Used 2014 Maserati Quattroporte

“That’s Italian” is the best way to describe the 2014 Maserati Quattroporte. From its sexy exterior to the throaty exhaust, this 4-door luxury sedan is expensive, exotic and rare. And therein lies its appeal. You won’t see one on every corner. And whether you’re admiring it in your driveway or from the sumptuous leather interior with its signature Trident-sporting analog clock, there is no doubt where this car came from. The Quattroporte is an Italian feast of sensory delights. It’s quick, but not as quick as, say, a Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG (0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds versus the Quattroporte GTS’ 4.6 seconds), nor as technology laden as an Audi A8. But it is distinctive, which is powerful stuff in the rarefied segment in which it competes.

The 2014 Maserati Quattroporte is a big car, measuring 207.2 inches overall. And yet, thanks to its potent powertrains, adaptive suspension and finely tuned Brembo brakes, it drives like a much smaller car. As other manufacturers employ electric-assist power steering, Maserati sticks with tried-and-true hydraulic technology, which has terrific feel and response. The driving characteristics of the two Quattroporte sedans – both packing twin-turbocharged engines – are distinct. The V8 rear-drive GTS model offers massive power underfoot and pushes slightly when driven hard. The V6-powered S Q4 is a bit more subtle and balanced thanks to the all-wheel-drive system which delivers all the power to the rear axle under most conditions, but once slip is detected, can shift all the twist to the front, if needed. While this sedan is at home on twisty roads, it really shines as a freeway cruiser with the long wheelbase contributing to a limousine-like ride.

The cabin is a sublime blend of leather, wood, chrome and optional carbon-fiber accents. The Maserati Trident is seemingly everywhere, from the middle of the steering wheel to center of the oval analog clock. In addition to analog gauges, the Quattroporte has a 7-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster and an 8.5-inch in-dash touch screen. The car can be fitted with a heated wood steering wheel and the rear seating area can be configured to carry two or three passengers. Perhaps the biggest change is the increase in rear-seat legroom as a result of the longer 124.8-inch wheelbase.

The 2014 Quattroporte has strong curb appeal in its distinctive design that showcases a ribbed grille dominated by the traditional Maserati Trident logo and the automaker’s signature three chrome portholes on each front fender. Flowing lines accentuate the car’s extended wheelbase and overall length. While there is a significant price difference between the GTS and S Q4, the two cars are indistinguishable except for the badging and exhaust-tip treatments – the V8 GTS has a twin trapezoid design versus the V6 S Q4’s twin round outlets.

SKYHOOK SUSPENSION
Using magnetic rheological shock absorbers, the Maserati Quattroporte’s ride is both surefooted and supple, giving it the sporty feel of a grand tourer.

SPORT PERFORMANCE MODE
One push of the sport-mode button stiffens up the Quattroporte sedan’s suspension and gives the 8-speed automatic transmission quicker shifts, the main attraction here is the opening of exhaust flaps that normally stay closed until 3,000 rpm. The engine sound alone is worth the price of admission.

In addition to the new twin-turbo engines, the Quattroporte benefits from its smooth shifting 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. All of the sedans are also equipped with the I.C.E. mode (Increased Control and Efficiency) feature that delivers softer throttle response and shifts to increase fuel economy and improve grip in slippery conditions. Other notable standard equipment includes a rearview camera and adaptive cruise control.

Among the available options for the new Quattroporte is a 4-passenger configuration that features rear comfort seats separated by a larger leather-covered and wood-trimmed console. This $7,290 option can be complemented with fold-down rear tables ($3,350) and 4-zone climate control ($3,180). Also available is a $5,100 Bower & Wilkins sound system with 15 speakers and an optional rear-seat entertainment system that boasts two 10.2-inch LCD displays attached to the front bucket seats.

The 2014 Maserati Quattroporte features two all-new twin-turbocharged powerplants, a 3.8-liter V8 in the GTS and a 3.0-liter V6 in the S Q4. Both sedans have the kind of throaty exhaust note and responsive performance that you’d expect from an Italian exotic. While incorporating Maserati engineering and design, both engines are actually manufactured by Ferrari. An 8-speed ZF automatic transmission channels engine power to the rear wheels of the Quattroporte GTS and to all four wheels of the Quattroporte S Q4.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (S Q4)
404 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
406 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/24 mpg

3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (GTS)
523 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
524 lb-ft of torque @ 2,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/22 mpg