2017 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 Year 1 Lease Review and Experience

Maserati. Once a storied brand, where only the few with enough means could get their hands on one. Now owned by FCA, they decided to produce a car that is more attainable, providing an entry point into the brand and giving it more visibility. The base Ghibli, with ~330hp from a 3.0L twin turbo V6, can be had in the low $70's excluding any dealer discounts/rebates.
That's E-Class and 5-Series territory. Realistically, most people will be leasing them, and thats where the value can be had. The top of the line S Q4 with 430hp and AWD has an MSRP starting at around $80k, but most dealers are selling them for much less. Leases can be had starting at $500/mo and up, with some aggressive dealers taking nearly $20k off the selling price. For 2-3k down, you can have a payment in the 8-900$ a month range for a well-optioned SQ4, on par with the M3/4 but with the all-season practicality of AWD and a bigger trunk/back seat. Not to mention there are like a million BMW's and M-cars on the road, so who wants another one, besides the hardcore BMW guys?

Now after selling my 2015 Evo X due to the inconvenience of driving stick in New York City, and moving to a Lexus NX200, I was ready for something a bit more fun and exciting. While a very practical and comfortable car, the NX200 was slow and extremely boring to drive. I also test drove the Jaguar F-Pace, and considered the Porsche Macan, but in the end, the Maserati won with extremely attractive leases (Jaguar had like a $5k first month payment, WTF?) and the most horsepower. Also, sedan driving dynamics win out every time.

I first took the Ghibli SQ4 for a test drive at Manhattan Maserati, who were great. My salesman, Tom Hale, was especially a pleasure to deal with. The showroom was quiet, and there was no pressure or anything -- they were courteous and respectful. On to the drive -- the first thing I noticed was the sound of the car at idle. I'm used to all my cars having modified exhausts, and the throaty growl of the car while just standing still brought back memories of my Evo and Camaro. It definitely got me excited for the drive. Going up the West Side Highway with the exhaust flaps opened, the sound of the engine reverberating off the median wall at around 3-4k RPMs, was intoxicating. It reminded me of a 2JZ or GTR, but with more rasp - it definitely had its own italian flavor to it. The car pulls hard, as expected, and shifts with enthusiasm thanks to the ZF 8-speed - a solid and well-respected tranny available in many other luxury sports cars. 404 horses in the stable make for a fun ride. The interior wasn't as upscale as the Quattroporte, as thats a $100k+ car, I would put it on par with a top trim 3-series BMW. The infotainment and HVAC switches are plasticky, which you wouldn't think should be in an $80-90k car, but with discounts making it $70k, I can forgive it, as it makes up for it with its performance and character. It's an italian car after all, they aren't known particularly for build quality. The bean-counters at FCA weren't any help either, I'm sure. There are nice wood touches and the extended leather feels great. The Harmon Kardon sound system is a worthy upgrade and the stock infotainment unit is one of the best I'ved used - the screen is high-res and feels snappy. Can't say the same for the piece of sh*t Lexus puts in their cars - the thing makes the original Nintendo Game Boy feel like an Iphone X.

So yes, the car has solid driving dynamics -- good grip, steering that ISN'T completely numb, thanks to a hydraulic steering rack, and an engine with a character that isn't found in a lot of new cars today. The ride is firm, but supple enough to absorb the bumps of New York City and let you keep your teeth. So I was sold - weeks later on Black Friday, my salesman Tom called me and offered me a great deal an SQ4 with the driver assistance package (adaptive cruise, collision warning, lane assist, 360 camera & sensors, etc) with a price I could swallow of around $800 a month and $3k OTD.

Fast forward almost a year later, and the Ghibli is still going strong. The only mod I've done is disconnect the exhaust flap vacuum lines, to make it louder. And boy can it wake the neighbors now on a cold start. The dome lights went out for some odd reason about a month in, and the dealer had to keep the car for a few days to fix it. At the time, the loaner fleet was being switched out, so they couldn't give me one -- unfortunate, but I'll give them a pass this time. Every once in awhile, I get looks and compliments on the car, which is surprising considering how common Maserati's are becoming. I feel like I see a few Ghibli's everytime I go out, so over time I don't expect the same amount of attention. But anyway, I didn't buy this car for the attention -- In fact, I wish it drew less. The general populace think you must be rich if you drive a Maserati, which isn't true anymore. All you have to do is be able to afford the lease payment, which a single guy on a modest salary can do. This leads to some awkward conversations at work or with friends where people think you must make a shitton.

