MILD & WILD

Maserati’s Ghibli now comes with the choice of mildhybrid or wild-V8 power

Maserati is stretching the capabilities of its Ghibli Sedan for 2021. In a big way.

There’s now a version of the GranSport with a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) powertrain. The petrol part of the equation is a 2.0-litre turbo

– the first time a Ghibli has been fitted with a four-cylinder engine. But the hybrid component, with 48-volt power system and “eBooster” electric supercharger, is even more significant: it’s the first electrified Maserati in history.

Ostensibly the MHEV replaces the six-cylinder diesel, so it’s a path to a cleaner future for the marque. But it’s also a more driver-focused car: 80kg lighter, with more even weight distribution (the battery is in the boot) and even more speed: 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds, compared with 6.3sec.

The Ghibli MHEV doesn’t shout about its status. You’ll spot it (if you really look) it by blue highlights on the Maserati-signature side air ducts, a blue thunderbolt onthe rear pillar and blue brake calipers (unfortunately missing from the long-lead car supplied to DRIVEN).

The Ghibli is just the start for the electrification of Maserati. It’s the marque’s first hybrid, but the all-new GranTurismo and GranCabrio starting production this year will also be its first-ever pure-electric (BEV) models.

But Ghibli is broadening its abilities in more traditional ways as well.

In tandem with the greener MHEV comes a growling Trofeo packing the Ferrari-built twin-turbo 433kW/730Nm 3.8-litre V8 we’ve already seen in the Levante Trofeo. Trofeo is the fastest Maserati sedan ever made, with a top speed of 326km/ h. Launch control is standard and there’s a special Corsa drive mode for sharper dynamics.