Maserati Ghibli 2023 Drive Mode User Manual
Introduction
Long associated with style, performance, and Italian luxury is the Maserati Ghibli. The 2023 model, Maserati’s most recent iteration, features a sophisticated Drive Mode technology that elevates the driving experience to new heights. The Ghibli 2023 delivers a customized driving experience catered to your preferences and the traffic situation thanks to the Drive Mode feature. You can choose from a variety of driving modes with this cutting-edge system, each one optimized for comfort, handling, and performance.
The “Sport” mode is one of the important driving modes for the Ghibli 2023. By switching to Sport mode, the vehicle becomes more agile and responsive, providing a more energetic and exciting driving experience. This setting increases the transmission’s change rates, the throttle response, and the exhaust note, which together produce an exhilarating soundscape for your drive. The Ghibli 2023 has a “Comfort” option for individuals who prefer a more refined and comfortable ride. The suspension system is changed in Comfort mode to create a more flexible and laid-back ride, absorbing bumps and road imperfections for a tranquil driving experience. For a smoother power delivery, the throttle response and transmission shifts have also been improved.
Drive Mode
Controls Preview
Drive modes can be set using the buttons on central console.
CAUTION!
“NORMAL” is the default drive mode, optimized for the best balance between performance, fuel consumption and emissions in the standard conditions use of the car.
Buttons on the central console have the following functions:
(ESC Off): to exclude/reactivate the ESC system.
(Start&Stop Off): to deactivate/reactivate the Start&Stop system.
I.C.E: to activate/deactivate the drive mode to ensure increased control on slippery surfaces as well as higher energy efficiency (see “Monitoring Settings on Display” in this chapter).- SPORT (NOT for TROFEO version): to activate/deactivate a sportier drive mode. In this mode, the vehicle has
a faster throttle response and ESC sport calibration (not recommended on wet/slippery surfaces). Activating this drive mode, will also change the EPS setting.
SPORT and CORSA (TROFEO version only): to activate/deactivate the sportier and the race drive mode. When in “SPORT” drive mode, the vehicle has a faster throttle response and ESC sport calibration (not recommended on wet/slippery surfaces). Activating this drive mode, will also change the EPS setting. When in “CORSA” drive mode, in addition to what indicated for the sports mode, the transmission use a specific gear shift pattern and the traction is shifted more on the rear wheels with increased oversteering behavior. Traction control with dedicated calibration to maximize traction vs stability and “Launch Control” start mode. - (Suspension): to switch between the two suspensions setting modes: soft (LED light off and “S” in the telltale on the TFT display) and hard (LED light on and “H” in the telltale on the TFT display). Activating this drive mode, will also change the EPS setting.
By selecting one of these drive modes, the yellow or white LED on the button illuminates and, for some of these,
the vehicle configuration obtained is graphically displayed on instrument cluster. The same screen is also obtained when selecting the “Drive mode” menu using the buttons on steering wheel.
Setting the Drive Mode
Drive modes can be set using the buttons on central console.
Keys (buttons) only have two statuses: OFF and ON. The OFF status (button released) is the standard function mode. The ON status is activated by pressing the button, the dedicated LED will illuminate. It is necessary to press the
(ESC Off) button for at least 3 seconds. At each key on the car starts always
in NORMAL drive mode (all LEDs are OFF) and driver can select different drive mode according to following table.
| Button | ON – Button pressed (LED ON) |
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Electronic Stability Control ESC partially deactivated. |
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Start&Stop function deactivated. |
| I.C.E. | Increased Control and Efficiency mode ON (*). |
| SPORT | Sportier drive mode (SPORT) ON. |
| SPORT CORSA (TROFEO version only) |
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Soft/Hard suspension setting. |
| I.C.E. (Increased Control and Efficiency) operates on engine supply in order to reduce fuel consumption, exhausts, noisiness (efficiency) by dampening vehicle reactions (control). The current mode is also useful for low-grip surfaces. | |
The tables below summarize the adjustment of transmission and engine parameters according to set drive mode/s. (ESC Off) is the only mode that does not depend on the activation or deactivation of the other modes. The tables show the two configurations with:
(ESC Off) button NOT pressed;
(ESC Off) button pressed.
