2018 Maserati GranTurismo Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCarlos LagoCarlos Lago has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. Along with an extensive background in performance testing and evaluation, he has produced hundreds of car-related articles and videos.

　　

What's new

New 8.4-inch infotainment displayStandard Android Auto and Apple CarPlayNew 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound systemStandard rearview cameraPart of the first GranTurismo generation introduced for 2007

　　Available as a coupe or convertible, the two-door, four-seat 2018 Maserati GranTurismo is best described as a grand touring car. It occupies the center of a Venn diagram representing both luxury and sport. Its interior boasts extended leather upholstery and other high-quality materials while its engine, a 454-horsepower non-turbocharged V8, comes from Ferrari.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo Sport 2dr Coupe (4.7L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$285/mo  for GranTurismo Sport

　　GranTurismo Sport

　　Sport 2dr Coupe (4.7L 8cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $132,975 MSRPMC 2dr Coupe (4.7L 8cyl 6A) - $150,220 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　The GranTurismo, however, went on sale more than 10 years ago. It's received a few updates over the years, including this year, but it still lacks the advanced safety and assistance features you'll find on competitors. A lot of its switchgear just looks old, and performance is also underwhelming.

　　There's certainly some emotional appeal to the GranTurismo. It looks great and its V8 sounds amazing. But we don't think that's enough to overcome this model's significant drawbacks.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　The 2018 Maserati GranTurismo is an elder among its contemporaries. In areas such as modern safety and technology features or more power, the GranTurismo is outdated and lacking. Yet its beautiful design and intoxicating engine sound still elicit an emotional response.

　　

Trim tested

　　zzdcar has not yet driven any model of the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo, but we have limited experience with earlier versions. The following is our take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.

　　

Driving

　　Maserati claims a 0-60 mph sprint of 4.7 seconds, which is quick but not competitive compared to the acceleration of rival luxury sport coupes or convertibles. Handling is capable and enjoyable. The nonadaptive sport suspensions on MC models are stiffer at the expense of comfort.

　　

Comfort

　　The adaptive suspension is compliant enough in Comfort mode to smooth bumps in the road. The stiff sport suspension on the MC trims may ruin the ride. The front seats are aggressively bolstered but well-shaped and padded for comfortable touring.

　　

Interior

　　The cabin uses premium materials throughout, and the new 8.4-inch entertainment display should be easy to use. Other interior controls look and feel as if they're from the last decade, and many expected features aren't even offered. Backseat space is limited, suitable for small passengers only.

　　

Utility

　　Storage space is small, both in the cabin and in the trunk. Narrow door pockets, small cupholders and a center armrest bin are all you get to hold your personal items. The coupe's trunk isn't huge at 9.2 cubic feet, but it's a decent size for this class of car.

　　

Technology

　　This year's upgrade to a modern 8.4-inch entertainment display brings many benefits, including standard support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The only thing remaining absent is a suite of advanced driver aids that you'll find from competitors.

　　

Which GranTurismo does zzdcar recommend?

　　Of the two body styles and their respective trim levels, we recommend the coupe and the base Sport. It's less expensive than the MC, and comes with all the important features you'll need. The costlier MC isn't very different when it comes to hardware, and you can spec the Sport with most of the color and trim upgrades that are standard on that model. Most importantly, the Sport comes with an adaptive suspension that provides a more compliant ride quality.

　　

2018 Maserati GranTurismo models

　　The 2018 Maserati GranTurismo is a two-door, four-seat coupe or convertible that's available in two trim levels. The base Sport is more comfort-oriented, while the MC's firmer suspension and carbon-fiber trim give it a racier feel. Each version features a 4.7-liter V8 (454 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque) and a six-speed automatic transmission. The GranTurismo is only available in rear-wheel drive.

　　The base Sport has 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, adaptive xenon headlights, power-folding and heated auto-dimming mirrors, and front and rear parking sensors. The interior boasts leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a rearview camera. The new 8.4-inch entertainment display offers Bluetooth, navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and satellite radio. The standard Harman Kardon stereo plays through 10 speakers.

　　The MC starts where the Sport leaves off. The biggest hardware change is a firmer nonadaptive suspension for sportier handling. Other upgrades include MC-specific 20-inch wheels and exterior trim, a carbon-fiber hood, and chrome exhaust tips. The interior gains a microfiber suede headliner (coupe only), aluminum pedals, and the brand's trident logo stitched into headrests.

　　Most features that come standard on the MC, such as the fixed suspension and carbon-fiber trim, are optional on the Sport as well. You can also opt for the softer adaptive suspension on the MC if you prefer a smoother ride. Other options include wheels, brake caliper colors and interior trim.

　　Though the convertible models have different interior appointments, their features are largely the same as the coupe's. Exceptions include the absence of the optional fixed suspension for the Sport and the standard carbon-fiber hood for the MC, though you can opt for the latter in a Trofeo appearance package. Convertible models come standard with an automatically deploying roll bar.

　　

2018 GranTurismo Highlights

Trim: SportMCSport

　　

Base MSRP	$132,975
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$285/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	9.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles