4.0 out of 5

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But with power and weight identical to the Ghibli Trofeo, you might be wondering where a 5mph boost in top speed and 0.4-second drop in 0-62mph time has come from. Maserati says that there are three key areas. The main improvement comes through a new compound of Pirelli tires wrapped around 21-inch wheels. Subtle aerodynamic changes play a part too, with a carbon fibre front splitter and lip spoiler helping the air to flow more efficiently over the Ghibli’s body at speed. 

While the homologated weight matches the Trofeo, the 334 Ultima also gets a few subtle weight saving measures; the new wheel and tyre combination and a lighter rear seat bench, among other tiny tweaks, contribute to a 20-25kg diet.

Elsewhere, the 334 gets some unique cosmetic details, the most striking of which is the oily-coloured Persian Blue paint, which looks stunning set off against the gunmetal finish of the wheels and bright red 334 decals. 

Inside, the cabin is trimmed in a mix of ‘pale terracotta’ leather and black Alcantara, while a numbered plaque sits on the carbon fibre centre console. The in-car tech and general level of finish aren’t up to the standards of an M5, but that upholstery colour combination, plus details like the fantastic metal gearshift paddles for the eight-speed automatic gearbox, make it feel more special than the BMW.

Unfortunately, our drive in the Italian Alps didn’t give us an opportunity to assess how special the driving experience could be, because the snowy conditions of our test drive necessitated the use of winter tyres, therefore missing out on the 334’s key upgrade over the Trofeo. 

What we could glean from the experience is, unsurprisingly, quite similar to the Trofeo. Beside an M5, it trades some intensity and firmness for a more relaxing, refined and laid-back attitude. The ride is impressively compliant, especially if you switch the adaptive dampers into their more forgiving setting, which can be selected independently of the engine and drivetrain modes. 

What little opportunity that we found to try the 334 on smooth, dry asphalt reveals a car that offers promise for the keen driver. The steering has a natural weight and isn’t as hyperactive as other super saloons. While the ultimate levels of aggression and grip means that it would struggle to keep up with an M5 on a challenging road – particularly in the conditions of our drive – its sweetly balanced chassis makes the Ghibli ideally suited for driving at seven or eight tenths.

That engine is the clear highlight, though. Like the rest of the Ghibli experience, its focus is on class rather than flashiness. There are no silly pops or bangs from the exhaust, only a deep burble at idle that is overtaken by a rich muscle-car growl as you venture towards the red line. It sounds fantastic without being fake; loud without being obnoxious. 

Rarity is guaranteed with the 334. Just 103 units will be made; a nod to Maserati’s first ever V8 model, the 5000 GT, which was known internally during development as ‘Tipo 103’. That goes some way to justifying the rather steep asking price of £159,625.

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