(ESC Off) Button NOT pressed (NOT for TROFEO Version)
 Button pressed: LED ON
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| Setup | NORMAL + Auto + S&S enabled + Soft suspensions | NORMAL + Auto + S&S disabled + Soft suspensions | I.C.E. + Auto + S&S enabled + Soft suspensions | SPORT + Auto + S&S disabled + Soft suspensions | NORMAL + Auto + S&S disabled + Hard suspensions |
| Stability control | Active | Active | Active | Active-Sport (*) | Active-Sport (*) |
| Electric Power Steering (EPS) | Normal | Normal | Normal | Sport | Sport |
| Suspensions setup | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal | Hard |
| Engine control | Normal | Normal | Comfort | Performance | Performance |
| Engine boost | Normal boost | Over boost | Low boost | Over boost | Over boost |
| Exhaust sound | Low (Rev. Thresh- old) | Low (Rev. Thresh- old) | Low | Always High | Always High |
| Gear shifting point | Normal | ‒ | Comfort | Performance | Performance |
| Kick down | Yes | Yes | Yes – Soft | Yes – Strong | Yes – Strong |
| Upshift rev. limiter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (No, when in M+/-) | Yes (No, when in M+/-) |
| Automatic downshift | Normal | Anti – Stall | Comfort | Performance (Anti-Stall, when in M+/-) | Performance (Anti-Stall, when in M+/-) |
| (*) In low- and medium-grip conditions (e.g., rain, snow, ice, sand, etc.) it is advisable not to activate SPORT mode, even with the ESC system active (button (ESC OFF) not pressed). | |||||
Button not pressed: LED OFF
(ESC Off) Button pressed (NOT for TROFEO Version)
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| Setup | NORMAL + Auto + S&S disabled + Soft suspensions | NORMAL + Auto + S&S disabled + Soft suspensions | I.C.E. + Auto + S&S disabled + Soft suspensions | SPORT + Auto + S&S disabled + Soft suspensions | NORMAL + Auto + S&S disabled + Hard suspensions |
| Stability control | OFF | OFF | OFF | OFF | OFF |
| Electric Power Steering (EPS) | Normal | Normal | Normal | Sport | Sport |
| Suspensions setup | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal | Hard |
| Engine control | Normal | Normal | Comfort | Performance | Performance |
| Engine boost | Normal boost | Over boost | Low boost | Over boost | Over boost |
| Exhaust sound | Low (Rev. Thresh- old) | Low (Rev. Thresh- old) | Low | Always High | Always High |
| Gear shifting point | Normal | ‒ | Comfort | Performance | Performance |
| Kick down | Yes | Yes | Yes – Soft | Yes – Strong | Yes – Strong |
| Upshift rev. limiter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (No, when in M+/-) | Yes (No, when in M+/-) |
| Automatic down- shift | Normal | Anti – Stall | Comfort | Performance (Anti – Stall, when in M+/-) | Performance (Anti – Stall, when in M+/-) |
| Shifting timing | Normal | Rapid – Normal | Comfort | Sport (Rapid – Sport, when in M +/-) | Sport (Rapid – Sport, when in M +/-) |
WARNING!
On TROFEO version, when CORSA drive mode is activated, the (ESC OFF) indicator light on the instrument cluster is on because the intervention of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is lower than the other modes, but still present to allow a sportier drive.
You can always press (ESC OFF) button to fully deactivate ESC system. Due to high power output of the engine it can be potentially dangerous to drive the car on wet or slippery roads with ESC off and CORSA drive mode set.
