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2018 Maserati Quattroporte 2018 Maserati Quattroporte

2018 Maserati Quattroporte

The Maserati Quattroporte is a full-size luxury sedan. It stands out as a unique and evocative offering in a segment dominated by competent yet conservative rides.

Overview

With aggressively tapered headlights, a rising beltline, and an extra-wide scalloped grille, the new Quattroporte wears many of the sleek cues that distinguish Maserati's shapely coupe models. When viewed in profile, however, it's immediately apparent that the Quattroporte is definitely a sedan, and quite a large on -- it's longer than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Maserati kept weight in check using materials like aluminum. This means there's relatively little mass to dull its brute force.

Technical specifications

The Quattroporte's standard engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 rated at 430 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque. Stepping up to the GTS variant adds a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 that places 530 horses and 479 pound-feet of twist under the driver's right foot.

Both engines shift through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6-powered model is offered with all-wheel drive, but the V8 is rear-wheel drive only.

The Quattroporte S performs the benchmark zero-to-62-mph sprint in five seconds flat. Adding all-wheel drive reduces that time to 4.8 seconds. The V8 isn't far ahead with a zero-to-60 time of 4.7 seconds.

The inside story

The expressive design theme of the exterior doesn't quite make its way to the inside of the Quattroporte, which is clean and elegant but somewhat Germanic in its restraint. Still, the materials -- including Poltrona Frau leather, brushed aluminum and a variety of wood trim choices -- are generally sumptuous and impressive. Note that some switchgear components are borrowed from Chrysler, a corporate sibling of Maserati, and look slightly out of place on such a high-end vehicle.

Also plucked from the American automaker's parts bin is the Quattroporte's infotainment system, which features downmarket navigation graphics but is otherwise a highly versatile and user-friendly setup. An 8.4-inch touchscreen embedded in the dashboard is the central component of the system, but redundant buttons and knobs for climate and audio volume and tuning are also included. It features voice command functionality that allows the driver to place phone calls, use the sound system, input navigation destinations and more without taking his or her hands off the wheel.

Front and rear passenger space is abundant, and both four- and five-passenger configurations can be spec'd. The Quattroporte also offers far more customization than just interior and exterior colors to choose from: the steering wheel, dashboard, seat stitching and piping, headliner, carpet color, and even brake calipers can all be custom-colored.

Standard and optional features

RWD and AWD Quattroporte S models come standard with the V6 in addition to leather upholstery, a navigation system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, heated and power adjustable front seats, front and rear parking sensors dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker stereo with AUX and USB inputs, Bluetooth connectivity with streaming audio, a power activated trunk lid, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The Quattroporte GTS adds the V8 as well as heated rear seats, upsized front brakes, steering wheel-mounted transmission paddle shifters, and polished Erabe wood trim.

Notable options include a 1,280-watt Bowers and Wilkins premium surround sound system, ventilated front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, a rear seat entertainment system, sport pedals, remote start, and perforated leather upholstery, a rear seat entertainment system, and on-board Wi-Fi.

Key competitors

If it's performance and luxury you're after, you can compare the Maserati Quattroporte to the Porsche Panamera, the Audi S8, the BMW M760i, and the Mercedes-AMG S63.

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