To drive any of the premium flagship sedans in a white long-sleeved shirt will instantly make you look like a chauffeur, and that's not the best first impression you'd want to give.
On that point, we have tried to debate on whether this breed of ostentatious personal transport (for the well-heeled, of course) should be driven in or self piloted. But if you need to know, the Editorial Team is seldom able to reach a conclusive closure.
Then again, that was before we had any real acquaintance to the Maseratis. And from the looks of it, it does seem like we've found more reasons to support the latter (self drive).Exterior
When it comes to flagship sedan, size does matters. Exterior dimensions speak greatly of the car's status, and are almost a sure-fire way to ensure the car has a right footing among its counterparts.
Standing at 5,262mm x 1,948mm x 1,481mm (L x W x H), the latest Quattroporte is no dwarf in its arena. It is both longer and wider than the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
On that point, we have tried to debate on whether this breed of ostentatious personal transport (for the well-heeled, of course) should be driven in or self piloted. But if you need to know, the Editorial Team is seldom able to reach a conclusive closure.
Then again, that was before we had any real acquaintance to the Maseratis. And from the looks of it, it does seem like we've found more reasons to support the latter (self drive).Exterior
When it comes to flagship sedan, size does matters. Exterior dimensions speak greatly of the car's status, and are almost a sure-fire way to ensure the car has a right footing among its counterparts.
Standing at 5,262mm x 1,948mm x 1,481mm (L x W x H), the latest Quattroporte is no dwarf in its arena. It is both longer and wider than the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Do not be, however, be mistaken that the new car is bulky or clumsy in any ways. The Italian designers have cleverly made use of the extra inches to create a sweeping silhouette that is more graceful than before. The pointed snout with Maserati's signature concave grille gives an intimidating look - even at standstill - while the rump ends tastefully with a subtle boot lid spoiler.
The figures, too, paint a better picture. The svelte body work result in better aerodynamics, creating a substantial 24 percent reduction in lift and is 12 percent more slippery through the wind than its predecessor.
The figures, too, paint a better picture. The svelte body work result in better aerodynamics, creating a substantial 24 percent reduction in lift and is 12 percent more slippery through the wind than its predecessor.
Interior
The interior of the Quattroporte is lavishly decorated in true Italian fashion. It comes as no surprise that seats are upholstered in soft leather that feels premium. Wooden and leather trims are also cohesively matched to provide a nice ambience in the cabin. Even the headlining is nicely wrapped in felt-like material that is soft to the touch.
The interior has also been thoroughly modernised, now sporting an 8.4-inch touchscreen display that serves as the control centre for both audio and on-board equipments, such as ventilated front seats.
The interior of the Quattroporte is lavishly decorated in true Italian fashion. It comes as no surprise that seats are upholstered in soft leather that feels premium. Wooden and leather trims are also cohesively matched to provide a nice ambience in the cabin. Even the headlining is nicely wrapped in felt-like material that is soft to the touch.
The interior has also been thoroughly modernised, now sporting an 8.4-inch touchscreen display that serves as the control centre for both audio and on-board equipments, such as ventilated front seats.
The steering wheel is definitely one of the highlights for any keen drivers. The mounted buttons are more streamlined and easy to use, and the thick-rim design gives a sense of the masculinity.
Keeping in mind that some of the owners may wish to be driven at times, rear quarters offer nothing less than what you'd expect of a flagship.
The immense legroom is more than what anyone would have wished for, and is the largest in any standard wheelbase models. The insulated cabin and dual-zone rear air-conditioning will also have you bask in absolute comfort.
Keeping in mind that some of the owners may wish to be driven at times, rear quarters offer nothing less than what you'd expect of a flagship.
The immense legroom is more than what anyone would have wished for, and is the largest in any standard wheelbase models. The insulated cabin and dual-zone rear air-conditioning will also have you bask in absolute comfort.
The Drive
Despite putting on extra inches on its sheet metal, the new Quattroporte manages to lose weight - almost 100kg in the new V8 variant. And that can lead to some serious performance, especially when taking into account the 3.8-litre V8 powerplant underneath its hood. In fact, the new car is the most powerful four-door sedan Maserati has ever built.
From the word go, the four-door flagship launches with utmost conviction, credits to the monumental 710Nm of torque on tap. As you would have expected, experiencing a sportscar-rivalling 4.7 seconds century sprint in a sedan that weighs almost two tonnes is nothing less than thrilling.
The adrenaline-filled launch is further amplified by a sonorous soundtrack, which is iconic of Maseratis and music to the ears.
The Quattroporte also has a host of drivetrain settings, ranging from suspension to engine mapping - and no fewer than five different transmission modes. These help to turn the sedated grand tourer into a sharper, meaner tarmac scorching machine (and vice versa) when the mood calls for it.
Then again, the Quattroporte isn't just about sheer speed and aural drama. Thanks to a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution, the flagship has been dynamically honed to provide pure driving pleasure.
While we did not attempt to corner it at hair raising speeds, the car feels planted and engaging over bends - rare traits for a car this size. That said, the sharper setup does result in more noticeable bumps in the cabin - though never nerve-breaking.
Conclusion
There is little doubt that the latest Quattroporte has become more accomplished. The all-round practicality is now boosted with greater refinement and comfort.
And the Quattroporte manages to do all these without forgoing its Italian DNA - making it one of the most characterful luxury sedans in the market.
To sum it all, it is a good compromise between a driver's car and one that you'd like to be driven in.
While we did not attempt to corner it at hair raising speeds, the car feels planted and engaging over bends - rare traits for a car this size. That said, the sharper setup does result in more noticeable bumps in the cabin - though never nerve-breaking.
Conclusion
There is little doubt that the latest Quattroporte has become more accomplished. The all-round practicality is now boosted with greater refinement and comfort.
And the Quattroporte manages to do all these without forgoing its Italian DNA - making it one of the most characterful luxury sedans in the market.
To sum it all, it is a good compromise between a driver's car and one that you'd like to be driven in.
