Review: Maserati Quattroporte S
By Toby Hagon | drive.com.au | 11 May
2009 Maserati Quattroporte
The power of a brand is no more obvious than at the luxury end of the new-car market. If you're looking to buy a supercar or limousine, then heritage, style and exclusivity are just as important as performance, features and on-road manners.
Little wonder, then, European brands dominate.
With Maserati there's a certain mystique about the Italian company known for using Ferrari engines and gorgeous designs.
Exclusivity is clearly key to the appeal. Sales in Australia have surged tenfold over the past decade but last year there were just 201 buyers. That's only 20 per cent more than Ferrari and almost one-sixth the sales of Porsche.
With a regular automatic transmission (in lieu of the clutchless semi-auto) and some styling tweaks, the Quattroporte is a more serious contender against the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Bentley. It is also poised to take on the new breed of four-door sports cars, such as Porsche's Panamera.
Anyone with the most basic Italian dialogue can translate the model name; it's also easy to understand why the name wasn't changed to "Fourdoor" for English-speaking countries.
The Quattroporte sells from $286,000 with a 4.2-litre V8. Up the spend to the $323,800 Quattroporte S tested here and you get a 4.7-litre V8, among other go-fast goodies.
Soon there will be a Quattroporte Sport GTS for those looking for more.
For:
- Ferrari engine sounds fantastic and accelerates strongly
- Attention to detail and authenticity of materials
- Class and exclusivity
Against:
- Noise from rear at speed
- Can be thirsty
- Delivers a sharp ride on some surfaces
Price and equipment
The list of standard features doesn't do justice to the Quattroporte's attention to detail. From the suede finish on the roof to the leather straps as overhead grab handles, the Maserati has a unique Italian charm. Just like a tailored suit, everything matches, from the intricate leatherwork to the coloured seatbelts, and there are 4million colour and trim combinations.
The buttons and dials are basic yet functional but the leather on the dash and extensive use of metallic finishes lift the ambience.
As well as being the centrepiece of the toothy grille and on each side's rear pillar, there's no shortage of Maserati trident badges inside, from the face of the oval-shaped analog clock to the instrument cluster.
Heavily lacquered woodgrain, leather trim and heated seats are also part of the deal, while the rear seats can be slid and reclined via the push of a button.
The Quattroporte comes with satellite navigation, Bluetooth with voice operation, climate-control air-conditioning, cruise control and a hard drive to store music. It doesn't have everything, though, with a keyless starting system a notable omission.
Under the bonnet
There's a certain cachet knowing the engine of the Quattroporte was built by Ferrari. Even better is the sound it makes when revved, with the aural symphony intensifying as it approaches 7000rpm.
It's a well-crafted blend of raw V8 muscle and technology.
The 4.7-litre V8 used in the S model dishes out 317kW of power, 7per cent more than the regular 4.2-litre V8. Acceleration is brisk without being brutish, with the two-tonne four-door achieving 0-100kmh in 5.4 seconds. While it's only 0.2 seconds quicker than the regular Quattroporte, the additional mid-range muscle makes it a noticeably more lively car.
When stopped at lights there's a mild rumble to the S's larger engine that gently rocks the body, almost as a polite reminder there's something special lurking beneath.
The V8 drives through a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts cleanly and smoothly.
If you do want to take control of the gear changes, large paddles are fixed to the steering column.
Fuel economy can be respectable when cruising but with a claimed average of 15.7 litres/100km, it's far from frugal. Another gripe is the speedo, which has 30km/h increments. It can be difficult to get a quick read on the speed. Fortunately there's a small digital speedo in the trip computer.
How it drives
It may be big and spacious but the Quattroporte is athletic and highly capable. As part of the S package there are 19-inch alloy wheels, which provide excellent cornering grip. However, this set-up sometimes affects ride quality it is generally composed but can be troubled by road joins or other sharp imperfections.
As well as making the auto shifts more aggressive, the Sport button firms the suspension to reduce leaning through corners to the detriment of the smoothness of everyday driving.
The wooden wheel feels upmarket to the touch, although the steering is lightish. Ever acute to driver inputs, it can be sensitive at freeway speeds.
The cabin is generally quiet, although there's a noticeable mild roar from the rear at freeway speeds. When tackling driveways or other slow-speed humps there's some creaking from around the sunroof.
Comfort and practicality
You wouldn't mind sitting in the back seat of this Maserati. The long body means there's ample legroom, with sculpted pews for the outer seats, a folding armrest and side blinds adding to the comfort levels. There are even folding wooden tables.
The car has a fifth seat in the middle but you're perched on it rather than in it, so it's best for temporary use.
The boot is beautifully trimmed but relatively compact (the Quattroporte was originally designed with its gearbox in the rear).
Up front there's a cooled centre console, although the lid didn't open and close as smoothly as expected in our car.
Safety
Unsurprisingly, the Quattroporte hasn't been independently crash tested. But it is loaded with safety gear, including front and front-side airbags and the all-important curtain airbags that protect heads in a side impact. There's also a stability control system to help control a skid.
Overall verdict
The Quattroporte is not for everyone, part of the reason for its exclusivity. It's the sort of car that sets off the senses with its quirks good and bad and distinctive look and feel. The unique Italian flavour and sublime V8 will be enough for many, reinforcing its appeal as a purchase for the heart as much as the head.
*** stars
Nuts & Bolts
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Country Of Origin
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Italy
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Engine Size/Type
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4.7-litre V8
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Power
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317kW at 7000rpm
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Torque
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490Nm at 4750rpm
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Transmission/Driven Wheels
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6-speed automatic, RWD
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Kerb Weight
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1990kg
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Fuel Consumption
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15.7L/100km
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Safety Equipment
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Six airbags, stability control
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CO2 emissions
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365g/km
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0-100km/h
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0-100km/h 5.4 seconds
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First published by Drive.com.au on May 11 2009
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