New 325bhp Maserati Ghibli launched with mild-hybrid tech

• 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds
• Available to order now
• Priced from £58,220

A Maserati Ghibli with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and mild-hybrid assistance has joined the range for 2020. It’s Maserati’s first electrified production model, using a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to improve efficiency compared with the standard V6 petrol model.

The Ghibli saloon is the Italian company’s least expensive model, providing a flamboyant alternative to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. This hybrid model is on sale now, with prices starting from £58,220.

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The mild-hybrid system comprises a belt-driven starter-generator and a small battery. Energy that would go to waste when braking or coasting is stored in the battery, allowing the stop-start system to kick in slightly sooner. If you’re in Sport mode, the energy is used to assist acceleration.

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It’s mated to a new 2.0-litre petrol engine and an electric supercharger, for a total output of 325bhp. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes 5.7 seconds and the car’s top speed is 158mph. We’re told the engine and electricals are lighter than the existing engines, and weight distribution is better because the battery is mounted at the rear of the car. A new exhaust system has been fitted to make the engine sound its best, without the need for artificial noise to be pumped into the cabin.

The new mild-hybrid engine reduces CO2 emissions by 25% but figures of 33.2mpg and 195g/km mean the Ghibli still won’t be cheap to run. Many of its rivals feature full hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains, which bring lower running costs and cheaper Benefit-in-Kind tax for company-car drivers.

Accompanying the new powertrain are slightly tweaked looks. Maserati has applied eco-signalling blue detailing to the front wing vents, badges and the brake calipers, while there’s also a slightly refreshed grille and updated rear lights. A new blue-silver paint shade is available too.

Blue detailing continues inside; you’ll find blue stitching, dials and headrest badges. There are sporty seats, pedals and a sports steering wheel, while the Ghibli range now comes with a partly digital instrument cluster, a bigger 10.1-inch touchscreen and an accompanying smartphone app. The placement of the battery doesn’t affect the 500-litre boot space.

Read our Maserati reviews here, or visit our guide to the best saloons.