Maserati Quattroporte
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. Not as polished as its German rivals but miles more stylish and characterful.
Review
For people determined to stand out from the mainstream, the Quattroporte offers an ultra-exclusive driving experience. Tiny sales and dramatic styling mean that the big Maserati has the ability to pretty much stop entire streets as it drives past. Now that it has a conventional automatic transmission rather than the CambioCorsa automated manual it is much easier to live with too.
This isn't a car for modest attention-phobics. The Quattroporte's serious dimensions, striking styling and "blinged-up" detailing give it huge presence. The cabin is similarly striking, with some modern design and lots of upmarket materials, although some of the plastics and switchgear feel very low rent compared to rivals. Many minor controls are hard to fathom until you're familiar too. There's loads of room for four occupants, but the boot is small for a car trying to compete in this segment.
On the move the Quattroporte's can beguile, even if it is less polished than its German rivals. The wonderful V8 engine supplies plenty of performance and accompanies it with a wonderful, hard-edged soundtrack that is now complemented by a decent conventional six-speed automatic transmission. Perversely, this can be quite jerky when accelerating the car from rest - just like the old transmission was - but the rest of the time it does a good job - and provides excellent paddle shifts too. Some may find the Quattroporte's ride a bit fidgety sometimes, but it's not bad for a sports saloon on big wheels, though at motorway speeds it is noticeably louder than its German rivals.
And the Maser is a seriously expensive car to run, too, thanks to its combination of costly servicing, poor fuel economy and very steep depreciation. Unless you've got very deep pockets and you're absolutely determined to be different then look elsewhere.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
Instantly recognisable and unlike anything else on the road - it's elegant, looks wonderfully Italian and has real presence. Details like the chrome vents set into the front wings are a little OTT - they're an old Maser feature - but the overall effect is indisputably striking.
Handling
4 star
The chassis serves up lots of grip and the well-weighted steering keeps the driver informed as to what's going on. Not quite as accomplished as a BMW 7 Series, but more fun.
Comfort
3 star
The well finished cabin is generally comfortable - though the seats aren't so great on veryu long journeys - and it's quiet, the engine's exotic V8 burble just right.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
It feels far better assembled than Maseratis used to (not a huge achievement in itself), but some of the interior plastic quality, and some general detailing, isn't worthy of a car of this price.
Performance
4 star
The 4.2 litre V8 engine delivers very strong urge and a wonderful soundtrack - and there's no 155 mph limiter to slow your progress on an Autobahn either. Despite the new transmission, moving off from rest can be jerky
Roominess
3 star
The cabin is decently sized for four occupants but the boot is tiny for a car in this segment.
Running Costs
3 star
Insurance, servicing and fuel economy are all on the chilling side of high, but the Quattrporte holds its value very well.
Value for money
3 star
It has strong performance and provides decent standard equipment ,but the Quattroporte is more expensive than far more complete rivals like the Mercedes S500.
