FIRST DRIVE: Maserati Ghibli Trofeo

FIRST DRIVE of the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo V8

To some South Africans, the Maserati brand exists in the upper-echelons of motoring hierarchy as an exclusive, out-of-reach pipedream. It exists in a world of ultra-customisation and personalised service, where the super-wealthy, private jet-setting folk live and play. But such is the world now that those very same folk also drive Benzes and Beemers prefixed or suffixed with M or AMG sporting mind-bending, logic-defying performance.

Would you then, consider a Maserati Ghibli Trofeo as the alternative sports sedan to the benchmark BMW M5 or the almighty Mercedes-AMG E63 S? Does the thought even register as a conscious choice? Does it feel like a normal consideration? Ogling the price, in this case won't deter you too much and if your idea of luxury involves a level of exclusivity then the Ghibli Trofeo needs a more detailed look.

Let's peruse the Ghibli Trofeo's on-paper performance cred: Power is 433 kW. Torque is 730 Nm. Top Speed is 326 kph. The 0 - 100 kph sprint takes 4,3-seconds.

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The Ghibli Trofeo sits high atop the Ghibli line-up as the most performance-focused of them all. Its on-paper performance credentials may not seem all that impressive compared to the nuclear power of the two mentioned above but as we know, there’s more to the equation than just 0 – 100 times. Don’t scoff at that unencumbered top speed either. That takes the competition out of the gunfight already.

The beating heart of the Ghibli Trofeo is a Ferrari-derived 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 and just look at it – it is one of the most beautiful moulds under the hood of any car with a lot of the block exposed so you can still actually enjoy the sight of that Italian V8. It’s the Italian way – detail, tradition and passion. On the face of it, it’s the detail that sets the Trofeo apart from other Ghibli models. Red Trident badges with signature lightning bolts adorn the C-pillars, the il tricolore Italian flag motif graces the bottom of the B-pillars and the lateral vents and red brake calipers highlight the Trofeo side profile. It’s an evocative yet understated play on Italian style and the up close experience certainly outweighs any pictures on a screen.

Step into the cabin and you’re greeted by sporty opulence. How do you make carbon fibre and luxury work in harmony? The Maserati Ghibli Trofeo is a good example, blending luxury and trim to evoke a sense of occasion. A lot of it is customisable of course, but you can’t but enjoy the soft Pieno Fluore leather seats nor the mighty impressive Google-developed 10.1-inch infotainment system which is superbly intuitive and fast. It’s a high-end cabin only marred by some strangely off-kilter steering-wheel buttons and indicator stalks that feel secondary in terms of quality feel but it's a leap ahead of previous models concerning the perceived build-quality.

Whilst the wheelbase is longer than a 5-Series, the overall vehicle length is shorter and the resulting boot capacity lags a 5-er by some 30-litres with legroom in the Ghibli also feeling more snug in the rear. The roofline and legroom won't disturb taller rear-seat passengers but if you're being picky about space, Ghibli isn't the first call to make then.

My stint in the Ghibli Trofeo was all too brief for my liking but it was enough of a foray into Maserati’s sports sedan to entice quite a few smiles along the way. Trofeo is very much a driver’s car. Underneath all of the styling and Italian charm is a relationship between steering, throttle, rear-wheel-driven powertrain and suspension that works in excellent connectedness. There is a commanding feel and predictability from the driver’s pew and the selective driving modes render very different experiences. Normal (called ICE for ‘Increased Control & Efficiency’) mode delivers a very calm drive with comfortable damping and the silent purr of that V8. Sport firms and everything up and heightens the experience but Corsa mode turns all of the electronic aids off and turns the Trofeo into an unbridled yet playful character. It dances predictably never feeling a handful or overendowed. Such is the linear pull of that V8 that you know where the power is at most times. In Corsa mode its directness and balance felt similar to the M3, yet in ICE mode, its cosseting ride quality reminded me of something far more purposed for limo duties. 

The Ghibli Trofeo is not brimming with customisable dampers and trick all-wheel drive systems nor is it going to win the all-out drag contest – but its Italian styling, improved on-board technology, luxurious customisation and playful attitude left me rather taken. There's character here - and understated desirability. I like that. If cars really are bought with the heart, this one should score high. 

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