2021 Maserati Ghibli Hybrid Kick-Starts Brand’s Electrification Agenda

After showing us multiple teasers, Maserati has finally introduced the Ghibli Hybrid - the brand’s first electrified model. While we were expecting the second-generation Ghibli (considering the first generation came in 2013), we have to make do with this carefully updated sedan that heralds the Maserati’s electrified agenda. 

The 2021 Maserati Ghibli Hybrid boasts a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder combustion mill containing an electric supercharger and a 48-volt alternator, which is charged by the battery fitted at the back. The hybrid powertrain generates a generous 330 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 450 Newton-metres (332 pound-feet) of torque starting from 4,000 rpm. Flooring the pedal enables the sedan to hit 100 km/h from standstill in only 5.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph).

Evaluating it against the Ghibli V6 diesel, it emits 25% less carbon dioxide. Moreover, it is about 80 kilograms (176 pounds) lighter in weight. The power goes to the rear axle via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The automaker could have opted for the plug-in-hybrid version, but they decided against it to keep the weight low. Of course, the PHEV would have been heavier due to the bigger battery requirement. However, the 2021 Maserati Ghibli Hybrid is still not very lightweight; it weighs 1,950 kg (4,299 lbs).

To make the Ghibli Hybrid model different from its standard variants and show its hybrid technology, the automaker has used light blue exterior accents. We can find the blue colour on the side air ducts, brake calipers, and the Trident logo on the rear pillar. The Ghibli Hybrid is also a little different in styling from its siblings owing to the new design for grille and headlights. The taillights feature a boomerang lighting signature.

The same story continues inside with the seams featuring blue colour. Other modifications in the interior include an updated infotainment system that now supports Android Auto. The display is bigger in size - 10.1 inches, to be exact. Additionally, Maserati has augmented the interior appeal by swapping the traditional analogue gauges with the completely digital instrument cluster. The display screen now also features the Maserati Connect program, which is capable of taking over-the-air updates to monitor the problems in the car consistently.

The 2021 Maserati Ghibli hybrid came to substitute the Ghibli diesel, and it is not meant for all the markets. Although it is not coming to the US, we are expecting it in Australia with the production starting soon. The hybrid will hit the roads here before the end of the year.

Following the launch of the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid, we are expecting all-electric variants of the next-generation GranTurismo and GranCabrio in 2021. For the moment, we are eagerly awaiting the MC20 supercar, which will be unveiled in September.