The new Maserati Ghibli Hybrid; The First Electrified Maserati

• This Ghibli features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

• The engine is a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder.

• Styling-wise, it’s been mildly refreshed.

We’ve not heard much from the Italian luxury carmaker in quite a long while. With the exception of the Maserati Levante quietly launching a few years ago and the even quieter disappearance of the Gran Turismo, not much has gone on. Until now that is as Maserati has just revealed the new Ghibli hybrid.

The mild-hybrid system consists of the Alfa Romeo Giulia’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine featuring an electric supercharger (e-booster), coupled to a 48-volt alternator, with a rear-mounted battery. Total system output is of 330 horsepower and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. The top speed is set at 255 km/h while the 0-100km/h sprint goes by in 5.7 seconds.

Efficiency-wise, the Ghibli is rated at a WLTP combined fuel consumption cycle of 8.5/9.6L/100 km or between 27.6 mpg and 24.5 mpg. But, because it is a Maserati, and despite being a hybrid, passengers can still bask in a “typical” exhaust note thanks to specific resonators – it sounds like we get a sample of the noise in the video.

Physically, the car’s been updated too. More specifically, blue accents, including the calipers,  can be spotted all over the car indicating that this is the hybrid. The front grille and taillights are new while the cabin gains and new instrument panel and the Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system with its 10.1-inch screen.

The next step at Maserati should be the introduction of the next-generation Gran Turismo and GranCabrio as fully-electric sports cars in 2021.