2021 Maserati Ghibli Hybrid pricing and specs: Electrified sedan set to compete with Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series hybrids

Maserati has opened the order books for its first-ever electrified model, the Ghibli Hybrid large sedan, which is set to compete with similar German offerings with a pricetag of $139,990 plus on-road costs.

This pricing puts the Ghibli Hybrid in contention with rivals like the BMW 530e, now sold from $122,900, as well as the current Mercedes-Benz E300e that is available from $121,400.

The Ghibli Hybrid will also hit showrooms in higher-spec GranLusso and GranSport variants, which are each available to order from $163,990.

The new Ghibli Hybrid can be identified by restyled tail-lights and blue accents throughout.

At $139,990, the Ghibli Hybrid is priced on par with the current Ghibli petrol, however, it is less powerful than its standard V6-powered sibling.

Motivating the Ghibli Hybrid is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol motor matched with a 48V mild-hybrid system, which together delivers 246kW and 450Nm for a claimed zero-to-100km sprint time of 5.7 seconds.

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Meanwhile, the standard Ghibli draws power from a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo unit producing 257kW and 500Nm, making it 0.2s quicker to 100km/h.

In either case, the Maserati Ghibli sends its power to the rear wheels via a ZF-supplied eight-speed automatic transmission.

The latest version of the Maserati Intelligent Assistant software is displayed on a 10.1-inch multimedia system.

Maserati says that its Ghibli Hybrid is the first in line as it looks to electrify its entire model range, but reiterates that its performance and exhaust note is in keeping with customer expectations.

The mild-hybrid system includes an e-Booster electric supercharger that is supported by a battery, while the exhaust is optimised with ‘specially designed’ resonators.

Distinguishing the Hybrid is a new front grille and redesigned tail-lights, as well as blue accents on the side air ducts, brake calipers and badging.

Inside, the large sedan benefits from a refreshed digital instrument cluster alongside a new 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia display.

The 2021 Ghibli Hybrid joins the larger Quattroporte sedan and the Levante SUV in Maserati's full-time line-up, while the McLaren-rivalling MC20 supercar is set to arrive in Australia later this year priced from $438,000.