2018 Maserati Ghibli

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 gives up a bit of fuel economy and adds weight for all-wheel drive traction, but it's the quicker Ghibli with 424 horsepower on tap. Its 3.0L V6 makes 424 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, routed through a eight-speed automatic to all four wheels, so it launches hard and grips confidently in the wet. The S Q4's standard adaptive suspension helps tame the extra weight, though the ride is still firmer than the base car's.