Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2015 Maserati Ghibli VS 2015 Lexus GS Near Phoenix, AZ

Both the Ghibli and the GS Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height-adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The Ghibli’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 39 more horsepower (345 vs. 306) and 92 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 277) than the GS 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6. The Ghibli’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 7 more horsepower (345 vs. 338) than the GS 450h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid. The Ghibli S’ standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 66 more horsepower (404 vs. 338) than the GS 450h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Ghibli S is faster than the GS 350:

The Ghibli has 3.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the GS Series (21.1 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Ghibli has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The GS Series doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better stopping power the Ghibli’s brake rotors are larger than those on the GS Series:

The Ghibli stops much shorter than the GS Series:

For better traction, the Ghibli’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the GS Series (F:245/40R20 & R:285/35R20 vs. F:235/40R19 & R:265/35R19).

The Ghibli’s optional 245/35R21 front and 285/30R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GS Series F-Sport’s 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Ghibli offers optional 21-inch wheels. The GS Series’ largest wheels are only 19-inches.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the Ghibli can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The GS Series doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Ghibli’s wheelbase is 5.8 inches longer than on the GS Series (118 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Ghibli is 2.4 inches wider in the front and 2.5 inches wider in the rear than on the GS Series.

The Ghibli S Q4 handles at .91 G’s, while the GS 350 pulls only .88 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the Ghibli S Q4 is quieter than the GS 350 (78 vs. 79 dB).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the Ghibli is rated a Large car by the EPA, while the GS Series is rated a Mid-size.

The Ghibli has 9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the GS Series (108 vs. 99).

The Ghibli has .8 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear headroom and .8 inches more rear shoulder room than the GS Series.

The Ghibli has a much larger trunk than the GS Series (17.6 vs. 14.3 cubic feet).

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the Ghibli’s trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. The GS Series’ useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

The Ghibli’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The GS Series doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

The Ghibli offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The GS Series doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Ghibli’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The GS Series does not have an oil pressure gauge.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Ghibli to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The GS Series doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the Ghibli detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The GS Series doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.