Unveiled in April at the Shanghai Motorshow, the next-generation Maserati Ghibli is now available for order. Prices start at €66,500 and the first shipments are expected to arrive in September 2013.

The Ghibli maintains the same basic structure as the Quattroporte (chassis, suspension), only 29cm shorter and 50kg lighter. The interior includes an 8.4″ Maserati Touch Control screen, Poltrona Frau leather upholstery, a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo system, a wi-fi router and adjustable foot pedals.

The new sedan, designed to be both luxurious and sporty, is offered primarily with a 3.0L V6 TDI biturbo engine, with horsepower of up to 410. The S Q4 model is the top performer in the range, with maximum speeds of up to 284km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.

For the first time in Maserati’s history, the Ghibli is now available with a diesel engine. The Ghibli Diesel, featuring Start & Stop technology and fuel consumption of just 6L per 100km, was designed primarily for the European market.

The Ghibli, Ghibli S, Ghibli S Q4 and Ghibli Diesel all feature an 8-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift gate. The S Q4 stands out, however, for its all-wheel drive.

More than ever, the Italian luxury car manufacturer has now positioned the Ghibli as an alternative to more mainstream German sedans, such as the Mercedes E-Class, the BMW 5 Series or the Audi A6.