Competing against heavyweight contenders such as the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Maserati Quattroporte sets itself apart with its exceptional design and exhilarating powertrains. Can the Quattroporte measure up to its German counterparts?
Despite being on the market for almost a decade, the current generation Quattroporte remains a remarkably attractive full-size luxury sedan. Its design stands out when compared to the more ordinary-looking A8. Over time, Maserati has made minor tweaks to the Quattroporte’s styling, but no major changes have been necessary. A new, slightly smaller Quattroporte is on the horizon as Maserati plans to streamline its sedan lineup to just one model, leading to the discontinuation of the Ghibli around 2024.
The real fun lies under the hood. The top-of-the-line Quattroporte Trofeo boasts a Ferrari-derived twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 engine, pumping out a generous 580 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking a more modest option, the GT and Modena trims offer a 3.0-liter V6 with either 345 hp or 424 hp.
The Quattroporte Trofeo can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a rapid 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 203 mph. While the Trofeo delivers a solid performance, it may not offer the same thrills as the V8-powered Audi S8 or Mercedes-AMG S63. Nevertheless, even a gentle tap of the accelerator elicits a quick response. The engine operates seamlessly, delivering power consistently up to its 7,200 rpm redline.
Power is transferred to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. With such power at its disposal, it’s easy to break traction, providing excitement on dry roads, but leaving something to be desired on wet surfaces where all-wheel drive would be beneficial.
One standout feature is the V8 engine’s exhaust note. In Sport or Corsa drive modes, the exhaust lets out a sound that its German rivals simply can’t match.
Beyond the impressive powertrain, the Quattroporte Trofeo could benefit from enhancements to its chassis and suspension. The adaptive damping system in the suspension can firm up the ride, but even in the firmest setting, there’s more body roll than ideal. When encountering bumps, the suspension fails to sufficiently cushion the ride, translating every imperfection to the occupants.
The steering lacks the expected feedback for a sport sedan. While the Quattroporte Trofeo excels at acceleration, it communicates its preference for comfortable cruising on twisty roads.
Inside, the Quattroporte offers a spacious and luxurious environment. Adorned in high-quality materials, there is an abundance of carbon fiber for enthusiasts. However, there are some drawbacks, such as components taken from the Stellantis parts bin, with window switches and turn signal stalk reminiscent of a Dodge. Though seemingly minor, these details detract from the overall interior experience.
At the center of the dashboard sits an infotainment system utilizing the Unconnected 5 platform shared with Chrysler and Dodge vehicles. Despite this, it represents a significant improvement over the previous system, offering quick responsiveness and user-friendly navigation, albeit appearing somewhat less modern compared to its competitors.
The starting price for the 2022 Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo is $148,895, marking a substantial increase from the base GT model starting at $97,995, with the mid-range Modena beginning at $107,795.
Ultimately, the Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo boasts a captivating V8 engine and compelling exhaust soundtrack. However, its chassis and suspension could benefit from refinement. If spirited driving isn’t your primary focus, the Quattroporte may suit your preferences, especially given its striking aesthetics.
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