Maserati is confident that its new Ghibli sedan can compete with rival cars from BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz in the highly competitive executive sedan market.

With forecast annual sales of 25,000 units, the Ghibli will play a key role in Maserati’s goal to boost its volume to 50,000 units a year by 2015 from 6,307 in 2012.

The brand is counting on powerful engines, alluring styling and a plush interior to win buyers for the Ghibli, the first midsize four-door sedan in the brand’s history.

“We know the mission is not easy because the premium sports sedans market is strong but we think Italian style, state-of-the-art technology, the right mix of powertrains and the wide choice of personalization options will give the Ghibli all it needs to succeed,” said Maserati product marketing boss Giovanni Maria Varazi.

The rear-wheel drive Ghibli is a smaller, sportier version of the Quattroporte. Varazi said the Ghibli has all the Quattroporte’s qualities but they come in a more dynamic, more affordable package.

The Ghibli has a more aggressive styling than the Quattroporte, as well as a coupe-like body and lines that hark back to the classic Maseratis of the 1950s. The interior combines a classic look and feel with refined leather seats, wood trims and an analog oval clock with modern features such as an 8.4-inch touchscreen and metal finishing.

The Ghibli will be the first Maserati production car to offer a diesel variant, a VM Motori-sourced 275-hp, 3.0-liter V-6. It will also be sold with a 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline engine built by Ferrari. The engines are mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive will be an option.