Maserati Rolls Out First Hybrid to Deafening Buzz

Sadly for Fiat Chryler’s Italian luxury brand, the buzz last week surrounded the newly unveiled Ford Bronco, not the upcoming Ghibli Hybrid.

A model and brand TTAC’s readership can’t get enough of, the Maserati Ghibli appears for 2021 with an optional 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain that mates a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with electric “e-Booster” supercharger to an eight-speed automatic. It’s the automaker’s first electrified vehicle.

Arriving ahead of the brand’s mid-engine supercar and a brace of all-electric luxury tourers, the Ghibli Hybrid will be far more obtainable than those hyped-up vehicles. It will also be distinguishable from stock Ghiblis, thanks to the manufacturer opting to deck out certain exterior pieces in light blue.

Blue means electricity in the auto world, you see. On the Ghibli Hybrid, it appears on “the three iconic side air ducts, the brake calipers and the thunderbolt in the oval that encloses the Trident on the rear pillar,” Maserati said, adding that the shade appears as well via embroidered seat seams.

Other exterior alterations include revamped tail lights and a slightly slimmer grille.

The company didn’t detail expected fuel savings, though mild hybrids are always good for a very modest bump. In the Maserati stable, the new hybrid is designed to replace the diesel model in the brand’s overseas lineup. European regulators are so, so strict. Meaning, of course, that this Ghibli variant won’t be coming to North America, so you’ll have to go back to reading about that Bronco.

If you’re curious, this Ghibli’s output is 330 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, routed to the rear wheels only. The multimedia screen grows to 10 inches.

Whether or not your interest in the Maserati brand has grown remains debatable.

[Images: Maserati]