Anyway, I recommend this car for anyone looking for a practical, all-season, performance car. I was able to drive through snowy/slushy city roads on all seasons with confidence, and I can fit a stroller and infant car seat in it as well. The relatively large trunk was able to handle trips to Costco and the adaptive cruise made chugging through traffic a breeze. Compared ot the C-class AMG43, the Ghibli is cheaper after discounts, and has more power and character. I'm sure the AMG wins on build quality/interior amenities though. The 550i is a strong competitor with more power, but its also several hundred pounds heavier. It also looks the same as every other BMW on the road and don't think theres as many discounts on the 550 either.. So if you're in the market for a performance sedan on a lease, I'd say the Ghibli is a great value compared to it's rivals, and I suggest you go take one for a test drive!

Comments

Robinjack's picture

my hard drive is getting full already because i always download free online movies on the internet“ sanhebakery.com/cake-icing-decorating-machine/

Robinjack's picture

Music started playing anytime I opened up this web site, so frustrating! Spray Coating Machine

Robinjack's picture

What an amazing review it is! Can I get some more of you thoughts on the topic? Food Depositor Machine CH7

Robinjack's picture

What this will mean is that traceability-exact software programs (like HarvestMark and Red Prairie) isn’t created to control supporting paper paperwork this sort of as get orders, invoices, costs of lading, and so on. The consequence is the equivalent of a jigsaw puzzle that’s lacking a quarter of its items. Sure, you have some items, but you’re lacking just adequate that the image isn’t comprehensive. In the celebration of a foods recall, when time is of the essence, developing to hunt for lacking pieces isn’t acceptable. sanhebakery.com/bakery-production-line/

Robinjack's picture

This blog helps to many people. You can use their services in your work. You can read about all details of their service. Manual Piston Filler HS500

Robinjack's picture

You must take part in a contest for the most effective blogs on the web. I’ll advocate this website! sanhebakery.com/mpl600/

Robinjack's picture

I appreciate the right to discuss the idea, I am extremely in it and even absolutely adore figuring out more to do with it topic. Any time prospects, due to the fact enjoy knowledge, will you thinking replacing your own weblog using farther info? This can be very used in all of us. Bakery Equipment

Robinjack's picture

Audio began playing when I opened up this internet site, so irritating! sanhebakery.com/mpl600/

Robinjack's picture

Your blog is really a guidance to people who are learning more on this topic. Thanks Cookie Depositor CK400

Robinjack's picture

I do not know if it’s just me or if everybody else experiencing issues with your blog. It appears as though some of the text on your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them as well? This might be a issue with my web browser because I’ve had this happen before. Thanks sanhebakery.com/cake-icing-decorating-machine/

Robinjack's picture

both David Cook and David Archuleta are the best in my opinion, they have this unique voice, Puff Pastry Production Line SC600

Robinjack's picture

almost everyone in our family have hypertension, this disease is very common among older people“ Cookie Depositor CK400

Robinjack's picture

Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly. Puff Pastry Production Line SC600

Robinjack's picture

I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this site. I’m hoping the same high-grade site post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a great example of it. rentacarkosovo Puff Pastry Production Line SC600

Robinjack's picture

we have metal shoe racks at home and we use it to hold those large boots and heavy leather shoes., Piston Filling Machine

Robinjack's picture

There is a lot of other plans that resemble the exact laws you acknowledged below. I will continue researching on the ideas. Sanhe Bakery

Robinjack's picture

Fantastic, wonderful blog… really enjoy it and put into my social bookmarks. Keep up the good work Sponge Cake Production Line MPL600

Robinjack's picture

Rachel Weisz have that mysterious look and she is very appealing to most men and women,, sanhebakery.com/sc600/

Robinjack's picture

I was on MySpace looking for bulk womens apparel groups, when I found a link to this blog, glad I stopped by!!! Thanks!!!! Piston Filling Machine

Robinjack's picture

we have metal shoe racks at home and we use it to hold those large boots and heavy leather shoes., Piston Filling Machine

Robinjack's picture

I was on MySpace looking for bulk womens apparel groups, when I found a link to this blog, glad I stopped by!!! Thanks!!!! Piston Filling Machine

Robinjack's picture

You produced some decent points there. I looked on the web for the issue and discovered most individuals goes as well as with your website. sanhebakery.com/mpl600/

Robinjack's picture

very good post, i certainly love this website, keep on it sanhebakery.com/bakery-production-line/

