2023 Maserati Quattroporte

Overview

With one of the most head-turning designs in its class, the 2023 Maserati Quattroporte is a full-size luxury sedan that stands out among its rivals. The Audi A8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-class look stodgy in comparison to this curvaceous and chic Italian. To back up its fashionable appearance, the Quattroporte offers impressive performance thanks to multiple twin-turbo powertrain options, the most powerful of which pumps out 580 horsepower. It’s not perfect—few things ever are—and the Quattroporte doesn’t provide the sybaritic luxury that customers will find in the Audi, the Mercedes, or the new BMW 7-series. Its cabin isn’t as spacious either. Its focus is more on driver satisfaction, and it’s certainly more rewarding on a twisty road than the others, but we sure wish its cabin lived up to the expectations set by its six-figure price tag.

What’s New for 2023?

The Maserati Quattroporte has received no significant changes for 2023, but all three trims see price hikes anyway. The entry-level GT is up $8700, and the Modena’s price has increased by $10,000. The Trofeo is also $6300 more expensive than last year’s model.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We’d spring for the more powerful Modena model, which features a more aggressive exterior and unique 20-inch wheels. Inside, it has extended leather upholstery and sleek black trim. We’d suggest the Sportivo package that adds 12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory for the driver, a faux-suede headliner, and sport pedals. We’d also choose the Comfort and Convenience package, which includes heated rear seats, soft-close doors, a power-operated trunk lid, and adjustable foot pedals. All-wheel drive is optional on the Modena model for those who need it, but it costs $4500 extra.

See also  Tesla sued by former employees over 'mass layoff'

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Two twin-turbo engines are available: a 3.0-liter V-6 and a 3.8-liter V-8. Both sing lovely operatic tunes when hustled. Neither one will have buyers wishing for more passing power. The GT is powered by a 345-hp version of the V-6; going for the Modena boosts that engine’s power to 424 horses. An eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard. All-wheel drive is optional, but only on the Modena trim. The Trofeo model comes exclusively with a 580-hp twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-8 that we’d love to test drive. We last tested a V-8 Quattroporte back in 2014, and that car blasted to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. We expect the Trofeo model will be even quicker. The Quattroporte rewards enthusiast drivers with a firm suspension, agile handling, and well-weighted steering that’s direct and communicative. The Q4 all-wheel-drive system, however, should only be on your radar if significant annual snowfall also is. Its retrograde calibration makes for significant drag and binding as well as a decidedly nonluxury experience in non-hazardous conditions.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Neither of the Quattroporte’s available powertrains is particularly fuel efficient, but the all-drive-model with the twin-turbo V-6 is the most economical choice. Its EPA fuel-economy estimates are 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. The V-8-powered Trofeo model’s estimates are 13 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. We haven’t had the chance to put a Quattroporte model on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, so we can’t be sure that these EPA ratings will hold up in the real world. For more information about the Quattroporte’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

See also  Florida's 'last resort' property insurer is now state's biggest

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Soft leather, Ermenegildo Zegna silk, real carbon fiber, genuine wood, and nicely finished metal accents look and feel fantastic, but in the Quattroporte’s cabin, they’re mingled with cheaper plastic bits and switchgear lifted straight out of the Chrysler parts catalog (Maserati is owned by Chrysler’s parent company, Stellantis). This Italian sedan is priced against the German mainstay luxury brands’ flagships, but the Quattroporte’s interior is more snug than what you’d find in those full-sizers; it’s closer to mid-size offerings such as the Audi A6, BMW 5-series, and Mercedes-Benz E-class. The Executive Rear Seats package includes reclining chairs in the back, but that configuration seems like a move intended only for spec-sheet parity with the Germans. With average-size adults front and rear, there’s insufficient room for reclining. But the package does include heating and ventilation for the rear seats as well as another set of climate controls and a fixed center console, creating a DMZ for elbow contact. The trunk could also be roomier, considering those who can afford the Quattroporte’s starting price aren’t likely to pack light.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Quattroporte’s infotainment system is based on Google’s Android Automotive platform. The interface is projected to a 10.1-inch touchscreen and features a voice-activated virtual assistant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity features are standard, and buyers can upgrade the stereo to either a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon setup or a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Maserati offers quite a few driver-assistance features on the Quattroporte and many of them are standard. For more information about the Quattroporte’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

See also  Electric cars won't overload the power grid — and they could even help modernize our aging infrastructure

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Quattroporte’s warranty coverage matches that of key rivals from Audi and BMW, but, similar to Mercedes-Benz, Maserati doesn’t cover any maintenance visits.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2020 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4 GranLusso

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED

$126,805 (base price: $112,985)

ENGINE TYPE

twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement

182 in3, 2979 cm3

Power

424 hp @ 5750 rpm

Torque

428 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm

TRANSMISSION

8-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 124.8 in

Length: 207.2 in

Width: 76.7 in

Height: 58.3 in

Trunk volume: 19 ft3

Curb weight: 4818 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 4.6 sec
100 mph: 11.9 sec
¼-mile: 13.3 sec

Top speed (mfr’s claim): 179 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/city/highway: 18/16/23 mpg

More Features and Specs