Mod Quad
Among the Italian exotics, Maserati stands out on a couple of fronts. First, it has an extensive lineup: sports cars, of course, among SUVs and sedans. And because of those multiple choices, it is the best-seller in the U.S. against its Italian exotic competitors. Maserati is also the only Italian exotic four-door sedan, which is appropriately named Quattroporte: Italian for “four doors.”
But as one would expect, both the design and power of the sedan places
it in its own category. The stance is low-slung with relatively narrow side windows, with the roof sweeping back from the rear window to the trunk. Part of the design equation is the classic Maserati grille, which is a relatively large semi-oval with the Maserati logo in the center. High-tech narrow and distinctive headlights are next to the grille, and on the front fenders are the classic Maserati three ports. And as one would hope and expect, large good-looking 20-inch alloy wheels show off the big red brake calipers. Rounding out the performance spin, four very big exhaust pipes highlight the back bumper area. Overall, this sedan is a distinctive family hauler.
Interestingly for this exotic sedan, there are multiple powertrain choices. The standard power plant is a turbocharged V6 developing 345 horsepower. Next up is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 developing 424 ponies, which was in our test car. Not enough, you say? Well, the final choice is a 580hp. V8. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles the gear changes, and interestingly, rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Our mid-model V6 is certainly quick enough with a 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 179 miles per hour.
The interior touts numerous luxury features. Atypical-patterned leather is everywhere. The front seats have relatively tall flanks on the seat bottoms and tops to hold you in place. But overall, these two seats are quite comfortable. The driver’s seat can be adjusted in 12 different ways. The modern 10-inch touch video screen is in the center of the dashboard. Both a 360-degree camera and front and rear cameras show the area around the car when exiting parking. Besides the normal gear shift lever in the middle of the center console, there are huge left-and right-hand paddles for those who wish to manually shift the eight available gears. In addition to the speedometer and tachometer, there is a small video screen displaying the legal speed limit on the road you are traveling.
The luxury leather theme continues in the back seats. Even with the low roofline, there is plenty of room for two passengers. Although technically three could fit, it would be tight for the middle person because of the driveshaft hump. A leather-covered armrest can be dropped for greater comfort and hold two cups or drinks. Additional storage bins are on the back of the front seats. Behind the center console are the air conditioning controls for the rear compartment. The trunk lid can be opened with touch of the key button displaying a large trunk space. And for more storage, the seat backs can be dropped.
Notwithstanding all this utility and comfort, the real fun of this car is driving it. When started, the exhaust pipes let you know there is some power under the hood. But once moving, silence is the operative word. The steering is somewhat heavily weighted, but it is as direct as they come. Perhaps more surprising is the overall ride. It is both extremely absorbing of rough surfaces, yet not uncomfortable taking corners with lots of certainty and no undo leaning. Numerous built-in safety features give warnings and assistance in several situations. Acceleration at any speed is more than powerful, and the EPA-rated average fuel economy is a reasonable 19 mpg. The result is an attractive sedan with a combo of power and ride that makes driving and riding a pleasure.
MASERATI QUATTROPORTE SEDAN
POWERTRAIN: 424-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, rear-wheel drive, 8-speed automatic transmission
FUEL ECONOMY: 19 mpg average, 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway
PERFORMANCE: 0-60 3.9 seconds, top speed 155 mph
PRICE: base price, $108,200, as tested $120,771