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Auto Express Car Reviews
Maserati Quattroporte
All good things come to those who wait – but try telling that to impatient Maserati Quattroporte customers!
By Ross Pinnock
January 2007
- Rating:
The Trident’s flagship saloon has been on sale since 2004, yet the long-awaited automatic version will hit showrooms only in the next few weeks.
Due to restricted UK availability, the striking omission to the line-up hasn’t really damaged sales – but it’s compromised the saloon’s luxury car credentials. Until now, a semi-automatic gearbox has been the only option, but the self-shift mode has been too jerky to cut it against the best competitors.
So, does the new ZF automatic transmission do the trick? Put simply, yes! Well judged and smooth changes make the Quattroporte a fine boulevard cruiser, yet the auto box reacts quickly when you kick down. And while the new set-up has made a small difference to weight distribution, the handling is still impressive for such a big car, so enthusiastic drivers won’t be disappointed.
A taller sixth gear also improves fuel economy, although 19.2mpg is nothing to write home about. However, that’s not likely to worry the handful of buyers willing to pay the £77,000 list price.
The Quattroporte still can’t match its best-in-class rivals’ overall abilities, but the stunning looks and Ita-lian pedigree ensure it’s not hard to be seduced by the big saloon. It’s easy to understand those buyers who are willing to let their heart rule their head.
Due to restricted UK availability, the striking omission to the line-up hasn’t really damaged sales – but it’s compromised the saloon’s luxury car credentials. Until now, a semi-automatic gearbox has been the only option, but the self-shift mode has been too jerky to cut it against the best competitors.
So, does the new ZF automatic transmission do the trick? Put simply, yes! Well judged and smooth changes make the Quattroporte a fine boulevard cruiser, yet the auto box reacts quickly when you kick down. And while the new set-up has made a small difference to weight distribution, the handling is still impressive for such a big car, so enthusiastic drivers won’t be disappointed.
A taller sixth gear also improves fuel economy, although 19.2mpg is nothing to write home about. However, that’s not likely to worry the handful of buyers willing to pay the £77,000 list price.
The Quattroporte still can’t match its best-in-class rivals’ overall abilities, but the stunning looks and Ita-lian pedigree ensure it’s not hard to be seduced by the big saloon. It’s easy to understand those buyers who are willing to let their heart rule their head.
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FIRST OPINION
- The gorgeous Quattroporte finally gets the kind of transmission its rivals all take for granted. The smooth-shifting and responsive automatic gearbox is the perfect choice for the large saloon, delivering relaxed and refined performance. However, while the Maserati trumps the competition for style, with only a single petrol engine in the line-up and no diesel powerplant at all, it remains a car mainly for wealthy connoisseurs and enthusiasts.
AT A GLANCE
- Price: £77,000
- Engine: 4.2-litre V8
- Power: 400bhp
- 0-62mph: 5.6 seconds
- Top speed: 167mph
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
- Economy: 19.2mpg
- CO2: 345g/km
- Standard equipment: Sat-nav, leather trim, alloy wheels, climate control, alarm/immobiliser, ESP
- On sale: 14 February
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