(ESC OFF) Button NOT pressed (TROFEO Version only)
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| Setup | NORMAL + Auto + S&S enabled + Soft suspensions | NORMAL + Auto + S&S disabled + Soft suspensions | I.C.E. + Auto + S&S enabled + Soft suspensions | SPORT + Auto + S&S disabled + Soft suspensions | CORSA + Auto + S&S disabled + Manual + Corsa suspensions | NORMAL + Auto +S&S disabled + Corsa suspensions |
| Stability control | Active | Active | Active | Active-Sport (*) | Active-Corsa (*) | Active-Sport (*) |
| Electric Power Steering (EPS) | Normal | Normal | Normal | Sport | Corsa | Sport |
| Suspensions setup | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal | Hard | Hard |
| Engine control | Normal | Normal | Comfort | Performance | Performance | Performance |
| Engine boost | Normal boost | Over boost | Low boost | Over boost | Over boost | Over boost |
| Exhaust sound | Low (Rev. Threshold) | Low (Rev. Threshold) | Low | Always High | Always High | Always High |
| Gear shifting point | Normal | – | Comfort | – | Performance | Performance |
| Kick down | Yes | Yes | Yes – Soft | Yes – Strong | Not | Yes – Strong |
| Upshift rev. limiter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (No, when in M+/-) | Not | Yes (No, when in M+/-) |
| Shifting timing | Normal | Rapid – Normal | Comfort | Sport (Rapid – Sport, when in M+/-) | Quick – Corsa | Sport (Rapid – Sport, when in M+/-) |
| (*) In low- and medium-grip conditions (e.g., rain, snow, ice, sand, etc.) it is advisable not to activate SPORT or CORSA mode, even with the ESC system active (button (ESC OFF) not pressed). | ||||||
(ESC OFF) Button pressed (TROFEO version only)
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| Setup | NORMAL + Auto + S&S disabled + Soft suspensions | NORMAL + Auto + S&S disabled + Soft suspensions | I.C.E. + Auto + S&S disabled + Soft suspensions | SPORT + Auto + S&S disabled + Soft suspensions | CORSA + Auto + S&S disabled + Manual + Corsa suspensions | NORMAL + Auto + S&S disabled + Corsa suspensions |
| Stability control | OFF | OFF | OFF | OFF | OFF | OFF |
| Suspensions setup | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal | Hard | Hard |
| Engine control | Normal | Normal | Comfort | Performance | Performance | Performance |
| Engine boost | Normal boost | Over boost | Low boost | Over boost | Over boost | Over boost |
| Exhaust sound | Low (Rev. Threshold) | Low (Rev. Threshold) | Low | Always High | Always High | Always High |
| Gear shifting point | Normal | – | Comfort | Performance | Performance | Performance |
| Kick down | Yes | Yes | Yes – Soft | Yes – Strong | Not | Yes – Strong |
| Upshift rev. limiter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (No, when in M+/-) | Not | Yes (No, when in M+/-) |
| Automatic downshift | Normal | Anti – Stall | Comfort | Performance (Anti – Stall, when in M+/-) | Anti – Stall | Performance (Anti – Stall, when in M+/-) |
| Shifting timing | Normal | Rapid – Normal | Comfort | Sport (Rapid – Sport, when in M+/-) | Quick – Corsa | Sport (Rapid – Sport, when in M+/-) |
NOTE:
A different drive mode can be set even with engine running and vehicle in motion.
To activate a drive mode, press briefly the corresponding button as indicated below. The LED on the button will light up and set drive mode screen will
be displayed (example in the figure: NORMAL) for 5 seconds.
Activate/Deactivate (ESC OFF) Drive Mode
To activate (ESC OFF) drive mode press the corresponding button for at least 3 seconds: the yellow LED on the button will turn on.
To deactivate the drive mode, press the same button again: the LED will turn off and the display will show the message indicating that (ESC OFF) drive mode is off and ESC system is active.
Deactivate/Reactivate (Start&Stop Off) Drive Mode
To deactivate the Start&Stop function normally active, briefly press the corresponding button once: the yellow LED on the button will turn on.
To reactivate the Start&Stop function, briefly press the same button again: the LED will turn off.
Activate/Deactivate I.C.E., SPORT Drive Mode
To activate one of these drive mode, briefly press the corresponding button once: the white LED on the button will turn on.
To disable the drive mode activated, briefly press the same button again: the LED will turn off.
If you deactivate the SPORT mode by briefly pressing the related button when is activate (LED lit) it also deactivates the (Suspension) mode if it was activate (LED lit).
Activate/Deactivate SPORT and CORSA Drive Mode (TROFEO Version only)
To activate SPORT drive mode, briefly press the corresponding button once: the upper white LED on the button will turn on. CORSA drive mode can be active by pressing again the same button for more than a second (about 1.2 seconds): also the lower LED on the button will turn on. To return in SPORT drive mode, briefly press the SPORT/CORSA button again.
When in CORSA drive mode, (Suspension) hard drive mode can not be set and you can run the “Launch Control” start procedure (see “Launch Control Mode” in this section).
To disable the SPORT mode without activating the CORSA mode, briefly press the same button once again: the two LED will turn off.
