Italian carmaker Maserati is known for cars that indulge their customers’ need for style, luxury, and performance. It can now add efficiency to the mix, with the Philippine launch of the 2022 Ghibli Hybrid executive sedan which heralds the brand’s entry into the league of electrified vehicles.
Maserati Ghibli Hybrid Global Digital Premiere
Modena Motorsports Inc., Maserati’s exclusive importer in the country, officially launched the new model in an online event. This was held at the Maserati Philippines Facebook page, in accordance with prevailing health and safety protocols.
“This car is a milestone for Maserati. This model signifies Maserati’s first step into electrification,” gushed Modena Motorsports President Sam Verzosa. “In the next four years, Maserati is planning to electrify its century-long tradition of engineering excellence and passion!”
The Ghibli Hybrid is Maserati's first foray into electrified vehicles
He adds that the introduction of hybrid technology into the Ghibli marks nearly a decade of work. The current generation marked Maserati’s comeback in the mid-size luxury car segment after two decades, with over 100,000 examples assembled since its debut in 2013.
Exterior
Despite its revolutionary powertrain, the new Ghibli Hybrid’s design doesn’t stray from the look that Maserati has been known for. It largely retains the familiar aesthetic unleashed by Centro Stile Maserati in Turin, with touches of blue on the Trident logo, iconic side air ducts, and brake calipers to denote cars equipped with hybrid technology.
A restyled grille evokes tuning forks, referencing the purity of Maserati design
Adaptive full matrix LED headlamps surround the new front grille that features restyled bars reminiscent of a tuning fork, a musical instrument that emits a pure sound. The Maserati Trident stands proudly in the middle, hovering over the front air intakes embedded within the front bumper.
Sculpted lines along the profile gently lead to the car’s flanks, while rear light clusters have been redesigned to incorporate a boomerang-like element. The Ghibli Hybrid rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.
Interior
More blue trim elements can be found in the cabin, via the contrast stitching on the seats and blue Maserati logo on the headrests. There’s ample room for five occupants, while the 60/40 split-fold rear seat provides access to the cargo area, under which the battery for the hybrid system is located.
The cockpit is as indulgent as it is intelligent
As plush as the cabin is, everyone on board will still get to bask in the glorious Maserati engine note coming from the optimized exhaust, featuring specially designed resonators.
Tech & safety
Large analog dials sit on either side of a multi-information graphical display, visible behind the nubs of the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The upsized high-definition central touchscreen now measures 10.1 inches, boasting the latest generation of the Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Blue detailing on the seats proclaim the sedan's hybrid nature
A bevy of advanced driver-assist systems complement the 2022 Ghibli Hybrid’s standard safety features, such as Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Forward Collision Warning Plus, Active Driving Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition. A Surround View Camera system provides a clear 360-degree view to aid in avoiding blind spots while maneuvering in constricted spaces.
Engine & drivetrain
Engineers at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena, Italy, matched the standard Ghibli’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, capable of recovering kinetic energy during braking. But that’s not all, as a battery-powered e-Booster electric supercharger is also in play, making for a setup that’s unique in the Ghibli Hybrid’s segment.
The 2.0-liter engine works with both mild-hybrid tech and electric supercharging
All this translates to 330 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, allowing the Ghibli Hybrid to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 255 kilometers per hour. An 8-speed ZF automatic transmission routes the power to the drive wheels, with a limited-slip self-locking mechanical differential providing added traction.
Pricing
The 2022 Maserati Ghibli Hybrid comes with rather premium pricing at Php 6.99 million. But considering everything it brings to the table, you might want to think twice before passing up on this Italian masterpiece. You can check out the latest Maserati at all authorized Maserati Philippines dealerships.
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