New Maserati Ghibli Diesel test drive
Discussion
I have deliberately not put this in the Maserati section, because I think the whole point of this car is to win people from BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Jag etc.
Looks. Ok in the flesh I generally like it. Clearly a maserati from the front and sides. Not a small car, but very much 5 series sized. I think the rear is a little weak with elements looking like a very average Toyota or similar. Under the bonnet some of the painted chassis parts looked pretty low quality - paint quality, whilst I admit not so important under the bonnet, looked like a back street respray! Side on the car is quite heavy looking and certainly needs larger (costly) alloys.
Inside is generally pretty good. The showroom cars had extended leather on the dash which did bring it up a couple of notches; the car I drove didn't have it and I think it lost a lot because of it. Seats are nicely trimmed, comfy and easy to adjust. The (standard) navigation system is ok, but feels less crisp and lower res compared to the system in my 6 series.
Engine. Ok it pulls well, but as expected it feels well down on the 40d engine I am used to in the 6 series. Not sure on the comparative weight of this car, but whilst it didnt feel lacking, it felt "adequate" rather than "pretty quick" which I would categorise the 640d.
Gearbox is good, and I think it may even be the same 8 speeder that is in the 640d.
Noise; in sport mode the exhasut note was really good - very bassy, and v8-like. Def a one up on the BM here, although it isnt really why you buy this car it is a nice bonus. WHen not in sport mode it didnt sound quite so smooth as the german diesels, and initial pickup was a little tardier.
I found the brakes quite grabby but it was a new car to be fair.
Overall, whilst this car is £48k, there were places where it didnt feel it, and once you have put the bigger wheels, and a few trim options, extras etc which it needs, it starts to be nearer £60k.
The biggest issue for me, is that I am driving a 640d M Sport coupe, on a personal lease with 12k per annum for only 600 a month inc, and although they havent sent the numbers through, the sales guy thought it would be well over 750 for a lighly spec'd car for the same terms.
If it was the same money to lease, I might well consider it, but as a slightly slower, less economical more expensive to run (servicing is annual,12k) car, it's really hard for the badge and the fruitier exhaust to justify paying more than the established competition.
I think it will still do well though.
Looks. Ok in the flesh I generally like it. Clearly a maserati from the front and sides. Not a small car, but very much 5 series sized. I think the rear is a little weak with elements looking like a very average Toyota or similar. Under the bonnet some of the painted chassis parts looked pretty low quality - paint quality, whilst I admit not so important under the bonnet, looked like a back street respray! Side on the car is quite heavy looking and certainly needs larger (costly) alloys.
Inside is generally pretty good. The showroom cars had extended leather on the dash which did bring it up a couple of notches; the car I drove didn't have it and I think it lost a lot because of it. Seats are nicely trimmed, comfy and easy to adjust. The (standard) navigation system is ok, but feels less crisp and lower res compared to the system in my 6 series.
Engine. Ok it pulls well, but as expected it feels well down on the 40d engine I am used to in the 6 series. Not sure on the comparative weight of this car, but whilst it didnt feel lacking, it felt "adequate" rather than "pretty quick" which I would categorise the 640d.
Gearbox is good, and I think it may even be the same 8 speeder that is in the 640d.
Noise; in sport mode the exhasut note was really good - very bassy, and v8-like. Def a one up on the BM here, although it isnt really why you buy this car it is a nice bonus. WHen not in sport mode it didnt sound quite so smooth as the german diesels, and initial pickup was a little tardier.
I found the brakes quite grabby but it was a new car to be fair.
Overall, whilst this car is £48k, there were places where it didnt feel it, and once you have put the bigger wheels, and a few trim options, extras etc which it needs, it starts to be nearer £60k.
The biggest issue for me, is that I am driving a 640d M Sport coupe, on a personal lease with 12k per annum for only 600 a month inc, and although they havent sent the numbers through, the sales guy thought it would be well over 750 for a lighly spec'd car for the same terms.
If it was the same money to lease, I might well consider it, but as a slightly slower, less economical more expensive to run (servicing is annual,12k) car, it's really hard for the badge and the fruitier exhaust to justify paying more than the established competition.
I think it will still do well though.
ikarl said:
I'm sure I sen a lease deal for these recently and it was under £600....escapes me where though
Seen this, which is 560 inc, but 6 months down, and only 9k per annum (2 year deal). Not bad, but before options of course.http://www.contracthireandleasing.com/car-leasing-...
rallycross said:
A diesel Maserati? dreadfull.
Lets not go down this road please. They haven't stopped making their other cars - lots of people need a car to do bigger miles in, so why not. In fact, scrub that, lets not make this thread a debate about the why for the love of god. Thanks
I test drove the diesel and the petrol S back to back. The diesel engine is just nowhere near the standard of BMW and others its fairly woeful in my opinion. Like you i realise they are 60k cars once specced but what really concerned me was the quality of the interior. Both cars i drove had the extended upgraded leather and there were ripples and imperfections in it all over the place. Looked awful.
XLCR leasing were doing the Maserati Ghibli diesel saloon for a bit less than £600/month for a business lease; about a month ago, if memory serves.
If they've already got rid of their allocation that offer may be gone by now, mind. We have a car on the company through them, so I get their special offers & cancelled orders texted onto my mobile quite regularly.
It may be that the lease pricing sharpens up in a few months - if sales are behind plan & they get some manufacturer support to help shift a few more cars.
If they've already got rid of their allocation that offer may be gone by now, mind. We have a car on the company through them, so I get their special offers & cancelled orders texted onto my mobile quite regularly.
It may be that the lease pricing sharpens up in a few months - if sales are behind plan & they get some manufacturer support to help shift a few more cars.
edo said:
PS: Quite why the demo and showroom cars were grey or burgundy when they do this lovely colour I have no idea...
Now you see that does look lovely, one of my account managers has just opted for a new S6 over the Ghibli he preferred the looks of the Maserati but the lease pricing gets silly once you spec the car up £850+ per month for the D or Petrol V6 Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff