The handling course is up first, and the Ghibli doesn’t seem that heavy. Into the long left-hander, speeds climbing, it’s planted and feels reassuring. The steering is quite heavy and that adds to the confidence, especially when I’m about to enter a quick right-hander under hard braking from 120 km/h and quickly flick left again to power out towards another long left-hander. The set-up seems taut and there’s no reason to panic as the G-forces grab a hold of my senses as I throw it into the corner at near triple-digit speed. The wide-enough rubber grips well and a slight squeal is all they let out. Short enough as it was, the oval was up next.
As I turn left on to the circuit, I’m advised to have an entry speed of 140 km/h. Right! Foot mashed, the Ghibli collects its breath and growls loudly in response, clawing at the tarmac and giving the needles a quick boost to the upper extremities. At 180 km/h the Ghibli feels calm, collected and like it was born to do this. A 160-km/h speed limit to enter the banking appears. The middle lane is less intimidating than the outermost one, which has a barrier nail-bitingly close for someone who hasn’t driven on a banked circuit before. On the straight-ish, um, straight, the Ghibli neared 200 km/h again, with discernible ease. The ride was extremely pleasant too. It should be a joy munching miles on a highway. However, I do imagine the V8 turbo-petrol will be more engaging.
The important question, though, is this: how does it fare against the E350, the XF V6D or the big diesel 5 Series, or, in fact, their more powerful versions which are bang in its price bracket? It’s sportier, more beautiful and very Italian. It may not be exactly what you’re looking for if you have over Rs 1 crore to spend on a self-driven, occasionally chauffeured sport-saloon. On the contrary, if a practical Italian car with an evocative badge is what you seek, it could be everything you’re looking for.
NEED TO KNOW:
MASERATI GHIBLI DIESEL
Price: Rs 1.1 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Engine: 2,987 cc, V6, twin-turbocharged, diesel
Max Power: 275 PS at 4,000 RPM
Max Torque: 600 Nm at 2,000-2,600 RPM
Transmission: Eight-speed, automatic, rear-wheel-drive
Weight: 1,835 kg
