2018 Maserati Quattroporte Review
zzdcar' Expert Review
byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test EditorKurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Vehicle overview
A feast for the eyes, the 2018 Maserati Quattroporte is a big and stylish Ferrari-powered sedan that competes with some of the top luxury flagship sedans on the market today. For 2018, a new model, the Quattroporte 350, is available with a 345-horsepower engine. All S model Quattroportes gets a bump in horsepower (from 404 hp to 424 hp) and adaptive LED headlights. On the inside, the Quattroporte gains an array of current safety and tech features. As usual, though, the main appeal of the Quattroporte is its combination of unique Italian style and engaging handling.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Maserati Quattroporte S 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) 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$247/mo for Quattroporte S
Quattroporte S
S 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $105,600 MSRPS Q4 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $111,800 MSRPS GranLusso 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $112,400 MSRPS GranSport 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $112,400 MSRPS Q4 GranLusso 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $118,600 MSRPS Q4 GranSport 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $118,600 MSRPGTS GranSport 4dr Sedan (3.8L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $136,600 MSRPGTS GranLusso 4dr Sedan (3.8L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $136,600 MSRP
vs
$197/mo
Avg. Large Car
Yet rival sedans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been a step ahead of the Quattroporte for years, and we don't see that changing for 2018. From getting the latest in integrated technology to choosing from a variety of engines and configurations, these sedans just have more on offer. There's still room in the executive sedan class for a bit of Italian flair, but committing fully probably isn't worth the trade-off.
zzdcar' Expert Rating
Looking for a luxury sedan with flair? The 2018 Maserati Quattroporte brings a unique Italian style to the class along with a hint of sporty driving dynamics. But going with the Quattroporte means giving up some refinement and polish you can find in its competition.
Trim tested
zzdcar has not yet driven any version of this vehicle, but we have limited experience with a preproduction model. The following is our take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.
Driving
Whether you go with the standard V6 on base trim levels or the aggressive V8 in the top-of-the-line Quattroporte GTS, there's plenty of power on tap. Sport mode sharpens transmission responses and belts out a few additional spine-tingling sounds from the exhaust pipes.
Comfort
The adaptive suspension gives you the ability to adjust the ride stiffness in the Quattroporte, and the plush seats make for a comfortable ride. Avoid the bigger wheels if you can, though, because they decrease ride quality significantly.
Interior
The Quattroporte has a roomy, well-appointed and stylish cabin. There are nearly endless customization options for interior materials and all sorts of luxurious features such as fold-out tables and quad-zone automatic climate control.
Utility
With 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, the Maserati Quattroporte leads the large-luxury-sedan segment. Folding rear seats make transporting longer items an easy task. It is, however, one of the longest and widest vehicles in the segment, so it's a bit harder to maneuver in tight spaces.
Technology
The touchscreen seems a bit out of place. Along with several buttons and knobs, it's sourced from Chrysler, and despite user-friendly controls it feels a bit subpar and not special enough for the class.
Which Quattroporte does zzdcar recommend?
Though the standard twin-turbo V6 engine might be satisfying for some buyers, we can't help but recommend the V8 in the Quattroporte GTS. The GTS is available with both the GranLusso and GranSport packages. Our preference is the GranLusso thanks to the safety equipment it offers (forward collision warning and mitigation with emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring) and luxury items such as ventilated seats and a rear sunshade. This might be the most expensive version of the Quattroporte, but it has the biggest personality and it's the most desirable.
2018 Maserati Quattroporte models
The 2018 Maserati Quattroporte is a large luxury sedan with four available trim levels: 350, S, S Q4 and GTS. With the S and S Q4, you can go with the standard equipment or upgrade to the GranLusso or GranSport package.
In simple terms, the GranLusso is a more luxurious version of a trim level, while the GranSport is more performance-oriented. The range-topping GTS has no base version; just choose between the GranLusso and the GranSport. Whatever your package preference, the Quattroporte is a stylish and attractive choice, especially when you hear the exotic soundtrack from the two available engines.
At the bottom of the trim-level ladder, you've got the Quattroporte 350, which comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (345 horsepower), an eight-speed automatic transmission, 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, adaptive LED headlights, a sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, remote start, an adaptive suspension, and keyless entry and ignition.
On the inside, you get dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, heated and power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory functions, a folding rear seat, a power-adjustable steering wheel, wood interior trim, power rear side-window sunshades, ambient interior lighting, Bluetooth, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The Quattroporte S includes all of what's found in the 350 but cranks the power from the twin-turbo V6 engine up to 424 hp. It also includes larger brakes. For the Quattroporte S, the GranLusso package adds to the standard equipment with 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, black brake calipers, ventilated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, a wood and leather steering wheel, premium interior leather upholstery, a simulated-suede headliner, a power rear sunshade, forward collision warning and mitigation with emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera and lane departure warning.
The GranSport offers a more performance-oriented vibe by building on the S trim with unique 20-inch wheels, a black grille, black side skirts, red brake calipers, a sport steering wheel, sport front seats, and paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
The Quattroporte S Q4 is a small step up from the standard S, and it adds all-wheel drive, a power trunklid, shift paddles, heated rear seats, and a heated wood and leather steering wheel. The GranLusso and GranSport packages essentially add the same equipment to the S Q4 that they do with the S trim.
At the top of the trim-level list is the Quattroporte GTS, which gets the 3.8-liter turbo V8 (523 hp) and some GTS badging. With the GTS, you are required to choose between the GranLusso and the GranSport, which add basically the same equipment as they do on the lower trim levels.
As with most other luxury sedans in this class, there are a lot of additional options to choose from. If you're so inclined, you can get equipment including optional 21-inch wheels, four-zone automatic climate control, an array of wood and carbon-fiber interior trim pieces, folding rear-seat tables, a rear center console in place of the center seat (dropping passenger capacity from five to four), a rear-seat entertainment system and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. Most of the upper trim-level equipment can be added as stand-alone items on lower trim levels.
2018 Quattroporte Highlights
Type: SedanGTS GranLussoGTS GranSportSedanTrim: SS Q4S GranSportS GranLussoS Q4 GranSportS Q4 GranLussoGTS GranSportGTS GranLussoS
Base MSRP | $105,600 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $247/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Related 2018 Maserati Quattroporte Review info
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