2019 Maserati Ghibli

The Ghibli is Maserati's entry-level sedan, a four-door that trades some of the Quattroporte's size for a lighter, more playful feel. You'll notice the steering is quick and direct, and the chassis feels eager to change direction, making it more engaging than you might expect from a luxury sedan. Inside, the cabin wraps you in Italian leather and trim, though some switchgear is shared with Chrysler, which is a bit of a letdown at this price. Expect higher insurance and service costs than a German rival, but the exhaust note and the trident badge make every drive feel like an occasion. The 3.0L V6 makes 345 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic, sending power to the rear wheels for a lively, tail-happy character. The S Q4's standard adaptive suspension firms up nicely in Sport mode, but the ride is firm enough that you'll feel expansion joints on the highway.