8 Reasons Why We Love The Maserati Quattroporte (2 Reasons Why We'd Never Buy One)

2022-08-19 21:47:38 By : Ms. Danny Liu

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The Quattroporte puts a spirited fight in a segment dominated by German offerings, but unfortunately, there are a few caveats worth considering.

The Maserati Quattroporte prides itself as the original Italian exotic sedan, the quintessential status symbol of prominence and wealth. Considering it's been in production for nearly six decades, the Quattroporte is undoubtedly an icon of Italian elegance. The current sixth generation model represents the ultimate evolution of the original, boasting the biggest dimensions of any previous generations.

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Despite the size, the Quattroporte livens up the full-size luxury sedan segment with a brashness that stands heads and shoulders above its competition. We love the Quattroporte's spirited fight in a class dominated by German offerings, but unfortunately, there are a few significant caveats that pose a disadvantage. Here's a list of several reasons to love the Maserati Quattroporte, but read on and find out the two reasons why we'd never buy one.

Maserati has continually improved on the iconic Quattroporte formula over the years, resulting in the imposing yet slender profile that makes the current model an uncompromising executive sedan. The smooth, sweeping lines and surfaces maintain an unmistakable presence, while the legendary triple side air vents reflect the Maserati's rich, race-bred heritage.

The three-color boomerang-shaped rear lights pay homage to the Giugiaro-designed 3200 GT, another epic model in Maserati history. In addition to the evocative appearance, Maserati employed cutting-edge aerodynamics to exude an overpowering feeling of exclusivity.

Maserati has simplified the trim lineup for the 2022 Quattroporte to include three exciting variants. The cheapest way into a Quattroporte is the luxury-oriented GT model priced from $101,800, a trim designed to offer a higher level of exclusivity. With a starting price of $112,100, the Modena trim brings intensity through sharper sporting focus and more dynamic styling.

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The Modena Q4 sub-trim boasts similar qualities as the standard Modena, apart from the AWD capability that increases the starting price to $116,800. At the top of the Quattroporte range sits the high-performance Trofeo, a race-inspired trim starting at $151,000.

The uncompromising nature of the Quattroporte extends into the interior, evidenced by the meticulous detailing and hand-crafted embellishments that radiate classic beauty. The executive luxury treatment involves full premium leather and silk for the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and headliner, blended with trim options such as Open Pore Radica Wood, High Gloss Piano Black, and High Gloss Rovere Wood.

The GT Sport Interior Package equips the Quattroporte with 12-way power seats with memory functionality and Alcantara headliner and pillars. In contrast, the Carbon Fiber Package adds carbon fiber trims to the door sills and column-mounted paddle shifter. The desirable Executive Package comprises executive rear seats, four-zone automatic climate control, power rear sunblind, and premium perforated leather upholstery.

For 2022, the Quattroporte features a frameless 10.1-inch HD touch screen with a 16:10 ratio. The new generation Android-powered Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system provides access to a voice assistant, up-to-date maps, real-time traffic info, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Using a smartwatch, smartphone, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa, the Maserati Connect app allows a seamless link to the Quattroporte to manage performance, comfort, safety, and emergency. Other tech features include an air quality sensor, Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging, and a choice between a 10-speaker Harman Kardon setup or a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system.

Besides high-powered luxury, Maserati equipped the Quattroporte with a comprehensive range of Level 2 Advanced Driving Assistance Systems to enhance safety and peace of mind. Systems for more effortless driving on the roads and highways include Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Assist System, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

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Features that help drivers overcome the more common perils of the road include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision Warning Plus, and Active Blind Spot Assist. The Surround View Camera helps the driver's maneuvering procedures, making parking in tight spaces even safer.

The Quattroporte remains competitive in an aggressive segment due to its unique ability to blend premium luxury with phenomenal dynamics and remarkable performance. The Skyhook suspensions offer impeccable shock absorption and proper ground clearance for optimal pleasure and comfort.

Each Quattroporte version has a unique set of high-performance dual-cast brakes and calipers that fit each car's peculiarity. The intelligent All-Wheel-Drive System exclusively available in the Q4 ensures control and stability in any condition.

Maserati successfully gambled on putting race engines under the hood of sedan cars, a daring principle still utilized in the contemporary Quattroporte. The base GT model features a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 capable of 345hp and 369lb-ft of torque.

The same 3.0-liter in the GT powers the Modena and Modena Q4 twin-turbocharged V-6, with power boosted to an impressive 424hp and 428lb-ft of torque. The top-ranging Trofeo houses a high-performance 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 that delivers a respectable 580hp and 538lb-ft of torque.

Maserati paired the Quattroporte's engine options to a sophisticated ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and offered four intelligent driving modes to configure the performance. The default Auto mode perfectly balances sportiness and comfort with smooth gear changes. Sport mode speeds up the Quattroporte's rhythm by opening the exhaust valves and maximizing boost to push the engine closer to the rev limiter.

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Increased Control & Efficiency (I.C.E.) mode reduces fuel efficiency and improves stability in every condition. Corsa mode is exclusive to the Trofeo trim, designed to ensure the engine responds to minimum throttle input and the exhaust valve flow remains unimpeded for the sportiest experience.

Undoubtedly, the Quattroporte excels in delivering a stylish, upscale Italian experience. However, it fails to provide the luxury bit of a luxury sports sedan with the same comprehensive standards as its German competition. And that's not even the worst of it.

The slightly dated Quattroporte interior is prone to much quicker deterioration than one would expect from an expensive sedan. And considering it's a luxury model, the warping and melting lead to rapid depreciation and eventually poor resale value in the medium to long run.

According to EPA estimates, the 2022 Quattroporte offers a poor fuel economy across all trims, with the high-performance Trofeo registering an abysmal 16 MPG combined. Besides the thirsty demand at the pump, the Quattroporte has a recurring history of major clutch and transmission problems that requires an expensive overhaul of the entire assembly.

Maserati prides itself in exclusivity, and this rarity means spare parts are difficult to source and more expensive to purchase compared to other mass-produced alternatives. Additionally, only a handful of mechanics know how to work Maserati's properly, so Quattroporte owners can expect to pay extra fees for the quality service.

Simon Kim has always been passionate about machines since childhood, and this has grown into an obsession well into adulthood. As an avid reader and creative content writer, he finds joy and fulfillment in sharing his love for cars and bikes with other machine heads. Currently, Kim seeks to deliver exciting and informative articles on HotCars. He enjoys music and art and dabbles in active sports and virtual gaming in his spare time.