Driving A 2021 Maserati Quattroporte Can Change You

For some people, a car is just transportation, a way to get from point A to point B. For others, a car is a scientific marvel, a showcase for the latest and greatest technology and engineering. For a Maserati owner, their car is an extension of themselves, a visible demonstration of their exquisite taste. In a class that includes the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 Series, and the Audi A8, the 2021 Maserati Quattroporte struts proudly as a unique example of the large executive sports sedan. 

Maserati is a low-volume player in the US market, selling around 1,000 vehicles a month. The current lineup includes the Ghibli mid-size sport sedan, the Levante two-row crossover SUV, and the Quattroporte. The new MC20 mid-engine supercar has been announced for later this year.

The Quattroporte was Maserati’s first luxury sport sedan when it debuted in 1963, and has gone through five generations of production since then. Maserati claims to have invented the genre, and why argue with that. The current Quattroporte (the name translates as “four-door”) has been around since the 2013 model year. 

The list of standard equipment on the Quattroporte is extensive, befitting an executive luxury sedan. Exterior styling is always a matter of taste, but I find the athletic design of the body to be really successful, with swooping lines and crisp bends working together. The bold grille with a prominent Maserati Trident emblem at center is a highlight, and the big wheel arches are a close second. The proportions of the sedan are just right, and the stance is assertive and confident.

Inside, high-quality materials and finishes leave no doubt that you’re in a luxury car. The dash uses horizontal elements to emphasize its width, and the center stack is anchored by a big touchscreen interface. Everywhere you look, everywhere you touch, is really first class, and comfort extends from the front row to the second row. The outboard seating positions are really great, deep bucket seats you can sink into. The center seating position is a bit of a letdown, more of an occasional use perch than a comfortable place to ride.

The Quattroporte comes with a choice of two engines: a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with direct gasoline injection (430 hp/580 lb-ft of torque) or a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with DGI (530 hp/650 lb-ft of torque). Each engine is mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 S model and V8 GTS models are rear-wheel drive (RWD), and the V6 S Q4 is all-wheel drive (AWD). Some markets outside the US get a diesel version and a base model, but right now in the US, we only get the three versions: S, starting at $104,890; S Q4, starting at $109,390; and Trofeo, starting at $142,890. 

Drilling down deeper, the S Q4 can be upgraded with two packages: Granlusso or Gransport, either of which bring the starting price up to $116,390. My test car was an S Q4 Granlusso, which came with Zegna silk and leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and Gloss black painted brake calipers with “Maserati” in white script. 

I really enjoyed driving this sedan. Sinking into the seat, I felt part of the machine – a sensation that only comes rarely, even with the best sport sedans. A few seconds adjusting the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors, and I knew that I could drive all day in comfort and control. The engine gives off a great sound, and encourages you to press the throttle harder. The AWD system has a rear-wheel bias, but you can still feel it digging in when cornering  or negotiating a big roundabout. I can’t imagine subjecting a Quattroporte to winter weather, but the AWD would add confidence if you chose to do so. Acceleration is healthy – not throw-you-back-into-your-seat aggressive, but still quite thrilling for a big car. I would love to test the Trofeo with its additional 100 hp, but the S was not a disappointment for most driving situations.

I love big executive sedans, and the Quattroporte is one of my favorites. It’s impossible for me to think about this class of vehicle without comparing it to a suit. For some people, a suit is just clothing, a uniform to wear to navigate social and business situations. For others, a suit is an expression of personality, a way to tell the world (and themselves) about their status and success. The Quattroporte is a fine Italian suit. It is not for everyone, but for the right person, it is a perfect match. The wrong person will look like an arriviste or social climber wearing this suit, but the right person will look fantastic.