2018 Maserati Ghibli S Q4

The Ghibli is Maserati's entry-level sedan, a four-door that competes with the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 but brings Italian styling and a more exclusive badge. It's a comfortable highway cruiser with a throaty exhaust note that reminds you it's a Maserati, and the steering is light but accurate. The cabin uses rich materials and feels upscale, though rear legroom is a bit tight for the class and some switchgear feels dated. Expect to spend more on fuel than in a comparable German sedan, and the Ghibli's depreciation is steep, so it's often a better used buy than new. The S Q4 is the one to pick if you want all-weather grip and more power than the base Ghibli, without stepping up to a pricier model. Its 3.0L V6 makes 424 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, paired with a eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, and you'll feel the extra punch when you merge or pass. The S Q4's standard all-wheel drive adds confidence in rain or snow, though the trade-off is a curb weight of 4,122 pounds that you'll notice in tight corners.