Robinjack's picture

You produced some decent points there. I looked on the web for the issue and discovered most individuals goes as well as with your website. sanhebakery.com/mpl600/

Robinjack's picture

Musically, the film has majority of its songs written partly in hip hop which have a limited appeal. Food Depositor Machine CH7

Robinjack's picture

I in addition to my pals ended up viewing the best information and facts on the website then instantly came up with a terrible feeling I had not expressed respect to the site owner for those strategies. The young men came consequently warmed to study them and already have very much been taking pleasure in these things. Appreciation for really being well kind and also for making a choice on such magnificent guides millions of individuals are really desperate to learn about. Our own sincere apologies for not expressing appreciation to earlier. Puff Pastry Production Line SC600

Robinjack's picture

When do you think this Real Estate market will go back up? Or is it still too early to tell? We are seeing a lot of housing foreclosures in Winter Springs Florida. What about you? I would love to get your feedback on this. Food Depositor Machine CH7

Robinjack's picture

There is noticeably a lot of money to comprehend this. I suppose you made specific nice points in functions also. sanhebakery.com/depositor-machine/

Robinjack's picture

Thank you a lot for sharing this with all of us you really recognize what you are speaking approximately! Bookmarked. sanhebakery.com

Robinjack's picture

before you buy some very expensive SEO Tools, always look for a review first before you invest on them“ Injecting Machine

Robinjack's picture

Will you mind if I cite a couple of your current posts providing that I provide acknowledgement combined with article sources back to your website? My blog site is within the similar niche as your site and my viewers will make use of some of the strategies your site offer here. Feel free to inform me if it is okay for you. Best wishes! sanhebakery.com

Robinjack's picture

very good publish, i definitely love this website, carry on it Cookie Depositor CK400

Robinjack's picture

Thank you for the good writeup. It in reality was once a enjoyment account it. Look advanced to far brought agreeable from you! By the way, how can we keep in touch? sanhebakery.com/hs500/

Robinjack's picture

Vielen dank für den Artikel. daraus kann man sich einen guten Eindruck verschaffen Grüsse Meike Bakery Production Line

Robinjack's picture

The crucial point to recognize is this fact applies not just in , but additionally to. sanhebakery.com/bakery-production-line/

Robinjack's picture

The crucial point to recognize is this fact applies not just in , but additionally to. sanhebakery.com/bakery-production-line/

Robinjack's picture

of course breast cancer is avoidable, all you need is early detection and proper medical care** https://www.sanhebakery.com/

Robinjack's picture

I’m impressed, I must say. Truly rarely must i encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you could have hit the nail about the head. Your notion is outstanding; the issue is something that insufficient folks are speaking intelligently about. My business is delighted which i found this during my try to find something in regards to this. Piston Filling Machine

Robinjack's picture

This will be a great blog, could you be interested in doing an interview about just how you designed it? If so e-mail me! Piston Liquid Filling Machine HS400

Robinjack's picture

Thanks for another informative blog. Where else could I get that type of info written in such an ideal way? I have a project that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information. Cake Decorating Machine

Robinjack's picture

sports jerseys that uses cotton and polyester fabric are much cooler to use’ Injecting Machine

Robinjack's picture

oh well, chris rock is damn funny. i like his corny jokes and stuffs.. Bakery Depositor Machine C400-A

Robinjack's picture

I agree with you. I wish I had your insight. sanhebakery.com/mpl600/

Robinjack's picture

Needless expenses, life doesn’t necessarily value your self-esteem, life count on you feel good about by themselves before you can want becoming successful. A lot more no longer realistic, get accustomed to them. sanhebakery.com/sc600/

Robinjack's picture

Hello! I merely would choose to make a enormous thumbs up for that excellent information you may have here for this post. I’ll be returning to your blog for much more soon. Spray Coating Machine

Robinjack's picture

you use a wonderful blog here! do you want to earn some invite posts in this little weblog? sanhebakery.com/depositor-machine/

Robinjack's picture

I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike. Cake Decorating Machine

Robinjack's picture

This is a excellent blog, could you be involved in doing an interview about how you created it? If so e-mail me! Cookie Depositor CK400

Robinjack's picture

You should experience a contest for one of the most useful blogs on the internet. I’m going to suggest this website! Situs Slot Terpercaya

Robinjack's picture

I need assist with criticism. The problem I have with it, I consider it to seriously and it ends up getting to me and lowering my self-esteem large time. I require assist finding ways to get over what individuals say that ends up hurting my feelings. Any advice? Thanks. Situs Slot Terpercaya

Pages