The Maserati Ghibli is tasked with massively increasing the volume of cars the Italian firm sells a year, targeting 50,000 sales by 2015. Just under five metres in length, the Ghibli is designed to compete with rivals like the Mercedes CLS and BMW 6-series Gran Coupe and has the option of a diesel engine for the first time in Maserati’s 99-year history.

The Ghibli is based on the all-new Maserati Quattroporte launched earlier this year, and is powered by new engines. The Ghibli range kicks off with a 3-litre V6 turbodiesel that produces 271bhp and 443lb ft of torque. Next comes a 3-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine, supplied by Ferrari and producing 325bhp and 369lb ft. Topping off the range is the Ghibli S, using a 404bhp, 406lb ft version of the petrol V6, higher boost pressures and different ECU settings delivering the extra power.

Harry Metcalfe - evo's chief and self confessed Maserphile - reviews the range above. Will the serial GranTurismo buyer and former Ghibli coupe owner be tempted by the new, more grown-up executive saloon rival?