Used 2017 Maserati Quattroporte

The 2017 Maserati Quattroporte is the Italian exotic automaker’s flagship, one that has shuttled its passengers in splendor and speed since its introduction in 2011. This year, it gets a much-needed technology upgrade, with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning and emergency braking, and a new 8.4-inch touch-screen infotainment system along with a slightly redesigned center stack to accommodate it. Outside there’s a new grille and front-bumper treatment, and the rear gets ever so slightly tweaked as well. It adds up to a group of meaningful upgrades to a sedan that was sold on its striking good looks against rivals like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Porsche Panamera and Mercedes S-Class. Those Ferrari-developed engines are ready to sing you their songs.

The Maserati Quattroporte has never lacked in capability. Choose the V6-powered S, all-wheel-drive S Q4 or the V8-powered GTS and you’ll be rewarded with excellent acceleration, with a mechanical Italian aria accompaniment. The combination of hydraulic steering, adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes gives the Quattroporte the kind of handling and nimbleness we associate with a much smaller car. Both the standard V6- and V8-powered models display a smooth, comfortable ride under normal conditions, but the two models drive distinctively. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) S Q4 has its power biased toward the rear wheels and only changes when wheel slip is detected. With its twin-turbo V6, the S feels balanced and responsive, but there’s no substitute for the Ferrari-sourced twin-turbo V8 in the GTS. Powered by its rear wheels only (RWD), the GTS is the choice for hard-charging drivers.

For 2017 the Quattroporte gets a slight upgrade to its interior, with an upgraded 8.4-inch touch screen taking the center spot. The knobs on the screen are gone, replaced by a single, multifunction knob on the center console behind the shifter. Otherwise it’s much the same, and that’s fine, as the Quattroporte cabin is a blend of leather, wood, chrome and optional carbon-fiber accents, with the Maserati Trident seemingly everywhere. Between the analog gauges is a 7-inch TFT multi-information display. The rear seat is surprisingly roomy, and can be configured for two passengers in comfy buckets, or three with a rear bench.

Despite its 207 inches of length, the new Maserati Quattroporte sedan doesn’t look ungainly. Its strong curves, flowing lines and muscular but subtle bulges are unmistakably Italian, and the newly revised nose holds an equally distinctive Maserati vertical grille and Trident logo. In back the subtly revised bumper still houses four tailpipes tucked underneath, with the V8-powered GTS differentiated by a twin-trapezoid design versus the V6 models’ twin-round outlets. GranLusso trims offer a distinctive new front lower fascia design and chrome bumper finish, plus side skirts. The GranSport has a more aggressive center and side intakes in front.

QUATTROPORTE S MODEL
The Quattroporte S opens up the Maserati sedan lineup to a lower price point, offering a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine and rear-wheel drive. The combination of this model’s lighter weight and RWD promises to make this Maserati lithe and very fun to drive.

SPORT PERFORMANCE MODE
Activating the Sport mode instructs the 8-speed automatic to quicken its shifts, and the Skyhook magnetic suspension to firm up. It also opens flaps in the exhaust system that normally stay closed until 3,000 rpm. The sound emanating from the exhaust is mesmerizing.

Basic price of a 2017 Maserati Quattroporte S starts at a little more than $100,000. That price nets you a leather interior, heated front seats, an 8.4-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and luxury touches such as power-operated rear-side window shades, and a sunroof. The infotainment system incorporates navigation and a rearview camera, and there are front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and bi-xenon headlights. The standard audio system is a 900-watt/10-speaker harman/kardon with CD player, USB input and Bluetooth connectivity.

Besides drivetrain choices, there are the GranLusso luxury and GranSport sport appearance packages to consider. A new Driver Assist package incorporates the new active safety systems and adaptive cruise control. There’s also a new surround-view camera system available if you order the Driver Assistance package. Power-adjustable pedals are available, as is a climate package with 4-zone control, heated rear seats, power rear sun blind, and heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. Ventilation is available for the front seats. An executive rear-seating option trades the bench for buckets and a center console, and audio lovers will love the Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

The standard engine in the 2017 Maserati Quattroporte S and S Q4 is a 404-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine. Driving the rear wheels in the S or all four wheels in the S Q4, it’s a more-than-satisfying powerplant for the Quattroporte, providing the thrust and throaty exhaust note you expect of an Italian exotic. The Quattroporte GTS boasts a 3.8-liter V8 with 523 horsepower, driving only the rear wheels. All Quattroporte models use an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission regardless if it’s rear- or all-wheel drive. All models are now equipped with an engine start/stop system, but that doesn’t prevent the GTS from gathering a $1,000 gas-guzzler tax.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (S & S Q4)
404 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
406 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg

3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (GTS)
523 horsepower @ 6,500-6,800 rpm
524 lb-ft of torque @ 2,250-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 mpg

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.