2023 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo Review: The Left-Field Choice

Maserati announced that the V8 engine will be phased out from the end of 2023, directly impacting the sedan you see here. The Maserati Ghibli Trofeo is the performance sedan in the mid-size Ghibli lineup, and its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 - along with ravishing stying and an equally inviting cabin - make it refreshingly different from the more powerful yet less individualistic Germans like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63. Producing 572 horsepower and without the grippy all-wheel-drive systems of its rivals, the Maserati won't keep up with them off the line, but it remains an extremely quick and involving sedan. As a luxury car, the Ghibli suffers from having a few cheaper materials in its cabin and limited rear-seat space, but Maseratis have never promised to be the most sensible or practical vehicles around. They're about emotion above all else, but is that enough to recommend the Ghibli Trofeo right at the end of its life?

New for 2023

There have been no major changes to the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo for the 2023 model year, but that hasn't stopped the price from rising by around $10,000. The only other significant news is the announcement by Maserati that the V8 engine will begin to be phased out by the end of 2023, and to honor this engine, a limited edition called the Ghibli 334 Ultima will be launched imminently - likely as a 2024 model. Along with some unique styling elements, Maserati has also been able to increase the top speed of this model to 207.5 mph.

2023 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo Price: Which One to Buy

The price of the 2023 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo begins at $122,000, quite a jump over last year's model, which was around $10k cheaper. This is the MSRP and doesn't include the destination charge of $1,495 and the gas guzzler tax of $1,400 in the USA.

We wouldn't add much to the 2023 Ghibli Trofeo besides metallic paint ($1,200) and the Bowers & Wilkins sound system upgrade ($2,500), as it's otherwise well-equipped.

Interior and Features

The Ghibli Trofeo has a stylish cabin layout and reasonable interior space utilization, but some rivals have even more premium interiors.

Although it isn't as technologically advanced or built to the same standard as its German rivals, the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo's interior has its charms. The simple analog dials, nicely stitched leather upholstery, and the quaint clock atop the dashboard are pleasing, although eagle-eyed shoppers will pick up some parts sharing between this six-figure sedan and far cheaper models from the Stellantis stable. The 10.1-inch touchscreen is now a little small by current standards, but we don't mind since usability is good. All Trofeos come with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a powered steering column, dual-zone climate control, and lane-keep assist. Heated rear seats are available, but unlike some of its competition, there aren't many interior colors to choose from.

Space

There is nothing unconventional here: the new Maserati Ghibli Trofeo sedan seats five occupants across two rows. Those in front will find sufficient legroom and headroom, but space at the back is a bit cozier. In the second row, legroom is fine, but headroom can be a little restricted for taller passengers. As is usually the case, the rear outboard seats are more comfortable than the middle center seat. The seats themselves are finished in high-quality leather and are comfortable, even those at the back. A comfortable driving position can be achieved thanks to a memory system and the availability of power-adjustable pedals.

Ingress and egress pose no problems since this is still a luxury sedan, so you won't need to hunker down to climb inside as you do in sports cars.

Cargo

While some rivals offer more overall space for occupants, the cargo space in the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo is commendable at 17.7 cubic feet. That's more than enough space for two golf bags or a week's worth of grocery shopping. The liftover height poses no issues, but taller items aren't the easiest to load due to the shape of the luggage area. The rear seats can be folded down to increase overall cargo capacity when necessary.

Interior storage options are what one would expect. There are dual front cupholders, a center armrest with a compartment below it, door bins, and the usual glovebox. At the back, there are front seatback map pockets, while a rear armrest with illuminated storage and a USB port is a $140 option.

Materials and Colors

Maserati has yet to jump on the sustainability bandwagon, so the Ghibli Trofeo still comes with leather upholstery as standard, including leather wrapping for the steering wheel. Color choices are Nero with Grigio stitching, Nero with Rosso stitching, or Rosso with Nero stitching. The latter is by far the most striking, and the red hue extends to the dashboard and lower door panels. High gloss Piano Black and high gloss carbon fiber twill are the two trim choices.

For $1,100, the Interior Carbon Fiber Package replaces the standard paddle shifters with carbon fiber items, and the door sills get the carbon fiber treatment, too. An Alcantara headliner and pillars will add a further $1,000. While the leathers are immaculate, some of the switchgear and plastic bits are on the cheap side in light of the Ghibli's price.

Features and Infotainment

If you get your thrills from a luxury car interior packed with gadgets and gizmos, know that a Mercedes at the same price will offer more than this Maserati. There is still a reasonable number of features built into the sticker price, though. The Trofeo has 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and the driver's seat is linked to a memory system with the power-adjustable steering wheel. Other items that require no muscle to operate include the sunroof and the soft-close doors.

The high-performance sedan also has dual-zone automatic climate control with an air quality sensor, a seven-inch driver information display, wireless phone charging, keyless entry, and remote start.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system will be familiar to some from other Stellantis products, but it has bespoke Maserati graphics in this application. Through this touchscreen, you can access navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. It's an easy system to use but not as snazzy as the dual displays that have become commonplace in other luxury models.

