Used 2015 Maserati Quattroporte

The Italians just have a knack for creating fine art, which is why it comes as no surprise that the 2015 Maserati Quattroporte luxury sedan is one of the most stunning high-end European 4-doors money can buy. A throaty exhaust and aggressive front end dispose of the notion that this sedan is only for the pampered. Indeed, the Quattroporte in GTS trim can dash to 60 mph in a mere 4.6 seconds, and while that isn’t as quick as a Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG it’s nothing to sneeze at. The Quattroporte for the 2015 isn’t as technically advanced as an Audi A8, but there is an Old World craftsmanship about this car that sometimes seems absent with other mass-produced luxury models.

Maserati’s 2015 Quattroporte is a substantial sedan in both length and weight. Thankfully, a pair of powerful engines, capable adaptive suspension and excellent Brembo brakes congeal to make the big Q ride and handle like a much smaller car. We applaud Maserati for sticking with conventional hydraulic steering assist, which delivers fantastic feel and responsiveness. There is a distinct performance difference between the two trims, although both the S Q4 and GTS display a smooth, comfortable ride under normal driving conditions. The all-wheel-drive S Q4 has its power biased toward the rear wheels and only changes when wheel slip is detected. With its twin-turbo V6 humming under the hood, the S Q4 feels strong, balanced and responsive, but it’s the Ferrari-sourced twin-turbo V8 in the GTS that really makes the Quattroporte a contender. Powered by its rear wheels only, the GTS is the choice for hard-charging drivers.

The Quattroporte 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 Maserati Quattroporte for 2015 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. As a result of last year’s lengthened wheelbase, rear-seat legroom is now ample.

The 2015 Quattroporte by Maserati 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
Magnetic rheological shocks are employed to keep the 2015 Maserati Quattroporte sedan riding smooth when it is needed and responsive when it is demanded.

SPORT PERFORMANCE MODE
Depressing the Sport-mode button instantaneously instructs the 8-speed automatic to quicken its shift points and the magnetic suspension to firm up. The system also opens the exhaust flaps that normally remain closed until the engine reaches 3,000 rpm. The sound emanating from the exhaust is mesmerizing.

In addition to the twin-turbo engines, the 2015 Maserati Quattroporte performance sedan benefits from a smooth-shifting 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. All of the sedans are also equipped with the I.C.E. mode (Increased Control and Efficiency), a 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 Quattroporte is a 4-passenger configuration that features rear comfort seats separated by a larger leather-covered and wood-trimmed console. This $7,500 option can be complemented with ventilated front seats ($1,200) and 4-zone climate control ($3,300). Also available is a $5,200 Bowers & 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 2015 Maserati Quattroporte features a choice of two 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