Maserati Ghibli

Importing a used Maserati Ghibli from the USA

The third-generation Maserati Ghibli is an Italian executive sedan that competes with the German establishment while offering something they cannot: a Ferrari-built engine and a distinctly Latin character. Built at Maserati's Grugliasco plant near Turin from 2013 to 2024, it sold strongly in the United States, which now makes the US market a deep source of well-equipped, sharply depreciated examples. As an independent broker for used US vehicles, USCar Trader locates the right Ghibli and handles the full import. We are not a dealer, add no margin, and hold no manufacturer partnership.

Generations at a glance

The Ghibli name returned in 2013 on the M157 platform, a mid-size sport sedan positioned below the Quattroporte and sharing much of its architecture. Over its life it received steady updates: a significant 2017 revision improved interior quality and added the GranLusso and GranSport appearance packages, and a 2021 refresh brought a modernised infotainment system, updated styling, and the flagship Trofeo. US cars were sold exclusively with petrol engines; the 3.0-litre diesel offered in Europe was never federalised, so American-market Ghiblis are all gasoline-powered.

Powertrain lineup

The core engine is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 assembled by Ferrari in Maranello. In the base Ghibli it produces around 330 hp; the Ghibli S and S Q4 raise this to roughly 345, and later 424–430 hp in higher states of tune. From 2021 the Trofeo added a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 with about 572–580 hp. Drive goes through a ZF eight-speed automatic, one of the best in the business, to the rear wheels or, on Q4 versions, to an on-demand all-wheel-drive system that sends torque forward only when needed. The result is a genuinely quick, characterful sedan with a distinctive exhaust note.

Trims in the US market

The Ghibli is offered only as a four-door sedan. Trim structure centres on the engine tier (Ghibli, S, S Q4, Trofeo) combined with the GranLusso comfort package or the GranSport styling package. Options that materially affect value include the Skyhook adaptive suspension, premium Zegna interior trim, Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio, and the driver-assistance bundles added in later years. A well-specified GranSport S Q4 is a particularly appealing used target.

The used market stateside

Because the Ghibli depreciated steeply in the USA, the used market is full of low-to-moderate-mileage cars at a fraction of their original cost. Many were leased and returned in good cosmetic condition. Q4 all-wheel-drive cars from northern states and rear-drive cars from the Sun Belt are both plentiful. The key variables are service history and how recently major maintenance was done, rather than scarcity, since supply is strong.

Who should import one

The Ghibli suits a buyer who wants an exclusive, Ferrari-engined executive sedan with presence that German rivals lack, and who understands that ownership rewards diligent maintenance. It is not the choice for someone seeking the lowest running costs, but for the enthusiast willing to service it properly, an imported US Ghibli offers a great deal of car and character.

Key specifications

How reliable is it?

The Ghibli rewards maintenance and punishes neglect. The Ferrari-built V6 is fundamentally sound but demands its scheduled servicing, including timing-related work on higher-mileage cars. Owners report electrical and infotainment gremlins, particularly on pre-2017 units, along with occasional sensor faults, and the earlier MTC infotainment feels dated. Brakes and tyres wear quickly given the weight and performance, and cars with Skyhook adaptive dampers can need suspension attention over time. Coolant and oil leaks should be checked. On a used Maserati Ghibli, a complete service record from a specialist is worth far more than a low price, and a pre-purchase inspection is essential.

What US models do differently

Both US and European Ghiblis are left-hand drive, which simplifies things, but US cars have mph clusters, US-specification lighting, and are petrol-only, whereas Europe also sold the diesel. Infotainment and navigation are US-configured and may need attention for European use. Equipment packages and colour combinations sometimes differ between markets. Lighting must meet European requirements, including a rear fog lamp, for approval.

Seven steps to your import

The route runs from selecting the car, to a VIN and origin check, to secure escrow payment, to ocean freight from a US port, to EU customs clearance, then TÜV individual approval (Einzelabnahme) and local registration. USCar Trader coordinates each stage and assembles the documentation customs needs to assess origin.

Customs, taxes and costs explained

Remember: no origin proof, no 0% duty – and 19% German import VAT is due on every import.

Two charges apply and are always shown separately, with no broker margin. First, EU import duty: the standard passenger-car rate is 10%. Importantly, the Ghibli is manufactured in Italy, not the USA, so the 0% US-origin provisions under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 generally do not apply here; the VIN and plant code confirm origin and therefore the rate in each case. Second, the German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) of 19% always applies on top, regardless of origin. We never describe an import as "duty-free" and never guarantee 0%; the Ghibli's Italian build makes an honest origin assessment particularly important.

German TÜV and registration

Typical work covers headlight beam adaptation, fitting or confirming a rear fog lamp, verifying the speedometer, and documenting the odometer conversion for the Einzelabnahme. Once approved, you register the car at your local authority.

The buyer checklist

Confirm the VIN against the title and the car. Obtain a Carfax or AutoCheck report for accidents, title brands, and odometer history. Insist on a full service record, ideally from a Maserati specialist. Have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the V6, cooling, and any leaks. Check the title is clean, not salvage or flood. Inspect brakes, tyres, and suspension for wear. Test all electronics and infotainment functions.

Questions and answers

Does the Maserati Ghibli qualify for 0% EU import duty?

Usually not, because it is built in Italy rather than the USA, so the US-origin provisions generally do not apply. The VIN confirms origin in each case, and the 19% import VAT always applies.

Are US Ghiblis petrol only?

Yes. The diesel was never sold in the USA, so all American-market Ghiblis have the twin-turbo petrol engines.

Who makes the Ghibli's engine?

The V6 and V8 are built by Ferrari in Maranello, a key part of the car's appeal.

How reliable is the Ghibli?

It is dependable when properly maintained, but sensitive to neglect; service history and a pre-purchase inspection are essential.

Is the Q4 all-wheel-drive version better for Germany?

Q4 adds traction in poor weather while remaining rear-biased, which many buyers prefer for European conditions.

Why are US Ghiblis often cheaper to buy?

Steep depreciation in the US market means many well-kept, lower-mileage cars are available at attractive purchase prices.

Do I still pay import VAT?

Yes. The 19% German import VAT is separate from any duty and always due on import.

Discover the full Maserati in the Carhub, compare related models such as the Maserati Quattroporte, the Maserati Levante, and the Maserati GranTurismo, or view current Ghibli listings.