The 2016 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 made its debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show and arrived in the UAE a year later. It competes with some of the finest German sports sedans such as Mercedes CLS 550 4Matic, BMW 640i and Audi S6. We took a test drive of the Ghibli S Q4 to find out if it really as stunning as claimed by the automaker. Below are our findings.
2016 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 Review
Walk Around the New Ghibli
The 2016 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 boasts a distinct exterior design – a blend of both sportiness and elegance. The front fascia incorporates a wide and bold front grille converging with the aggressive LED headlamps. The unique chrome plated Maserati trident logo in the centre adds to the overall beauty of the front fascia. The wheels are 18-inch Vulcano design alloys, while you can also opt for the optional 21-inch matt wheels.
Cockpit Impression
Let’s step inside and inspect the back seating area first. Opening the door, my eyes were glued to the sexy red colour leather interior which not only looks good, but also feels premium. The use of fine Italian leather and wooden trim testifies to Maserati’s sophisticated craftsmanship. Although Maserati claims that the Ghibli S Q4 offers the best in class interior space in the sports sedan category, but I would disagree with that; it lacks adequate leg room.
The cockpit area is designed ergonomically and extends a leather covered three spoke steering wheel, which can be easily adjusted with the push of a button. The front dash features the signature Maserati clock along with a spectacular 8.4 inch touch infotainment system.
Engine Specification of 2016 Maserati Ghibli S Q4
The 2016 Ghibli S Q4 is available in only one engine option:
- 3.0 Litre Twin Turbo V6 engine which is capable of delivering up to 410 horsepower (301 kW) and 550 Nm of torque
This is the same powertrain used in Ghibli S, but the S Q4 edition benefits from an intelligent all-wheel drive system – ideal for conquering any sort of terrain.
Driving Dynamics
I drove this Maserati Ghibli on a straight freeway and enjoyed a smooth and swift acceleration, thanks to the remarkable eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The best part is that you can either switch to manual mode and control the gears yourself through paddle shifter near the steering column or use automatic shifting and let the gearbox do its magic.
In terms of handling, the front double wishbone and rear five-arm multilink suspension didn’t disappoint, in fact they offered an impressive drive around sharp edges and curves. I was able to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and hit 260 km/h. However, Maserati says it can go as fast as 284 km/h.
Despite carrying such a powerful engine, the Maserati Ghibli S Q4 does not compromise on fuel economy. It consumed an average of 8.5 km/L during our Ghibli S Q4 test drive.
Technological Overview of Maserati Ghibli
The 2016 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 is not your regular sports sedan with just a high-end powertrain, it also comes loaded with latest amenities to make your drive more pleasurable. The front dash features Maserati Touch Control unit with an 8.4-inch touch display, USB slot, Bluetooth connectivity, dual zone climate control, 8-speaker audio system, SIRI smart personal assistant for Apple users and more.
Safety Features of Ghibli S Q4
Besides being fully equipped with the modern technologies, the 2016 Maserati Ghibli also extends top of the line safety features such as bi-xenon headlamps with automatic activation, advanced airbag system, Maserati stability programme which includes acceleration slip regulation, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution, drag torque control system, brake assistance system, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill holder and cruise control.
2016 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 Pictures
Dislike
The only complain I have against the Maserati Ghibli S Q4 is that it lacks adequate leg room in the back seat.
Verdict
The 2016 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 may be an expensive sport sedan with a price tag of AED 339,000, but I assure you it is worth the price. From opulent interior to spectacular performance, the 2016 Ghibli S Q4 offers everything. It is definitely one of the best sport sedans I have ever driven.