The core difference lies in performance: the Maserati Ghibli S features a substantially more powerful engine, delivering greater horsepower and torque for exhilarating acceleration. This transforms the driving experience with sharper dynamics and often includes upgraded brakes and suspension, making it the unequivocal choice for driving enthusiasts.

Discover the Difference Between Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S

Picture this: you’re standing on a sun-drenched Italian street. A low, throaty rumble echoes off the ancient buildings. You turn, and a sleek, four-door sedan glides past. It’s unmistakably a Maserati Ghibli. Your heart skips a beat. You think, “I want that.” But then, a question pops into your head. Which one was it? The classic Ghibli, or the more potent Ghibli S?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the difference between Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S, you’re not alone. It’s a common point of confusion, even among car enthusiasts. At first glance, they look like siblings—sharing the same gorgeous, predatory stance and that iconic Trident badge. But peel back the layers, and you’ll find they cater to two distinct personalities. One is for the luxury purist who craves Italian style with every drive. The other is for the performance seeker who needs a daily dose of adrenaline. Let’s unravel this mystery together.

I remember the first time I drove a Ghibli. It was the base model, and I was struck by how effortlessly elegant it felt. Then, a week later, I got behind the wheel of a Ghibli S. Let’s just say the experience was… different. It wasn’t just faster; it felt like a completely different animal had been awakened under the hood. That’s the journey we’re going on today. We’ll dive deep into every facet, from the engine roar to the stitching on the seats, to help you understand which of these Italian legends sings the song your heart wants to hear.

Key Takeaways

• Performance is key: The Ghibli S has a more powerful engine for faster acceleration.
• Design distinctions: Look for subtle exterior badges and styling cues on the S model.
• Technology upgrades: The S variant often includes advanced driver-assistance systems.
• Price reflects performance: Expect a higher price tag for the Ghibli S’s enhanced features.
• Driving experience: The S model offers a sportier ride with improved handling.

The Heart of the Matter: Engine and Performance

This is where the most significant difference between Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S truly lies. It all starts with what’s under that sculpted aluminum hood. While both are engineering marvels, their intentions diverge sharply the moment you press the start button.

The Ghibli: Refined Power for the Daily Grind

The standard Maserati Ghibli is no slouch. For many years, its heart was a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, a masterpiece built by Ferrari in Maranello. In its most common iteration, this engine produces a very healthy 345 horsepower. Think of it as a perfectly tailored Italian suit—powerful, sophisticated, and more than capable for any occasion. The power delivery is smooth and linear, providing a surge of acceleration that will easily outpace most traffic and make highway merging an absolute joy. It’s about accessible, refined performance that doesn’t shout but instead whispers with authority.

The Ghibli S: Unleashing the True Spirit

Now, enter the Ghibli S. The “S” stands for “Sport,” and Maserati isn’t joking around. This model takes the same basic V6 architecture and turns up the wick. Through more aggressive turbo tuning and engine management, output jumps to a formidable 424 horsepower. That’s a massive increase of nearly 80 horsepower. The character changes completely. The throttle response is sharper, the turbo lag is minimized, and the car feels urgent and alive. It transforms the Ghibli from a grand tourer into a sports sedan that can genuinely quicken your pulse. The difference is most apparent when you punch it from a standstill or execute a high-speed overtake; the Ghibli S pushes you back into your seat with a far more assertive shove.

A Note on Drivetrains and Sound

Traditionally, another key difference between Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S was the drivetrain. The base Ghibli was often rear-wheel drive (RWD), offering that pure, engaging driving feel where you can sense the power pushing the car from behind. The Ghibli S, with its extra power, was frequently offered with Maserati’s intelligent Q4 all-wheel-drive system as standard or a key option. This system sends power to all four wheels for immense grip and confidence, especially in less-than-ideal weather, making that extra power much more usable every day.

And then, there’s the soundtrack. Both cars have an active exhaust system, but the Ghibli S’s is tuned to be more vocal. In “Sport” mode, the exhaust valves open wider, sooner. The result is a crisper, louder, and more explosive crackle on overrun. It’s a symphony that the base model plays beautifully, but the Ghibli S performs with the passion of an opera at La Scala.

