Let’s be real for a second. If you’re looking at a 2016 Maserati Ghibli S, you aren't shopping for a sensible Toyota Camry. You’re shopping for a vibe. You want that trident on the grille to say something about your life, and you definitely want people to hear you coming from three blocks away. But there’s a massive gap between the dream of owning an Italian thoroughbred and the reality of a decade-old luxury car that shares buttons with a Dodge Dart.
It's a weird car. Honestly.
Back in 2016, Maserati was trying to take over the world. They wanted to move away from being a low-volume exotic brand and start competing with the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class. To do that, they needed volume. The Ghibli was the spearhead. The "S" model, specifically, was the one you actually wanted because it packed the punch that the base model lacked. It’s got that Ferrari-developed engine, but it also has some of the most frustrating interior choices of the mid-2010s.
That Ferrari Soul Under the Hood
The heart of the 2016 Maserati Ghibli S is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6. This isn't just some off-the-shelf engine. It was designed by Maserati and built by Ferrari in Maranello. That matters. When you cold start this thing in a parking garage, the bark it emits is genuinely startling. It’s raspy, mechanical, and expensive-sounding.
Power sits at 404 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. In 2016, that was plenty to keep up with the Germans. It hits 60 mph in about 4.9 seconds. It feels faster than it is because of the way the power is delivered. It’s not a clinical, digital experience. It’s a bit dramatic. The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission is actually one of the high points here. It’s the same basic gearbox you’ll find in everything from a BMW M5 to a Rolls-Royce, and it handles the Ghibli's torque with total competence.
You’ve got to put it in Sport mode, though. If you don't, the car feels a bit lazy. But once that button is pressed? The bypass valves in the exhaust open up, the throttle sharpens, and suddenly you’re driving something that feels alive. It’s addictive. You will find yourself downshifting under bridges just to hear the crackle. Everyone does it.
The Elephant in the Room: The Interior
Here is where the 2016 Maserati Ghibli S starts to polarize people. If you’re coming from a high-end S-Class, you might be horrified.
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Maserati was owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) at the time. To save money, they raided the parts bin. This is why you’ll see the exact same window switches, headlight knobs, and infotainment system—the 8.4-inch "Maserati Touch Control"—that you’d find in a Chrysler 300 or a Jeep Grand Cherokee. For some, this is a dealbreaker. It feels "cheap" for a car that originally retailed for over $75,000.
But look closer.
The leather isn't your standard BMW "Sensatec" plastic-feeling stuff. It’s Poltrona Frau leather. It smells incredible. It’s soft. The stitching is often done in a contrasting color that makes the cabin feel like a boutique hotel. The analog clock in the center of the dash is a classic touch that reminds you of the brand’s heritage. The shift paddles? They are massive, cold-to-the-touch aluminum blades mounted to the steering column, not the wheel. That’s a pure race car move.
The cabin is tight. It’s not a limousine. If you have tall friends, they’re going to complain about the legroom in the back. The 2016 model year didn't have the fancy driver-assistance tech we take for granted now, either. You’re lucky to get a decent backup camera and blind-spot monitoring. If you want a rolling computer, buy a Tesla. This is a driver's car that happens to have four doors.
What it’s Like to Actually Live With One
Maintenance is the part where most people get scared off. And they should be, at least a little bit.
Owning a 2016 Maserati Ghibli S requires a different mindset. You aren't just paying for oil changes; you’re paying for the "Maserati Tax." An oil change at a dealership can easily run you $400 to $600. Brakes? If you need rotors and pads, expect to drop $2,000 to $3,000 if you aren't doing the work yourself.
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Reliability has been a mixed bag. The engine itself is surprisingly stout. Most of the "horror stories" you hear about Ghiblis actually stem from the early 2014 and 2015 models, which had some teething issues with electronics and build quality. By 2016, Maserati had ironed out a lot of those kinks. However, you should still expect the occasional "Italian Christmas Tree"—a random dash light that stays on for two days and then disappears forever for no reason.
