Verdict
For Malaysian buyers with dependable charging, the Lotus Eletre is the more complete daily proposition: its twin motors make 603 hp and 710 Nm, cutting 0-100 km/h to 4.5 seconds against the Ghibli’s 5.6 seconds, while the 112 kWh battery is rated for 600 km. It also carries 688 litres versus 500 litres and brings surround-view parking, adaptive cruise control and active safety aids. The Maserati Ghibli is 680 kg lighter, 190 mm narrower and 5 km/h faster flat out, so it remains the easier petrol sedan to place on tight roads. Road tax is RM1,440 versus RM2,078 annually.
Pick the Lotus Eletre if you can charge an EV and want 600 km rated range, stronger acceleration, a larger boot and substantially more driver assistance equipment.
Pick the Maserati Ghibli if you want a lighter, narrower rear-wheel-drive petrol sedan with a 263 km/h top speed and a full-size spare tyre.
Key differences
- Powertrain: Eletre has two electric motors producing 603 hp and 710 Nm; Ghibli has a 2,979 cc twin-turbo V6 producing 330 hp and 500 Nm.
- Range/economy: Eletre has a 112 kWh battery and 600 km EV range; Ghibli is rated at 9.6 L/100 km.
- Acceleration: Eletre does 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds; Ghibli takes 5.6 seconds.
- Top speed: Eletre reaches 258 km/h; Ghibli reaches 263 km/h.
- Practicality: Eletre has a 688-litre boot and weighs 2,490 kg; Ghibli has a 500-litre boot and weighs 1,810 kg.
- Dimensions: Eletre is 5,103 mm long and 2,135 mm wide; Ghibli is 4,971 mm long and 1,945 mm wide.
Eletre
- 603 hp, 710 Nm and a 4.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 600 km rated EV range with 22 kW AC and 350 kW DC charging.
- 688-litre boot, surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control and autonomous braking.
- 2,490 kg kerb weight versus the Ghibli’s 1,810 kg.
- 2,135 mm width is 190 mm greater than the Ghibli’s.
- 258 km/h top speed is 5 km/h below the Ghibli’s.
Ghibli
- 1,810 kg weight and 1,945 mm width make it markedly lighter and narrower.
- 263 km/h top speed, 8-speed ZF automatic and rear-wheel drive.
- Full-size spare tyre, sunroof and 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
- 330 hp and 500 Nm trail the Eletre’s 603 hp and 710 Nm.
- 500-litre boot is 188 litres smaller than the Eletre’s.
- No blind-spot information system, autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or reverse camera is listed.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 499,000✓ | RM 538,800 |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 24-valve DOHC twin turbocharged V6, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 2,979 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 330 hp |
| Torque | — | 500 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | V |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 86.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 9.7 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 603 hp✓ | — |
| Motor Torque | 710 Nm✓ | — |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | — |
| Battery Capacity | 112 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 600 km✓ | — |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW | — |
| Charger Type (DC) | CCS | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 350 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | Auto-Adaptive Transmission |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | ZF |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.5 seconds✓ | 5.6 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 9.6 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 258 km/h | 263 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | — | 223 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,103 mm | 4,971 mm |
| Width | 2,135 mm | 1,945 mm |
| Height | 1,630 mm | 1,461 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,019 mm | 2,998 mm |
| Weight | 2,490 kg | 1,810 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 70 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 688 litres✓ | 500 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/50R20 | 235/50R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 285/40R20 | 235/50R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Full size |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Sport EV | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Italy (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | Double wishbone with stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar |
| Front Wheels | 20" 5-spoke Aero Alloy | 18" Alfieri |
| Rear Wheels | 20" 5-spoke Aero Alloy | 18" Alfieri |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Mechanical LSD |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags, Front Center Airbags and Front Knee Airbags | Front and Passenger, Side, and Curtain Airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electronic for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | Three-point seat belts for all five seats |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on two rear passenger seats | Available on two outer rear seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Projector LED with Dynamic Indicators | Bi-Xenon |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Dynamic Indicators | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | 8-way with adjustable lumbar, driver and passenger |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | Fold-down centre armrest, three rear headrests |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Air vents only |
| Sunroof | — | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 2 USB-C front, 2 USB-C rear | 12V front and 12V cargo area power outlet |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | Two Front, Two Rear |
| Audio | 15.1" Touchscreen with Lotus Hyper OS, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15-speaker KEF Reference Audio | 8.4 inch Maserati Touch Control, 280W audio system with 8 speakers, CD/DVD/MP3/USB support |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Automatic with Anti-pinch | All Four Windows, Driver Auto Up and Down with Jam-Protection |
| Engine Start | Keyless Operation (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Entry + Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Boot Opening | Remote boot release |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | — |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/200,000 km Battery Warranty | Free Service at 20,000km, 40,000km, 60,000km |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 1,440✓ | RM 2,078 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Eletre vs Ghibli FAQ
Is the Lotus Eletre or Maserati Ghibli better?
The Eletre is the better choice for charging-capable buyers, with 603 hp, 600 km rated range, a 688-litre boot and active safety assistance. Choose the Ghibli only if a lighter, narrower petrol rear-wheel-drive sedan better suits your use.
What is the price difference?
The Lotus Eletre costs RM499,000 and the Maserati Ghibli costs RM538,800, so the Eletre is RM39,800 cheaper.
Which one is more practical for luggage and passengers?
The Eletre is more useful for luggage, with a 688-litre boot against 500 litres in the Ghibli. Both seat five, but the Lotus also has 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, while the Maserati gets a fold-down centre armrest.