Maserati, often perceived as an enigma in the automotive world, occupies a unique space. It blends Ferrari’s renowned engineering prowess with luxurious comfort and a driving experience tailored more for cityscapes than racetracks. Spotting a Maserati, especially a Gran Turismo S gracefully navigating city streets, is always a captivating sight.
The 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 emerges as the brand’s most accessible model, designed to broaden Maserati’s appeal. As the entry point into the prestigious marque, the Ghibli S Q4 Sedan aims to offer a taste of Italian luxury and performance to a wider audience. However, after spending considerable time experiencing this vehicle, the approachable nature of the Ghibli reveals a reality – it’s undeniably a luxury sport sedan, albeit one carrying a substantial price tag around $100,000. This raises the question: does the 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 Sedan successfully capture the elusive Maserati mystique, or does it become just another contender in a fiercely competitive segment?
Delving into the Positives and Negatives of the 2014 Ghibli S Q4
Before diving deeper, let’s outline the key strengths and weaknesses of the 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 Sedan:
The Good:
- User-Friendly Maserati Touch Control System: The infotainment system stands out for its ease of use and broad compatibility with various digital audio sources.
- Exhilarating Twin-Turbo V6 Engine Sound and Performance: The Ferrari-engineered engine delivers impressive acceleration accompanied by a captivating, almost exotic exhaust note.
- Stunning and Sleek Sedan Design: The Ghibli S Q4 boasts an undeniably attractive, low-slung sedan silhouette that commands attention.
The Bad:
- Subpar Premium Stereo Performance: The high-end Bowers & Wilkins sound system is unfortunately marred by rattling door panels, detracting from audio quality.
- Unsettled Suspension on Rough Roads: The ride quality can become somewhat jarring and “darty” when encountering uneven road surfaces.
- Outdated Technology Compared to Rivals: The Ghibli S Q4’s technology offerings lag behind competitors in the luxury sport sedan class.
The Bottom Line:
The 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 represents a more attainable and “affordable” Maserati experience. However, at its price point, the vehicle encounters formidable competition, and arguably, loses some of the unique mystique associated with the Maserati brand.
Maserati Touch Control: A Familiar Yet Functional Infotainment System
The Maserati Touch Control (MTC) system immediately reveals its roots as a reskinned Chrysler Uconnect system – a result of the Fiat Chrysler Automotive merger. While this might initially seem underwhelming to some, it’s important to acknowledge that not all Uconnect systems are created equal. The MTC in the Ghibli S Q4 is undeniably one of the better iterations.
Featuring a prominent 8.4-inch touchscreen and the latest generation of Garmin’s navigation software, the MTC system offers a user-friendly experience. The touchscreen is responsive, and the ample screen size ensures that virtual buttons are easily accessible without requiring excessive driver attention. However, glare can occasionally pose a visibility challenge.
The navigation system is equipped with real-time traffic data integration, intelligently adjusting routes and providing voice prompts to inform drivers of potential delays and alternative routes. The navigation menus are intuitively designed and visually appealing, with crisp and colorful map renderings on the large display. Furthermore, the single-step voice address input streamlines destination entry, allowing drivers to input complete addresses in one command.
Along the lower portion of the screen, large virtual buttons provide quick access to essential functions such as hands-free phone controls (including SMS text message reading via text-to-speech), climate settings, seat heating and cooling, and audio sources.
The audio source options are comprehensive, encompassing a single-slot CD player, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB connectivity, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and both satellite and terrestrial radio. While utilizing Uconnect architecture, the MTC system does not incorporate Uconnect app integration. It does, however, offer an optional in-car Wi-Fi hotspot feature, which was not included in the test vehicle.
Bowers & Wilkins Sound System: A High-End System with a Notable Flaw
The test vehicle was equipped with an optional $5,100 Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, boasting 15 speakers constructed from lightweight Kevlar and aluminum, powered by 1,280 watts of amplification. In theory, this system promises exceptional audio fidelity. However, in practice, the Ghibli’s door panels reveal a significant weakness, particularly when reproducing bass-heavy music.
Panel rattle and buzzing become apparent, distorting the sound and undermining the audiophile experience. This flaw is not easily remedied by simply lowering bass levels, forcing a compromise in musical preferences to avoid genres like electronica, pop, and hip-hop. For a $5,100 premium audio system, this limitation is disappointing and detracts from the overall luxury experience.
Ferrari-Engineered Performance: Twin-Turbo V6 Power
Beneath the hood of the 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 lies a Ferrari-built 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This powerplant is available in two configurations, with the S Q4 variant delivering a robust 404 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. A base Ghibli model offers a slightly less potent 345 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Both versions utilize an excellent eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, renowned for its smooth and responsive performance.
The “Q4” designation distinguishes the S Q4 model with its all-wheel-drive system, contrasting with the standard rear-wheel-drive setup of the base Ghibli. The all-wheel-drive system is a power-on-demand type, directing 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels during normal cruising. However, it can seamlessly shift up to 50 percent of torque to the front axle when needed, such as during acceleration or in low-traction conditions. This intelligent system maintains a sporty rear-wheel-drive bias in most cornering scenarios, enhancing agility without compromising stability.
