For those looking to bring a little flair to the C-suite executive parking lot, the 2023 Maserati Ghibli will impress. With a duo of boosted engines, sporty suspension, and elegant styling, it’s a spicy addition to the corporate-class sedan segment. Despite the high points, though, the Ghibli has a few issues.

Car and Driver recently got a hold of the fast four-door. While they believe it’s an “enthralling sports sedan,” three issues in particular make it less desirable than others.

Reason #1: Compromised rear seating space

Like other Italian four-doors, the 2023 Maserati Ghibli features aggressively sporty styling. Unfortunately, this means that some practicality is sacrificed for aesthetics. The rear seating row will likely be uncomfortable for adults on long journeys thanks to the swept-back roofline. But that’s what you get with a driver-focused car.  

Reason #2: Substandard interior materials

The 2023 Maserati Ghibli can be optioned with exquisite leather and silk seats, a faux-suede headliner, and natural wood on the steering wheel. It’s everything you’d expect from an Italian luxury sedan with a starting MSRP north of $80,000. However, some of the other interior bits come from cheaper offerings in parent company Stellantis’ product portfolio. For example, the window switches are from the Jeep Cherokee, and the light switches and steering column stalks are from the extinct Chrysler Town & Country.

Reason #3: Unimpressive fuel economy

Maserati isn’t known for fuel efficiency. However, the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 and the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 provide very poor gas mileage. In the 345-horsepower rear-wheel drive Ghibli GT and Modena, the EPA estimates 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel drive version nets one less mpg in the city. The 580-horsepower V8-powered Ghibli Trofeo will only manage 13 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

How much is the 2023 Maserati Ghibli?

Despite being a carryover model, the base 2023 Maserati Ghibli GT is $9,000 more than it was last year. The other two trim levels have endured five-figure increases.

The mid-range Modena begins at $93,595, but that includes 424 horsepower, not the base 345 ponies. All-wheel drive is a $2,700 optional extra. For the range-topping Ghibli Trofeo, customers must dispense of $125,195—more than the starting price of a Mercedes-Benz S 580.

Which Ghibli is the best buy?

No matter how you square it, the 2023 Maserati Ghibli is expensive. Nearly all midsize luxury sedans begin below the $60,000 benchmark. Although the Ghibli is over $20,000 more, the price increase does have its upsides. While most manufacturers stock their base luxury sedans with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, Maserati has none of the sort. Therefore, potential buyers looking for impressive performance will find a friend in the Ghibli.

To make the selection of the Ghibli trim level easier, Car and Driver suggests choosing the Modena. The 79-horsepower bump from standard is significant. The Modena Q4—the all-wheel drive version—will provide a better all-weather car. Also, more of the interior is covered in genuine leather upholstery, distracting owners from those minivan light controls.