Ghibli

Make
Maserati
Segment
Sedan

At this year's Frankfurt Auto Show, Maserati revealed the 2018 Ghibli featuring an elegantly restyled exterior, new advanced driving assists, and a performance increase over the outgoing model. Under the hood lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 424 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, which is 20 more hp and 22 more lb-ft of torque than you got in the old model. With this increased power output, the range-topping Ghibli S needs 4.9 seconds to accelerate from 0-62 mph and can reach a top speed of 177 mph.

For the first time in the model's history, the Ghibli now features electric power steering instead of the previous model's hydraulic system. Maserati also boldly claims that 70 percent of the 2018 Ghibli is new. In terms of driver assists, the 2018 Maserati Ghibli is well equipped if you fit it with optional extras such as Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition in addition to its standard safety tech. Maserati clearly wants the Ghibli to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, and Jaguar XF. In its S guise, prices for the Ghibli can cost over $100,000 which pits it against other range-toppers like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63.

Question is, can the 2018 Maserati Ghibli compete against its German super sedan rivals and justify its steep asking price? AutoExpress' Steve Sutcliffe recently took the new Ghibli for a test drive around the glamorous streets of Monaco where the Maserati felt right at home. He came away impressed with the car's improvements, but concluded that its performance leaves it lagging behind the M5 or AMG E63.

That may sound like an unfair comparison, but its steep price still stings. It may have its flaws, but it's hard not to be seduced by its Italian charms – this is a car you buy with your heart, not your head.