Italian car maker Maserati released a few new pictures of its latest creation, the Ghibli. So far we only has a couple of quite dreary images of this car, and frankly it didn’t look terribly good in those. Now that we get to see it this exotic ‘Blu Emozione’ though, well, it’s not bad at all.

Ghibli is a mid-size saloon that is ought to take on the likes of Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5-Series. Not the entry-level versions of those, mind you, as even the base version of the Italian car packs 330 horsepower.

Speaking of power, the Maserati Ghibli will launch with two turbocharged V6 engines. The base, as mentioned, is good for 330 horsepower, 0 to 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds, and 28 mpg. The Ghibli S, meanwhile, offers 301kW (410hp) and 550 nm of torque, which gets you to 100 km/h in 5 seconds dead. The top speed is 85km/h (177 mph).

Later on you can also order the Ghibli with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel developing 202kW (275hp) and 600Nm of torque. That unit is capable of 47 mpg, but as it takes 6.3 seconds to hit 100 km/h, it is not recommended. Maserati’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system will also be available, but as it takes away from the true feel of a proper sports saloon, you don’t want that either. Save your money for petrol and get the Ghibli S.

The Maserati Ghibli is a wonderful product. But it has one big problem: the Quattroporte. The only reason to buy this car is because you can’t afford the big QP. Now, how would you feel if someone brought that up?!