New Ghibli in context

[allandwf]

Spotted a new style Ghibli today. I must admit to not being too taken originally, but seeing it parked in a public car park next to the mundane it looked stunning. It was a dark gunmetal with a private "Jimmy" Reg. which I found quite amusing.

 

[daverichardson]

Ghibli is shining through now
Is it because everything else is so bland?

 

[CatmanV2]

No. Its because we don't like change.

C

 

[allandwf]

No. Its because we don't like change.

C

Possibly very true.

 

[Classico]

With the right wheels , IMO, it actually looks pretty good on the roads.

Seen a Black, Blu Nettuno and white.

 

[CatmanV2]

Possibly very true.

New stuff is almost always un-popular. 'Who Moved My Cheese'

C

 

[StuartW]

I have to say after having one for the day yesterday, I am coming round to them and quite enjoyed the experience. It looks good from the back too with it's small spoiler styled into the boot and the 4 outlet exhaust, not at all bad

 

[MAF260]

I wasn't especially keen when they were first launched. I went to look at one in the showroom and came away unsure. When I was in the market for a new saloon I didn't consider one for a while, I'd sort of forgotten they existed and also thought they'd be out of reach financially compared to my budget. I almost bought a new BMW 335d, but something stopped me and I didn't know what it was. Only later I realised how omnipresent the 3 series is in its assorted flavours and that it was just too commonplace for what I wanted. I've always enjoyed driving something a bit different to the norm (can you tell by my GS?!) and although the BMW is a cracking car on many counts it just didn't make me want to part with my cash. I then remembered the Ghibli and decided to take a much closer look. I liked what I saw and mentally upped my budget (good old man maths!) to see if one was in reach. Much help and advice from Athol (thanks, mate - I owe you much beer!!) and it started to become a distinct possibility. I spoke to a few dealers about potential purchases and they were all chasing me to sell me a car - a very positive experience from some very good sales people. Lots of consideration of the different colours and specs and I settled on my car due to its high spec and really low miles. I negotiated a very good deal (thanks again Athol, the insight was invaluable) and picked the car up 5 weeks ago. I'm getting more smitten as time goes on.

What's not to like about this?!

 

[BennyD]

......Maserati management. W4nkers, the lot of them.

 

[conaero]

......Maserati management. W4nkers, the lot of them.

How many Coronas did it take to come up with that Benny?

I've always supported the Ghibli and feel, like any Maserati (and Alfa come to think of it) they never get it right straight out of the box, something the Germans are irritatingly good at. The coming facelift will make it even better I feel.

 

[Andyk]

It is a very good looking car......not perfect...but still a lovely shape...Saw two on the M4 yesterday and they did turn my head....The dark greys really suit it as well..

 

[Needamaser]

Interesting to see the change in opinions on here about the car since launch.
Mostly comments now favourable and people actually buying/leasing them.
How much is down to accepting the change of direction from Maserati or is part of it that the Ghibli hasn't been the commercial success predicted and as a result far fewer on the road and car now appeals to likes of us here because partly we bought Maserati because they were not 10 a penny and we don't want to be same as everyone else on the road?
I know the prospect of seeing a Ghibli every other car put me off the idea of getting one.

 

[conaero]

Interesting to see the change in opinions on here about the car since launch.
Mostly comments now favourable and people actually buying/leasing them.
How much is down to accepting the change of direction from Maserati or is part of it that the Ghibli hasn't been the commercial success predicted and as a result far fewer on the road and car now appeals to likes of us here because partly we bought Maserati because they were not 10 a penny and we don't want to be same as everyone else on the road?
I know the prospect of seeing a Ghibli every other car put me off the idea of getting one.

TBH i think they have just cheapened the outgoing QP, that market now buy Ghiblis and the new QP is just drifting without direction.

I mean, do we even have one new QP owner on here? Not saying its not a good car its just not got a target market to sell to.

 

[highlander]

The new QP just looks too big IMO, so can see why buyers may be turned on to the ghibli. Have to admit I was one of the doubters till I saw a couple in the flesh, now converted.

 

[Andyk]

The QP is just not aimed at us.....Drew had one for a weekend for Brunty and he did saw it was bloody quick and nice to be in but also big.......

Maserati has always been a buy from the heart but the Ghibli is trying to be a buy from the head as well........The everyday Maserati..I looks great but look how many are for sale. It is not a Maserati of old......If you want that then the last QP or to buy or GS/4200/GT is the one to buy....

 

[safrane]

As most know, I'm not a fan.

I found the drive no better than if not a little worse than most of the rental cars I get (BMW, MD, Audi and Jag). If it was a blind test I doubt I would pick one as the winner. Much as I love the brand you cant just stick a trident on a car and say its a pure Maserati... esp if you have to dub a sound track onto the car to make it sound half decent.

Will they be coveted in 10 years?...with Maserati's level of support and expense, I somehow doubt it but hope to be proved wrong.

 

[zagatoes30]

Photos don't do the Ghibli any favours, it is much better in the flesh and on the road it does have enough presence to stand out but IMO it and many other saloons have lost that style. I don't look at one and think, "if only".

I used to that think about the E38 & E39 7 & 5 Series respectively or a W126 or W220 S Class or even a Series 3 & X308 Jaguar which were all great cars selected by individual owners because each one meant something to them. Post these cars, manufacturers went down the route of trying to please everyone, or more importantly trying not to put people off. This has led to the modern trend of conformism, notable exceptions have been Maserati with the QP V and to some extent Jaguar with the X351. Maserati have always been prepared to be different, the QP IV proves that but with the latest saloon offerings I feel they have been sucked into being the same as everyone else. Bean counters have a lot to do with this, focus groups advising what is good and bad will only ever lead to compromise and with compromise no one ever gets what they want.

I don't have £60k to throw at a car so I don't need to be over concerned but if I did I doubt that I would be buying any of the latest crop of big saloon cars.

 

[bigbob]

As most know, I'm not a fan.

I found the drive no better than if not a little worse than most of the rental cars I get (BMW, MD, Audi and Jag). If it was a blind test I doubt I would pick one as the winner. Much as I love the brand you cant just stick a trident on a car and say its a pure Maserati... esp if you have to dub a sound track onto the car to make it sound half decent.

Will they be coveted in 10 years?...with Maserati's level of support and expense, I somehow doubt it but hope to be proved wrong.

I understand your comments but I feel there is very little brand differentiation these days full stop. That's why I pay no attention to group car tests as the differences are so small that once you are into these price points there is no car that is way off the pace. Certainly I never bought any of Maseratis' on the basis of it driving better than an M3, 911, 650 etc etc.

As for the ten year point, very few saloons are viewed this way as time passes. The market wants convertibles and coupes in that context. The Ghibli is a nice bread and butter upper executive saloon. Personally I'd prefer it as a wagon but in it's space it is fine.

 

[daverichardson]

Very interesting reading here.
I like the Ghibli and would certainly consider it above any other manufacturer, as for my QP(V) well it is just awesome and come the dray I think I would go for another one rather than the Ghibli - or anything else for that matter
I have posted before that i want comfort (I am old!) and ability (I am daft sometimes too) and in the QP I get that in spades compared to say a BMW or god forbid an Audi

 

[zagatoes30]

The Ghibli is a nice bread and butter upper executive saloon. Personally I'd prefer it as a wagon but in it's space it is fine.

I think that's my point, I don't want a Maserati to be "nice" or "fine". It's a bit like saying it's OK - Maseratis should be special, they should tug the heart strings they should make you feel good, they shouldn't be nice, fine or OK they should be stunning , exhilarating even awesome