When you spot a Maserati Ghibli on Indian roads, you don't just look at it; you listen to it. Known for its roaring engine and stunning exterior curves, the Ghibli is a symbol of Italian flair. However, for a luxury car buyer in India spending upwards of ₹1.20 Crore (ex-showroom), the inside matters just as much as the outside.
Does the Ghibli interior offer the comfort needed for Mumbai traffic or the tech required for a modern CEO in Bengaluru? Let’s break down the interior of this Italian sports sedan.
1. The Vibe: Old-School Italian Charm
Unlike its German rivals (like the Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5 Series), which often feel like futuristic spaceships, the Maserati Ghibli feels like a high-end fashion lounge.
As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by an aroma of expensive leather. Maserati collaborates with Poltrona Frau (a famous Italian furniture maker) for their upholstery. The dashboard design is not cluttered with screens; it features sweeping curves, real wood or carbon fiber trims, and the iconic analog clock sitting proudly in the center. It feels handcrafted, distinct, and incredibly sporty.
2. Dashboard and Infotainment: A Major Upgrade
For years, Maserati was criticized for having outdated technology. However, the latest updates have changed the game entirely.
- The Screen: The center console now houses a 10.1-inch frameless HD touchscreen. It looks sleek, like a high-end tablet resting on the leather dash.
- The System: It runs on the MIA (Maserati Intelligent Assistant) system, which is powered by Android Automotive. This means it is fast, responsive, and very easy to use.
- Connectivity: For Indian users who live on their phones, the car supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can navigate via Google Maps or stream Spotify without messy cables.
- Instrument Cluster: While many cars are going fully digital, the Ghibli keeps a hybrid look. You get two classic analog dials for speed and RPM (which look sporty) with a 7-inch digital screen in the middle for driving data.
3. Comfort and Seating: Driver vs. Passenger
This is where the Ghibli shows its true character—it is a car meant to be driven, not just to be driven in.
- The Front Seats: The driver and co-passenger seats are fantastic. They are sporty "bucket" style seats that hug you in place during fast corners but are soft enough for long drives. They come with heating and ventilation—a blessing for India’s hot summers.
- The Rear Seats: In India, many luxury car owners prefer sitting in the back (chauffeur-driven). Here, the Ghibli struggles slightly against the long-wheelbase E-Class. The legroom is adequate for average height, but taller passengers (6ft+) might feel the roofline is a bit low due to the car's sporty shape. It is comfortable for two adults, but squeezing a third person in the middle is difficult due to the transmission tunnel on the floor.
4. The Audio Experience
Luxury implies silence, but also great music. The Ghibli offers two premium sound system choices that are popular in the Indian market:
- Harman Kardon: This is usually the standard premium option, offering clear sound with punchy bass.
- Bowers & Wilkins: For the audiophiles, this optional surround sound system turns the cabin into a concert hall. It is perfect for blocking out the chaotic noise of Indian traffic.
5. Practicality and Storage
Is it practical for daily Indian usage? Mostly, yes.
- Storage: There is a dedicated phone storage pad (with wireless charging), decent-sized cup holders, and a deep armrest storage bin.
- Boot Space: The boot offers around 500 liters of space. This is enough to carry two large suitcases for an airport run or a few golf bags for the weekend.
6. The Verdict: Who is it for?
The Maserati Ghibli interior is not about having the most colorful ambient lights or the biggest screens. It is about emotion and exclusivity.
If you want the maximum amount of legroom to sleep in the back seat while stuck in traffic, you might prefer a German limousine. But, if you are a buyer who drives themselves on weekends, appreciates the smell of fine leather, and wants a car that feels like a tailored Italian suit rather than a computer, the Ghibli is in a league of its own.
Pros:
- Stunning leather quality and craftsmanship.
- New, fast infotainment system.
- Excellent front seat comfort.
- Unique, exclusive design.
Cons:
- Rear legroom is tighter than rivals.
- Some buttons are shared with cheaper cars.
- The ride can be slightly firm on bad Indian roads.