For those seated at the back, a rear armrest with a USB port and 12-volt outlet can be added for a minimal outlay, as can heated rear seats. Other options include power-adjustable pedals, rear laminated glass, and a 1,280-watt Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system.

Performance

It might not be the quickest in the class, but it's still potent enough to get off the line in just four seconds, thanks to a Ferrari-sourced engine.

The Maserati Ghibli Trofeo is by no means the quickest sedan in its class because it lacks the clever AWD systems and sheer power of certain rivals. That being said, 572 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque are nothing to scoff at, and the Maser can still deliver a breathtaking turn of speed when called upon to do so. With a 0-60 mph time of four seconds, the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo is anything but slow. These outputs come from the Ferrari-sourced 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that powers the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo, although certain modifications mean that it doesn't sound as thrilling here.

An eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF directs power to the rear wheels only, and a flat foot will initially see the rear tires struggle for grip. Once on the move, the car will overtake and surge past slower traffic without hesitation. And, with a top speed of 203 mph, it's faster than its German rivals - if only because it doesn't have their top speed limiters.

To drive, the RWD Ghibli Trofeo is a compliant and refined luxury sedan, effortlessly disposing of bumps in the road and showing itself to be a brilliant cruiser. It performs admirably in the corners, too, with quick but rather lifeless steering and good body control. In Corsa mode, it becomes more unruly as the stability control systems ease up. Ultimately, though, there are quicker and more engaging cars to drive in this class. If you want a luxury sedan first and to arrive at your destination quickly but without needing to stop at a race track on the way there, the Trofeo could be perfect.

Fuel Efficiency

While every other Ghibli manages 20 mpg combined (we review these models separately), the eight-cylinder Maserati Ghibli Trofeo on review here does suffer at the pumps. That V8 can only return 13/20/16 mpg city/highway/combined; even the BMW M5 Competition - with a larger 4.4L V8 and more power - has better gas mileage at 17 mpg combined.

The 21.1-gallon fuel tank capacity in the Trofeo equates to a range of roughly 338 miles, and you'll need to be sure to fill up with premium gasoline.

Safety

The Ghibli range was partially crash tested by the IIHS and received Good ratings in four evaluations. The NHTSA hasn't reviewed the Ghibli, but there are numerous standard safety features.

Although the Trofeo model hasn't been specifically tested, the partial IIHS safety review of the regular Maserati Ghibli returned a Good rating in every crashworthiness category; there is no reason why the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo shouldn't return the same safety ratings. The NHTSA has not crash-tested the Ghibli in any form.

A total of seven airbags are dotted around the cabin of the Maser, including a knee airbag for the driver. The sedan also comes with active blind-spot assist, front/rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian recognition, traffic sign recognition, and active driving assist.

Reliability

No recalls apply to the 2023 or 2022 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo models. However, 2021 models were recalled for incorrect tire pressure placards on models with the optional 21-inch wheels; this could lead to the tires being inadequately inflated. Certain Ghiblis were also recalled for an automatic locking retractor malfunction that affects the secure restraining of a child seat, and others for a fuel line sensor housing that could leak. J.D. Power has not yet published a quality and reliability rating for the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo.

The warranty of the 2023 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo covers the first four years or 50,000 miles, matching many other sports sedans from Europe, but there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Warranty

Design

Most onlookers would agree that the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo is a stylish sedan and something different in this segment. Very much a downsized Quattroporte Trofeo, the Ghibli Trofeo's design features curves in all the right places, and the way the long hood gradually dips to meet the grille gives the face a sporty air. At 118 inches, the wheelbase is a little longer than that of the BMW M5.

This Trofeo-specific hood has dual heat extractor vents, and the bumpers are unique to this model too. Adaptive full LED headlights are standard, as are alloy wheels in a choice of 20 or 21 inches that conceal the red brake calipers. The unmistakable Maserati Trident logo is found on the front grille and repeated on the C-pillar. At the back, although the LED taillights have a fairly generic shape, the sedan is lifted by its quad-exit tailpipes and a subtle spoiler on the trunk lid. Various exterior components have a carbon fiber finish, further differentiating the Trofeo from lesser Ghibli models. A full carbon fiber kit for the exterior will add the material to the door mirrors, door handles, B-pillar, and front bumper profile.

Verdict: Is The 2023 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo A Good Car?

If you want the best sports sedan in its class, the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo isn't it. Its German rivals are quicker, better built, and boast technologies not found in the Maser. It's just as well, then, that many of us buy cars with our hearts and not just our logical reasoning. The Maserati has a distinct personality and looks like nothing else in its segment, while that Ferrari-sourced V8 is unique - even if it sounds a little muffled here. The Trofeo handles competently and rides like a proper luxury sedan, and the interior is a comfortable and stylish place to sit. At $122,000, the Ghibli Trofeo is an expensive means to individuality, though, especially when the quicker and more exciting BMW M5 will cost less. The Ghibli Trofeo is a good choice if you have the means and have an aversion to following the crowd, but in all other aspects, we'd recommend one of its German competitors.