Maserati Quattroporte

   The Maserati Quattroporte of the fifth generation is produced since 2004.

   It comes with a 4.2-liter V8, delivering 400 hp. It gives immense pace for such a big and heavy car. It has a wonderfully delicate throttle response. Engine is coupled with a semi-automatic gearbox, with a paddle-shift manual mode. However there are some concerns about the gearbox which is not perfectly suited for a limousine class car.

   Quattroporte's weight distribution 47% front and 53% rear is very close to perfection. Thanks to that a large sedan has a nimble handling. On the road this car is exceptionally stable and well balanced. Furthermore it has an enormous grip. Ride is a bit unsettled other the broken surface though. The Sport GT model has a sportier suspension setup.

   Cabin of the Maserati Quattroporte is well isolated from the outside noises except the engine noise. But it is the kind of noise you will like. This car uses laminated glass for better sound isolation and at the motorway speed cabin is impressively hushed.

   The Maserati Quattroporte is well priced comparing with it's rivals. However it's running costs and servicing are in the top brackets. The Quattroporte has much higher fuel consumption than many of it's rivals with similar size, weight and acceleration time. Furthermore it's residual values will be only average. Maserati's mechanical reliability has improved over the years but it is still it's weak point.

   Inside the car there is a great attention to details. The luxurious interior has acres of wood and leather and all the fittings are nicely put together. There are plenty of switches and buttons, but most of them are easy to read and to use.

   The driver's seat and the steering wheel both have electric adjustments with memory to ensure a comfortable position.

   The Maserati Quattroporte is as long as a Jaguar XJ a Mercedes-Benz S-class, but the rear accommodation is only adequate. Furthermore the rear seats are only intended for two persons. The boot is reasonably sized.

   This car has a comprehensive set of safety equipment, including six smart airbags, anti-lock brakes with stability and traction controls, front seat head restraints. Quattroporte also comes with a serious security equipment including an alarm, immobilizer and a GPS tracking system in case the car was driven off.

   Standard equipment is generous and includes dual zone climate control, cruise control, parking sensors, satellite navigation and much more. There is a wide choice of pain finishes, leather dyes and wood tones. The Sport GT trim comes with a larger alloys and special interior accents, while the Executive GT trim has a Maserati comfort pack with massaging front and rear seats, electrically adjustable rear seats and retractable rear tables.

   Production of the Maserati Quattroporte still continues.

   Advantages: The Maserati Quattroporte has stunning looks and appealing ride. Sumptuously furnishes and well equipped.

   Disadvantages: There is no fully-automatic gearbox and the semi-automatic is not smooth for a limo. Uncertain reliability.

   Verdict: The Quattroporte is more of a luxury sports car than a limousine.

   Also consider: BMW 7-series, Jaguar XJ.