Activate/Deactivate Hard Suspension Drive Mode
Briefly press “ ” (Suspension) button on the central console to activate the hard suspension setting recognizable by the green color of the 4 shock absorbers, when in NORMAL, I.C.E. or SPORT drive mode. When exiting the drive mode screen, the setting is always visible through the icon with “S” (Soft) or “H” (Hard) beside on the upper right side of the TFT display (area 9).
Monitoring Settings on Display
By gaining access to “Drive mode” menu through the buttons on steering wheel right-hand side, it is possible to monitor the settings for driving.
The list and figure show vehicle parameters referred to each drive mode. Driving mode and its parameters are identified by a different color (example in the figure: SPORT).
- A Powertrain.
- B Drive Mode/ESC.
- C Torque distribution (AWD version only).
- D Suspension stiffness.
SPORT
The table below specifies the default settings for each drive mode.
| Drive Mode | Default Condition | |
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ESC | I.C.E. |
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Normal | |
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ESC | Normal |
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Normal | |
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ESC | Sport |
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Normal | |
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ESC | Corsa |
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Corsa | |
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ESC | Sport |
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Sport | |
I.C.E. Mode excluding ESC
To release the vehicle in low grip conditions (e.g.: heaps of snow, mud, sand, etc), it is possible to shift the transmission function in the specific driving mode as required for these situations, by pressing the I.C.E. button and to exclude completely the yaw and spinning control system, by pressing the button for at last three seconds (ESC Off).
FAQs
- What is the Drive Mode feature in the Maserati Ghibli 2023?
The Maserati Ghibli 2023’s Drive Mode feature allows you to customize the vehicle’s driving characteristics and performance based on your preferences. - How do I activate the Drive Mode feature?
To use the Drive Mode feature, press the dedicated Drive Mode button on the center console. - What are the available Drive Modes in the Maserati Ghibli 2023?
The Maserati Ghibli 2023 has three drive modes: Normal, Sport, and Efficiency (or Eco). - What is the purpose of the Normal Drive Mode?
The Normal Drive Mode offers a balanced driving experience that is appropriate for daily driving conditions. - What are the characteristics of the Sport Drive Mode?
Sport Drive Mode improves vehicle performance by sharpening throttle response, adjusting suspension, and providing a more dynamic driving experience. - Can I customize the settings in the Sport Drive Mode?
Yes, you can customize certain parameters within the Sport Drive Mode on the Maserati Ghibli 2023, such as suspension firmness or exhaust sound. - What is the Efficiency (Eco) Drive Mode designed for?
The Efficiency Drive Mode improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions by adjusting various vehicle systems to operate more efficiently. - Can I switch between Drive Modes while driving?
While driving the Maserati Ghibli 2023, you can switch between Drive Modes to adapt to different road conditions or your preferred driving style. - Does the Drive Mode affect the transmission settings?
Yes, the Drive Mode can change transmission settings such as shifting points and responsiveness to match the driving mode selected. - Does the Drive Mode affect the steering response?
The steering response can be adjusted by the Drive Mode, making it more responsive and sporty in Sport Mode and more relaxed in Efficiency or Normal Mode. - Is there a specific Drive Mode for off-road or slippery conditions?
There is no dedicated off-road Drive Mode on the Maserati Ghibli 2023. However, it may include features such as all-wheel drive (AWD) to improve traction in slick conditions. - Can I save my preferred Drive Mode settings?
Yes, you can save your preferred Drive Mode settings in the Maserati Ghibli 2023 so that the vehicle starts in your preferred mode each time you start the engine. - Does the Drive Mode affect the sound of the engine?
In some cases, the Drive Mode can affect engine sound, particularly in Sport Drive Mode, where it may enhance the exhaust note for a more thrilling experience. - Are there any safety considerations when using the Drive Mode feature?
When using different Drive Modes, it is critical to consider the driving conditions and adapt your driving style accordingly. Sport Mode, for example, may improve performance but should be used with caution in certain circumstances. - Can I get assistance or guidance on selecting the appropriate Drive Mode for my driving needs?
Your Maserati dealer or the owner’s manual can help you choose the appropriate Drive Mode based on your driving needs and preferences.
Useful Links
View Full User Guide: Maserati Ghibli 2023 User Manual | Auto User Guide
Download Manuals: On-Board Owner Documentation | Maserati