable the Ghibli to sprint from  zero to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds (0.1 seconds quicker), en route to a top speed of 267km/h.

Speaking with motoring.com.au at the launch of the Quattroporte this week, Maserati Australia general manager Glen Sealey said the Ghibli wouldn’t receive the same exterior design changes as the Quattroporte – including hidden louvres that reduce aerodynamic drag by about 10 per cent.

And more significantly, Maserati’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems suite will be an optional extra on the Ghibli, as opposed to the Quattroporte, where it is standard. The package includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist and Automated Emergency Braking.

Sealey reported the Ghibli range would be offered with carry-over pricing save for the S model, which has been increased $10,000. This mostly goes against the Quattroporte model, where prices have been raised by as much as $20,000.

As such, pricing for the 2017 Maserati Ghibli starts at $139,900 plus on-roads for the Diesel, increases to $143,900 for the Ghibli and tops out at $179,900 for the Ghibli S.