Performance
There are 4.2- and 4.7-litre V8s with a minimum of 400bhp. All provide immense pace to such a big, heavy car. The Quattroporte is fast without being furious and has a wonderfully delicate throttle response. The fully automatic six-speed transmission shifts smoothly, yet it's sporty if you want it to be. The only fly in the ointment is a slight shortage of low speed torque.Ride & Handling
On fast, flowing roads, the Quattroporte exhibits exemplary body control and enormous grip. The Sport GT S models have tweaked, stiffened suspension, modified quick-shift transmission and uprated brakes, using race-developed components. The steering is sharp and quick to respond, but could do with more feedback, whereas the ride is firmer than many rivals' and can become jittery on broken roads.Refinement
The Quattroporte's V8 engine is smooth and subdued at low speed, but sounds great when you work it hard. Although the Quattroporte's cabin isn't as hushed as a Mercedes S-Class, it still keeps road and wind noise to respectable levels, so it makes for a reasonable long-distance cruiser.Behind The Wheel
The Quattroporte's low-slung driving position is suitably involving and there's a decent range of (electrically powered) adjustment for the seat and steering wheel. Visibility is fine, but the footwell is cramped and the wealth of buttons on the centre console can be confusing. It would help if they were more clearly marked.Space & Practicality
The Quattroporte is almost as long as a Jaguar XJ or a Mercedes S-Class, but legroom in the rear seats is only adequate. There's no suggestion it's meant to accommodate more than four, though - the rear seats, which can be moved electrically, are sculpted for only two posteriors. The boot will carry a couple of suitcases, but it's surprisingly small for such a big car.Equipment
There's a wide choice of paint finishes, leather dyes and wood tones. The list of standard kit has been uprated continually during the car's lifetime and is now a match for all but the very best. The Sport GTS, naturally, has a sportier look and feel.Buying & Owning
The Quattroporte isn't cheap, but it does come with three years' free servicing, assuming you do less than 14,000 miles a year. Other running costs are in the top bracket, however. Fuel economy is in the low teens, so the tank will need a fill every 200 miles or so.Quality & Reliability
Mechanical reliability has improved immeasurably recently, and the company now claims it matches that of German rivals. Acres of wood, leather and carbonfibre are used in the cabins, but some plastics and switchgear don't feel special enough.Safety & Security
A comprehensive set of active and passive safety aids includes stability and traction control and six airbags. Maserati claims the cabin is unaffected in a low-speed impact from the front or side. The car does not have deadlocks, but a tracking system comes as standard.
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