The Ghibli S Q4 incorporates column-mounted paddle shifters, reminiscent of Ferrari sports cars. These shifters provide satisfying tactile feedback with each gear change. The powertrain offers manual shift capability at any time, along with a full Manual mode that prevents automatic upshifts. Three distinct drive settings are available: Normal, Sport, and I.C.E. (Increased Control and Efficiency). Sport mode sharpens transmission shifts, enhances throttle response, and opens an exhaust valve for a more pronounced engine note. I.C.E. mode, akin to an ECO mode, prioritizes fuel efficiency and smoother performance by reducing throttle sensitivity.
The exhaust note in Sport mode is characterized by a slightly hollow and raspy tone, adding to the driving excitement. However, the I.C.E. mode noticeably dampens the Ghibli S Q4’s performance, making it feel less engaging and somewhat sluggish, although it may improve fuel economy beyond the observed 12.5 mpg during testing.
Driving Dynamics: Balancing Sport and Luxury
The 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4’s driving character resides somewhere between a nimble sports coupe and a plush luxury sedan. This blend can initially feel somewhat unusual, but not necessarily negative.
The steering is quick, responsive, and provides commendable feedback through its hydraulic power-steering system. The fixed suspension strikes a balance between firmness and suppleness, effectively absorbing smaller road imperfections. However, larger bumps at higher speeds can induce a slight directional instability, requiring minor steering corrections. Road and wind noise are noticeable at highway speeds, and Sport mode amplifies engine noise – which is generally considered a positive attribute.
The Ghibli S Q4 confidently navigates sweeping corners, with its V6 engine and responsive transmission delivering brisk acceleration out of bends, aided by the all-wheel-drive traction. However, the vehicle’s weight of 4,122 pounds (1,870kg) becomes apparent when pushed harder in tighter corners, where understeer can emerge. The rear-wheel-drive Ghibli variant might offer slightly improved agility in such situations.
The seats offer a satisfactory compromise between support and comfort, although more pronounced bolstering might be desired for dedicated performance driving. However, the Ghibli S Q4 is fundamentally conceived as a grand tourer – a vehicle designed for comfortable and stylish long-distance cruising. It excels at effortlessly covering highway miles, with ample power for passing and a compliant suspension that belies its speed capabilities. The Ghibli S Q4 also encourages venturing onto scenic B-roads, where it rewards assertive driving, though it’s not ideally suited for aggressive canyon carving.
Safety and Convenience Technology: A Basic Approach
The 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 adopts a relatively minimalist approach to driver-assistance technology. Standard features include a rearview camera, while optional park distance sensors are available. Notably absent are features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control, which are commonly found in competing luxury sedans.
The rearview camera provides a clear image with distance markers overlaid on the 8.4-inch display. However, the markers are static and do not dynamically adjust with steering input. The park distance sensors are helpful for maneuvering in tight spaces but can become overly sensitive in stop-and-go traffic, frequently activating even when a reasonable distance is maintained from the vehicle ahead.
Standard convenience features at the S Q4 trim level include keyless entry and push-button start. The ignition button is positioned on the left side of the steering wheel, a nod to Le Mans race cars. The Maserati transponder key is a weighty metal piece that feels substantial but may be bulkier than necessary.
Final Verdict: Italian Flair with Stiff Competition
The Maserati Ghibli S Q4 starts at a base price of $76,900, building upon the base Ghibli model with all-wheel drive, a power sunroof, and heated front seats. The test vehicle, loaded with options including the Bowers & Wilkins sound system, Sport package, Luxury package, and cosmetic upgrades, reached an as-tested price of $100,140.
At this price point, the Ghibli S Q4 enters a competitive arena alongside formidable rivals such as the Audi RS 7, Jaguar XJ R, and BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe. The Audi RS 7 arguably offers superior performance, while the Jaguar XJ R prioritizes luxury and comfort. The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe presents a compelling blend of performance and technology, often surpassing the Ghibli S Q4 in dashboard and safety technology.
The 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 is undoubtedly a capable and attractive sport sedan. If kept closer to its base price and with judicious option selection, it can be quite appealing. However, when fully optioned and priced against established rivals, the Ghibli S Q4’s mystique alone may not be sufficient to sway buyers. Unless the allure of Italian design and the Maserati trident badge is paramount, the Ghibli S Q4 faces a challenging battle in this highly competitive segment.
2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 Tech Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | 2014 Maserati Ghibli |
| Trim | S Q4 |
| Powertrain | 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V-6 engine, 8-spd automatic, AWD |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 15 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg combined |
| Observed Fuel Economy | 12.5 mpg |
| Navigation | MTC navigation with traffic data, voice command |
| Bluetooth Phone Support | Standard |
| Digital Audio Sources | USB, Bluetooth audio, satellite radio, CD slot |
| Audio System | 15-speaker, 1,280-watt Bowers & Wilkins |
| Driver Aids | Rear camera, optional park distance sensors |
| Base Price | $76,900 |
| Price as Tested | $100,140 |