One thing people rarely talk about is the depreciation. These cars lost value faster than a lead balloon. That’s bad for the original owner, but great for you if you’re buying one now. You can pick up a clean, well-maintained 2016 Ghibli S for a fraction of its original MSRP. You’re getting a Ferrari-adjacent experience for the price of a new Honda Accord.
Common Issues to Watch For
- Coolant Leaks: The hose clamps on the early V6 models were notorious for being weak. Check for the smell of maple syrup under the hood.
- Subframe Corrosion: If the car lived in the salt belt (New York, Chicago, etc.), get it on a lift. Maserati didn't use the best coating on some of the chassis components.
- Sticky Buttons: This is a classic Italian car trope. Over time, the soft-touch coating on the buttons can turn into a gooey mess. It’s fixable, but annoying.
- Tire Wear: The Ghibli S is heavy and eats rear tires if the alignment is even slightly off.
Driving Dynamics: Sport Sedan or GT?
The Ghibli S is heavy. There’s no getting around it. It weighs nearly 4,000 pounds. Because of that, it doesn't feel like a nimble sports car on a tight, twisty road. It feels like a Grand Tourer. It’s at its best on a sweeping highway or a long, curving coastal road.
The hydraulic steering (yes, real hydraulic steering!) is one of its best features. Modern cars use electric power steering that feels like a video game. The 2016 Ghibli actually talks to you through the steering wheel. You feel the texture of the road. You know exactly what the front tires are doing. That alone makes it more engaging than almost anything Audi was making in 2016.
The "S" designation means it’s rear-wheel drive. If you want the all-wheel-drive version, you have to look for the "S Q4." The RWD Ghibli S feels a bit more lively and "pure," but if you live in a place with snow, the Q4 is a much smarter daily driver. The rear-wheel-drive version can be a handful in the rain if you’re heavy-handed with the throttle.
Comparing the Ghibli S to the Competition
Why would someone choose this over a BMW 550i or an Audi S6?
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Honestly? Soul.
The Germans make technically superior cars. An Audi S6 from 2016 is faster, has a better interior, and is more reliable. But it’s also invisible. It looks like every other Audi. The Maserati has presence. When you pull up to a valet or a restaurant, people notice. It has a "curb appeal" that the mass-produced German sedans just can't match.
The Ghibli S is for the person who cares more about how a car makes them feel than how fast it laps the Nürburgring. It’s for the person who loves the fact that their car has a soul, even if that soul is a little bit temperamental.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you’re serious about putting a 2016 Maserati Ghibli S in your driveway, do not just buy the cheapest one on Craigslist. That is a recipe for financial ruin.
- Get a PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection): Take the car to an independent Maserati specialist or a reputable dealership. Pay the $300-$500 to have them poke around. It could save you $5,000 in the first month.
- Check the Service History: These cars do not handle neglect well. If the previous owner skipped oil changes or deferred maintenance, walk away. You want a car with a stack of receipts.
- Verify the Brake Life: As mentioned, brakes are expensive. If the car needs a full brake job, use that as a negotiation point to knock $2,500 off the price.
- Listen to the Turbos: On your test drive, turn off the radio. Listen for any high-pitched whining or whistling that sounds "off." Replacing turbos on these engines is an engine-out job in many cases, and the labor costs will make your eyes water.
- Look for the "Premium" or "Luxury" Packages: The base interior can feel a bit sparse. Look for cars with the extended leather dash and the Alcantara headliner. It makes the car feel like a true luxury vehicle.
The 2016 Maserati Ghibli S is a flawed masterpiece. It's a mix of Chrysler parts and Ferrari passion. It’s loud, it’s thirsty, and it’s occasionally frustrating. But the first time you hit an on-ramp and let that V6 sing, you’ll probably forget all about the Dodge window switches. It’s a car you buy with your heart, not your head. Just make sure your wallet is ready to keep up with the romance.