Design and Exterior: Subtle Clues to a Different Beast

You won’t find wild body kits or giant wings here. Maserati’s approach to differentiating the Ghibli and Ghibli S is elegantly Italian—it’s all in the details. To the untrained eye, they are nearly identical. But once you know what to look for, the Ghibli S announces its purpose with quiet confidence.

Badging and Signature Elements

The most obvious clue is the badging. On the front fenders, just behind the wheel arches, you’ll find small script. The base Ghibli will simply say “Ghibli.” The Ghibli S will proudly display “Ghibli S.” Look closer, and you might spot red accents on the S model’s trident badges, a classic Maserati cue for its higher-performance variants. The brake calipers are another tell. While the base Ghibli often has sleek silver or black calipers, the Ghibli S frequently sports vibrant red calipers, hinting at the upgraded braking system hiding behind those beautiful wheels.

Wheels and Stance

Wheels are a major differentiator. The base Ghibli typically comes with elegant, multi-spoke alloys that are 19 inches in diameter. They look fantastic. The Ghibli S, however, often steps up to larger, more aggressive-looking designs, sometimes reaching 20 or even 21 inches. These larger wheels fill out the wheel arches more completely, giving the car a planted, muscular stance. They also usually hide larger, more performance-oriented brake rotors needed to handle the extra speed the Ghibli S can generate.

Interior and Comfort: Luxury vs. Sport-Injected Luxury

Slide inside either car, and you’re enveloped in a cabin that blends fine leather, polished metal, and rich wood or carbon fiber. The sense of occasion is immediate. However, the difference between Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S inside is one of ambiance and detail.

Materials and Finishes

The base Ghibli offers a stunning level of standard luxury. You’ll find premium leather seats (often from Poltrona Frau), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and your choice of elegant wood or piano black trim. It’s a serene, luxurious environment. The Ghibli S often builds on this by offering more athletic seating. The seats may have more pronounced bolsters to hold you in place during spirited driving. The steering wheel might be slightly thicker, and the shift paddles behind it are often extended in length for easier access. You’re also more likely to find carbon fiber trim as an option or standard feature, reinforcing the sporty theme.

Technology and Driver Aids

In terms of core technology, both models have been offered with similar infotainment systems over the years—a central touchscreen controlling audio, navigation, and vehicle settings. However, because the Ghibli S often sits higher in the trim hierarchy, it may come with more advanced features as standard. Think of a premium audio system like Bowers & Wilkins, a head-up display, or more comprehensive driver assistance packages (like adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane-keep assist). In a base Ghibli, these might be desirable options, while in a Ghibli S, they could be part of the package.

The Driving Experience: Two Sides of the Italian Coin

This is where the theoretical differences translate into real-world feeling. Driving these cars back-to-back reveals two philosophies packaged in the same beautiful shell.

Ghibli: The Confident Grand Tourer

Driving the standard Ghibli is an exercise in relaxed confidence. The steering is precise but not overly heavy. The suspension, while firm enough to feel connected to the road, is tuned for comfort. It soaks up bumps and imperfections, making long journeys a serene pleasure. The power is always there when you need it, delivered with a silky smoothness that makes progress feel effortless. It’s a car that makes you feel special without requiring you to be a hero. It’s perfect for someone who values comfort and style but still appreciates a spirited drive on a winding road.

Ghibli S: The Engaging Sports Sedan

Flick the drive mode selector in the Ghibli S to “Sport,” and the car tightens up. The steering gains weight and becomes more communicative. The suspension firms up, trading a small amount of plushness for superior body control and feedback. You feel more of the road, but in a good way—it’s information, not harshness. The throttle becomes hypersensitive, and the transmission holds gears longer, ready to unleash that 424-horsepower surge at a moment’s notice. The all-wheel-drive system (if equipped) provides incredible cornering grip, allowing you to power out of turns with stability. This isn’t just a car you drive; it’s a car you operate, and it rewards engagement.

Ownership and Practicality: Daily Life with the Trident

Both cars are practical, mid-size luxury sedans with a usable trunk and comfortable rear seats. But the choice between them can influence your day-to-day ownership experience.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs

Let’s be honest, you don’t buy a Maserati for its fuel efficiency. However, there is a measurable difference. The base Ghibli, with its lower horsepower and often rear-wheel-drive configuration, will typically post slightly better fuel economy numbers. The Ghibli S, with its higher performance, will drink a bit more fuel, especially if you enjoy its capabilities. Furthermore, items like tires for the larger wheels and more complex AWD system on the S can lead to marginally higher maintenance and replacement costs over time. It’s the classic performance trade-off.

