Mention the word ‘Maserati’ and you think prestige, performance and the gloriously distinctive engine note of a classic Italian thoroughbred. You also tend to associate their cars with big engines and even bigger price tags.
But on those last two items it’s time to think again because Maserati have introduced a cheaper and less powerful version of their executive model, the Quattroporte.
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It almost feels a bit insulting to use the words ‘entry level’ to describe a Maserati but if you can’t afford the all singing, all dancing 530bhp V8 powered Quattroporte GTS or the 410bhp V6 S then this is one you might be able to take home although it still isn’t exactly what you would call cheap, and neither should it be.
The Quattroporte 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with 330bhp is the entry level version of what is a very classy car indeed and one with a glorious and refined history.
Making cheaper versions of iconic cars does not come without risk to reputations, particularly when they happen to be Italian and related to Ferrari.
It just wouldn’t be the done thing to reduce the price, and the power, of an iconic Italian brand to the level that meant the world and its aunt could afford it.
Italian aficionados would choke on their pasta but, thankfully, Maserati haven’t done that. Yes, this car does offer extraordinary value but there have been no compromises on the quality of the product or the Maserati exclusivity.
It still oozes prestige, looks basically the same as the more powerful Quattroporte – sleek, refined and with that fabulous Maserati nose, but I did wonder whether a V6 with 330bhp was powerful enough to retain that sporty performance that is so important to Maserati, particularly as the Quattroporte is a big car, although at 5.26 metres long it weighs only 1860kg.
The answer is a resounding yes, although you do have to drive in sport mode to liven things up a bit and it will get you from 0-100kmh in 5.6 seconds, not earth shattering but half decent.
The Quattroporte may well be aimed at wealthy businessmen and women who want a relaxed drive rather than a manic blast in a mental supercar but at the end of the day this is a Maserati and that means that every now and then you are going to want to clear its throat and give it some welly.
And when you do put pedal to metal in sport mode the V6 really does flex it twin-turbo muscles to impressive levels and although the engine doesn’t sound as dramatic as the S or GTS the howl is still pleasing enough as you push on through the gears.
And you can also take comfort in the fact that, thanks to the downsized engine, this Maserati achieves the lowest ever petrol consumption in its 50 year history at a claimed 9.8 litres/100km.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth but needs to be in the aforementioned sports mode (Auto or Manual) to perform at its best.
Not that I ever used any of the other shift modes, but if you are interested they include Auto normal, Manual Normal, and ICE.
And before you say ‘we don’t get any ice in this part of the world’, it actually stands for Increased Control and Efficiency and sets the car up for increased fuel economy and low grip conditions.
The hand-built interior of the car is incredibly comfortable and beautifully designed as are all Maseratis.
Our car had sumptuous leather with wood trim but there are plenty of bespoke options available to suit all tastes.
The cabin is refreshingly uncluttered with the impressive infotainment system operated via a large and easy to use touch screen and the instrument cluster is really classy, retaining a traditional feel whilst being state-of-the-art.
I have to admit that I was seriously worried that this car might have been one step down too many and wouldn’t feel like a proper Maserati but I was wrong.
Obviously, its not going to blow you away with its performance like its bigger brother the GTS so it’s not overly exciting but that’s not the aim. Its built for comfort not speed.
What it lacks in power it gains in value for money. It is still an Italian masterpiece but now it’s one more people might just be able to afford.
Rating: 8/10
