The XF’s optional front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Ghibli doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.
For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Jaguar XF are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Maserati Ghibli has only front height-adjustable seat belts.
The XF offers an optional Intelligent Emergency Brake, which uses forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Ghibli doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.
The XF’s blind spot warning system uses digital cameras monitored by computer to alert the driver to moving objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The Ghibli doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.
Both the XF and the Ghibli have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height-adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.
The XF’s corrosion warranty is 2 years and unlimited miles longer than the Ghibli’s (6/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).
There are almost 3 times as many Jaguar dealers as there are Maserati dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the XF’s warranty.
The XF has more powerful engines than the Ghibli:
Horsepower |
Torque |
|
XF 5.0 Supercharged 5.0 V8 |
470 HP |
424 lbs.-ft. |
XFR 5.0 supercharged V8 |
510 HP |
461 lbs.-ft. |
XFR-S 5.0 supercharged V8 |
550 HP |
502 lbs.-ft. |
Ghibli 3.0 turbo V6 |
345 HP |
369 lbs.-ft. |
Ghibli S 3.0 turbo V6 |
404 HP |
406 lbs.-ft. |
As tested in Car and Driver the XFR is faster than the Ghibli S:
XF |
Ghibli |
|
Zero to 60 MPH |
4.3 sec |
4.7 sec |
Zero to 100 MPH |
9.5 sec |
12 sec |
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start |
4.5 sec |
5.8 sec |
Passing 30 to 50 MPH |
2.2 sec |
2.9 sec |
Passing 50 to 70 MPH |
2.8 sec |
3.5 sec |
Quarter Mile |
12.6 sec |
13.4 sec |
Speed in 1/4 Mile |
116 MPH |
105 MPH |
On the EPA test cycle the XF gets better fuel mileage than the Ghibli:
XF |
Ghibli |
||
RWD |
V6/Auto |
18 city/28 hwy |
15 city/25 hwy |
AWD |
V6/Auto |
17 city/27 hwy |
15 city/25 hwy |
In heavy traffic or at stoplights the XF V6/V8’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. (Start/Stop isn’t accounted in present EPA fuel mileage tests.) The Ghibli doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.
For better stopping power the XF’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Ghibli:
XF |
5.0 Supercharged/XFR/XFR-S |
Ghibli |
Ghibli S |
|
Front Rotors |
14 inches |
15 inches |
13.6 inches |
14.2 inches |
Rear Rotors |
12.83 inches |
14.8 inches |
12.6 inches |
13.8 inches |
For better traction, the XF has larger standard tires than the Ghibli (245/45R18 vs. 235/50R18). The XFR-S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Ghibli (F:265/35R20 & R:295/30R20 vs. F:245/40R20 & R:285/35R20).
The XF’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Ghibli’s standard 50 series tires.
For better maneuverability, the XF’s turning circle is .8 feet tighter than the Ghibli’s (37.6 feet vs. 38.4 feet).
The Jaguar XF may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 350 pounds less than the Maserati Ghibli.
The design of the Jaguar XF amounts to more than styling. The XF has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is lower than the Ghibli (.31) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the XF get better fuel mileage.
As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the XFR is quieter than the Ghibli S Q4:
XF |
Ghibli |
|
At idle |
44 dB |
56 dB |
Full-Throttle |
75 dB |
78 dB |
70 MPH Cruising |
68 dB |
70 dB |
The XF has 3.8 inches more front legroom and 3.4 inches more rear legroom than the Ghibli.
A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the XF. The Ghibli doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.
The XF’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the Ghibli.
If the windows are left down on the XF the driver can raise them all using the key in the outside lock cylinder. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from outside the vehicle using the key in the outside lock cylinder or the keyless remote. The driver of the Ghibli can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.
The XF’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Ghibli’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.
To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the XF offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Ghibli doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.
Bluetooth wireless connectivity is standard on the XF, connecting the driver and passenger’s cell phones to the vehicle systems. This allows them to use the vehicle’s stereo and hand controls to place calls safely and easily. Bluetooth costs extra on the Ghibli.
The XF was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” in 2009. The Ghibli has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.
The XF was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 2 of the last 6 years. The Ghibli has never been an “All Star.”
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