2017 Maserati Quattroporte Review: Breaking Barriers
Quattroporte is Italian for ‘four doors’, yet when we hear of the word, we form imagery of something seductive and alluring. This is symbolism is all down to how well Maserati has established its success with the Quattroporte line of cars. First updated in 2014, the third iteration of this pseudo luxury sedan is here to throw down the gauntlet against its more established rivals.
Yes, we did call this car a pseudo-luxury car. The reason for that is simple, it does not conform to the rules of the segment. It is not extremely big or spacious, the luxury aspect of the car might be a little understated as compared to its German rivals, and it does not look bland like other luxury cars. The 2017 Maserati Quattroporte is a car that evokes a different feeling when you look at it, when you sit inside the car, and when you drive it. It can parade as a luxury car, but as far as we know, it is something that wears the masquerade of a luxury car but isn’t one.
The GranLusso and GranSport
Maserati is aware of this and offers customers two distinct choices, a GranLusso and a GranSport. The former is marketed for those seeking exuberance as the car comes with a matching rear spoiler, floating bridge element, 20-inch wheels, and side skirts. Inside of the GranLusso where you can feel the difference. The interiors are draped in silk accents from Ermenegildo Zegna on top of the already plush Italian leather. You will also find wood trimmings everywhere, lending the car that luxury feeling.
For those that want to differentiate themselves from the pack, the GranSport gives customers a more aggressive and bold design, 21-inch wheels, and an optional carbon-fiber trim. You also get slightly racier seats and piano black interiors.
So how does the 2017 Maserati Quattroporte stack up against its competitors? Let us find out.
Engine and Performance
Both the GranLusso and GranSport packages get two engine options.
2017 Maserati Quattroporte GTS
The 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine makes a substantial 523 bhp and produces nearly 524 lb-ft of torque. The result is a car that is responsive every time you put it through its paces. It produces mesmerizing sounds and the power delivery will have you glued into your seat the whole time you are driving. The gear shift speed has improved and you can notice it anytime you kick down and press the throttle. You will be able to hit zero to sixty in less than 5 seconds and touch top speeds in excess of 190mph, which is on par with other competitors.
Being a Ferrari-made engine, there is an air of superiority every time the car comes to life. The immediate low growl marks the presence of the Maserati. When you take it to the roads, one thing is certain, your car may not be seen, but it will certainly be heard by everyone.
2017 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4
The more popular S Q4 variant gets a V6 engine, which is less brute and more refined than its V8 counterpart. The satisfactory feeling you get from the more powerful V8 engine is gone and instead, you get a car that is easy going. To unleash the potential of the car, it needs to be pushed to the limit. The sound experience remains consistent and you get a nice and sharp engine that will thrill your senses every time you drive.
The 404 bhp engine does well in the higher power bands and you get amazing thrust. You will be able to do zero to sixty in 5.1 seconds and touch top speeds of 171mph, modest for a V6.
Design
Italian cars are often brought for one reason, design. The Maserati name is synonymous with making some of the most beautiful-looking cars in the world. No matter where you are, you will have heard of the Maserati name and be aware of the feeling their cars evoke. The 2017 Maserati Quattroporte smashes the design out of the park.
Typical of any Italian carmaker, Maserati’s focus on the design language of the Quattroporte is evident at first glance. The low stance and the sweeping design from the front to the back are stunning. This car’s design is in stark contrast with others in the luxury sedan segment. While the competition is more about obeying the rules of what it means to be a luxury car, the Maserati is a rule breaker.
Its exclusivity means that you will be turning heads any and everywhere you go. The signature aggressive-looking Maserati grille dominates the front of the car. On the grille, you will find the bold trident insignia, signifying the car’s rarity. The grille now has more chrome, in fact, the car now has more chrome all over it. The upgraded 20+ inch wheels and the wide rear end give the Maserati much wider appeal on the roads.
It is no longer smooth-looking like the initial iterations of the Quattroporte. Instead, the lines are now visibly sharper and you get a car that stands apart proudly in a segment dominated by dull-looking vehicles. No matter what package you choose, the sleekness of the Maserati makes it stand out among a sea of road cars.
The 2017 Maserati Quattroporte is the epitome of Italian design on a luxury car.
Interior and Features
Italians know how to do luxury, it’s a simple fact. The 2017 Maserati Quattroporte draws on this heritage and gives you an inviting feeling every time you step inside. As soon as you see the trident badge on the steering wheel, you are immediately reminded of what you can expect. The aroma of leather takes and the all-black interiors manage to please the eyes as well. You can also see some wood trimmings here and there, subtle reminders that this is indeed a luxury car.
However, the front seats on the Quattroporte feel nothing like that of a luxury car. The design is more functional than luxurious and the reason behind it is simple, a Maserati is more about the driver than the passenger. This does not mean that they have left nothing for the passengers. As the name suggests, the Quattroporte is still very much a four-seater. You get plush leather seats, climate control, plenty of leg space, and reclining seats as standard.
There is an 8.4-inch touchscreen-based infotainment system, which supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The rotary controls also make the whole system feel a little more responsive than usual and the passenger seats also get entertainment packages.
If you get the GranLusso package, you will be treated to silk lining and fittings by Ermenegildo Zegna giving you a slightly richer experience. The GranSport version ditches that in favor of carbon fiber trim and truly embraces its peculiar nature.
Safety
The 2017 edition of the Quattroporte does not hold back on the number of airbags. While the car is yet to be crash-tested. We reckon it will do just fine, considering its smaller sibling, the Ghibli, scooped five stars in the Euro NCAP testing. Unlike the previous editions of the Quattroporte, this time you do get traction and stability control. You can select the driver assistance package to get adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree surround camera, and a blind-spot alert.
On-Road Review
Maserati’s are known for their driving pleasure and this car feels no different. The engine and the exhaust combine in harmony and produce resonating sounds as you climb the rev ranges. The Skyhook adaptive damping system lies in the middle of offering the smoothness of a luxury saloon and the control afforded to sports cars. The quick gearshifts come courtesy of an eight-speed ZF transmission. The sport mode is where things come alive. The throttle response is immediately better and the gears shift faster. The chassis and suspension also feel a bit looser, allowing for freedom and the engine lets out a loud grunt letting you know it is ready. The Maserati is the perfect car to take to the mountains and for a drive where all you want to hear is the car itself and maybe the occasional chirp of birds, although we reckon the beast under the hood will seldom want to stay quiet.
Cons
Notwithstanding its amazing appeal, the Maserati comes with a few flaws. It does not fit into the typical bracket of a luxury sedan and hence misses out on various elements. The cabins feel smaller and the leather while plush is not as comfortable as their German rivals. The handling of the car feels like it is trying to maintain a delicate balance between a luxury car and a sports coupe. The switchgear is derived from the parent company, Fiat Chrysler, and feels oddly out of place. The tech onboard feels a little outdated and in some ways behind its competitors.
Final Verdict
While the aforementioned section might feel like a repelling factor, they are important in a luxury car. Yet, when mentioning the 2017 Maserati Quattroporte, we are talking about a completely different thing. This car is not for those that want uber-luxury, it is for those that want to stand out from the crowd. The Maserati badge holds a lot of power and presence on the roads. This car is for those that do not care about the trivial details and instead want their vehicle to make a statement for them. True to its Italian nature it might be a car that is more about the driving experience and the looks and less about the features and ergonomics.