Which One Fits Your Lifestyle?

Think about your daily routine. Is your commute a traffic-choked slog where comfort and a beautiful cabin are your top priorities? The base Ghibli might be the perfect, more affordable entry point into Maserati ownership. It delivers 90% of the experience with less financial outlay upfront and at the pump. Do you have access to open, winding roads? Do you crave that extra layer of performance and drama every time you drive? Are you willing to pay a premium for the top-tier model? If so, the Ghibli S is calling your name. It’s the choice for the driver who never wants to wonder, “What if I had just a little more power?”

Side-by-Side: A Quick-Reference Data Table

To help visualize the core difference between Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S, here’s a simplified comparison based on common specifications from a recent model year. Remember, specs can vary by year and market.

Feature	Maserati Ghibli	Maserati Ghibli S
Engine	3.0L Twin-Turbo V6	3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (High-Output)
Horsepower	~345 hp	~424 hp
Standard Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)	All-Wheel Drive (Q4 AWD) / RWD (varies)
Key Exterior Clues	“Ghibli” fender script, standard calipers, smaller wheels	“Ghibli S” script, red brake calipers, larger wheel options
Interior Focus	Luxurious comfort, wood trim standard	Sport-injected luxury, sport seats, common carbon fiber trim
Ideal For	The luxury-focused buyer seeking style and refined performance.	The performance enthusiast who wants a daily-able sports sedan.

Making Your Choice: Ghibli or Ghibli S?

So, after all this, how do you decide? The difference between Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S isn’t about one being “better” than the other. It’s about which one is better for you.

Choose the Maserati Ghibli if your heart is set on the iconic style, the sonorous V6 soundtrack, and the feeling of owning a piece of Italian automotive art, but your priority is a slightly more accessible price point and a focus on grand touring comfort. It is a complete and wonderful car that will leave you smiling every day.

Choose the Maserati Ghibli S if the whisper of “what if?” keeps you up at night. If you view every on-ramp as a challenge and every empty canyon road as an invitation. If you believe that performance is an essential ingredient of luxury, not an optional extra. The Ghibli S is for the driver who wants no compromises, who wants the full, unfiltered Maserati sports sedan experience.

My best piece of advice? Drive them both. Feel the more relaxed demeanor of the Ghibli. Then, experience the intensified focus of the Ghibli S. Your right foot and your beating heart will tell you everything you need to know. One will simply feel like it was made for you. That’s the magic of Maserati—it’s not just a car, it’s a match for your soul.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Maserati Ghibli and the Ghibli S?

The core difference lies in engine performance and standard features. The base Maserati Ghibli typically features a twin-turbo V6 engine, while the Ghibli S models (like the S and SQ4) utilize a more powerful version of that engine, delivering significantly more horsepower and torque for a quicker, more dynamic drive.

How much more powerful is the Maserati Ghibli S compared to the standard Ghibli?

The power increase is substantial. For example, where a base Ghibli might produce around 345 horsepower, the Ghibli S often boosts that output to 424 horsepower or more, depending on the model year. This results in noticeably faster acceleration and a more aggressive performance profile.

Is there a big price difference between the Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S?

Yes, there is a notable price gap that reflects the performance upgrade. The Ghibli S commands a premium over the standard Ghibli, often by several thousand dollars, positioning it as the more performance-focused and exclusive trim level within the lineup.

Are there any visual cues to tell a Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S apart?

Yes, the Ghibli S often includes subtle but distinct exterior and interior badges. It may also come with standard features like larger wheels, more prominent brake calipers, and specific trim details that differentiate it from the base model at a glance.

Which model is better for daily driving, the Ghibli or Ghibli S?

The standard Ghibli offers more than enough power and luxury for comfortable daily use. However, the Ghibli S provides a sharper, more engaging driving experience for those who prioritize performance, though both share the same elegant cabin and practical sedan layout.

Does the performance difference between the Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S affect fuel economy?

Typically, yes. The more powerful engine in the Ghibli S generally results in slightly lower fuel efficiency compared to the base Ghibli. The difference is often marginal in real-world driving but is a trade-off for the substantial gain in power and acceleration.