2023 Maserati Ghibli Review: Still Has The Moves

In last year's review of the Maserati Ghibli, we complimented it on its emotive Italian design, fine handling, and powerful engines, but we were left wanting more. The car is now nearly a decade old without a redesign, and rivals such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class have vaulted past the charming Italian in terms of build quality and the latest technology at significantly lower prices. So the fact that the new year rings in dramatic price increases and almost no changes is bad news for the Ghibli, which was already one of the most expensive mid-size sedans in its class. With the base price of the 2023 Maserati Ghibli now in the mid-$80k region, it's starting to look very expensive against the competition, all of which have seen all-new generations in the time the Ghibli has been on the market. Can its Italian style, performance, and handling still win the day against such odds?

What's the Price of the 2023 Maserati Ghibli?

The MSRP of the Maserati Ghibli starts at $85,300 this year for the base GT trim, up more than $9k over last year's price and even more expensive than last year's Modena Q4. The other trims have increased even more in price and the Modena will now cost you $92,100. The Modena Q4 is the most expensive in the range, at $94,800. These prices exclude a $1,495 destination fee.

2023 Ghibli Exterior

Dimensions

2023 Ghibli Performance

2023 Maserati Ghibli Handling and Driving Impressions

Even after all these years, the Ghibli is still the business when you take it out on the road. It retains a pleasing measure of athleticism, and its handling is sharp en enjoyable, more so than many other mid-size sedans, and in line with what the typical buyer will likely expect from their Italian stallion. The steering doesn't deliver the feedback of a sports car, but considering that it has to remain refined as a luxury car, this is not a deal-breaker. The ride is also a bit stiffer than what you'd expect in this class, but it never becomes harsh and remains compliant enough. It doesn't ride as absorbently as some of its rivals, but once again, we are of the opinion that buyers who choose the Maserati expect a sharper edge and will likely be happy with the compromise they get here. The lovely, sonorous engine note provides a great soundtrack and rounds off a sedan that is still very good to drive, despite its age.

2023 Ghibli Interior

2023 Ghibli Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is The 2023 Maserati Ghibli A Good Car?

Judged by the traditional norms of the luxury mid-size sedan class, the new Maserati Ghibli sedan has fallen too far behind to be considered a worthy alternative to the quintessential German luxury sedans. Its aging interior shows too many cheaper finishes in places, and its back seat is too small. If you'd normally consider a Mercedes or Audi, the ride might also be a bit too stiff. But as a beautifully styled sedan with sporty handling and potent engines that sound so intoxicating you'll turn off the radio to hear it, the Ghibli still presents a sound choice in this class - and has rarity value to boot. The high price will put off the average buyer who fails to see the charm, but if you get the point of the Ghibli and don't mind paying the premium, you'll probably own the only sporty Italian sedan on your block, and that counts for something.

What 2023 Maserati Ghibli Model Should I Buy?

The Modena is the trim to have. For a premium of around $7k over the base GT, you'll get an additional 79 hp that usefully boosts performance, as well as a more aggressive and sportier fascia. It also has extended leather on more interior surfaces and tasteful wood trim to put the cabin on a level that better fits the car's price. You can also get this trim in AWD, should you need more grip.