2017 Maserati Quattroporte first drive review

Maserati is in the business of building cars people want to drive.

As autonomous technologies improve and the car industry moves ever-closer to self-driving vehicles, the Italian brand has no intention of replacing the human behind the wheel with a computer.

But that doesn't mean the company can ignore the demands of the modern luxury customer, especially with its flagship model the Quattroporte sports sedan. Which is why the 2017 Quattroporte has arrived in Australia with a raft of new technologies including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking.

These were previously obvious omissions from the Quattroporte, which competes against the most highly advanced flagship models from its German rivals, namely the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Even if Maserati expects its customers to be passionate drivers, and insists autonomous driving is not on its agenda, it was behind the times by not offering the technology.

Adding the safety features aren't the only improvements for the 2017 edition of the Quattroporte.

There are styling changes at the front with a new grille inspired by the Alfieri concept car and the upcoming Levante SUV. But it is more than just a new look as it also now incorporates Maserati's Air Shutter, an active grille that closes the opening when less cooling is needed for improved aerodynamics.

The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine from the standard car has been reworked to increase power from 246kW to 260kW.

The adaptive 'Skyhook' suspension has also been tweaked with the company claiming it is now more compliant in Comfort mode and yet more responsive in Sport settings.

But the biggest changes are saved for the cabin. The dashboard and centre console have been redesigned and a new infotainment system has been incorporated, including a smartphone-style capacitive touchscreen.

The previous premium Harman/Kardon sound system is now standard, and, in a sign of the times the CD player has been ditched in favour of a new draw that has USB, AUX and SD inputs and a shelf specifically designed to hold a smartphone. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard too.

Maserati has also introduced two new trim levels for this model year updates, the luxury focused GranLusso and the performance orientated GranSport.

GranLusso equipped models get 20-inch alloys, black brake calipers, power rear sunshade, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, four-zone air-conditioning, Radica wood trim and the company's unique Zegna silk upholstery on the seats. On the GTS versions a Bowers & Wilkins sound system and rear door keyless entry are also added to the package.

For the GranSport there is 21-inch alloys, red brake calipers, piano black interior trim, stainless steel sports pedals, sports steering wheel, 12-way adjustable sports seats, Alcantara headlining, gloss black exterior trim and unique front and rear bumpers.

Refinement inside the Quattroporte has been improved too with more sound deadening used to cut outside noise intrusions.

On our test drive the car was noticeably quieter, but it comes at the expense of hearing the pleasant growl from the V6 and V8 engines, which are now much more muted inside the car and that detracts from part of the pleasure of driving a car as evocative as a Maserati.

As for how the other changes affect that Quattroporte on the road, it remains an impressive sports sedan but a compromised limousine.

On a smooth piece of road the Quattroporte - both the standard 260kW V6 and V8-powered GTS we tested - felt confident and handled with a responsiveness and poise you don't expect from a car this large, measuring 5.2-metres long and weighing near-on two tonnes.

But when the road condition deteriorates the Quattroporte struggles to maintain its composure. Over repeated bumps in the road, especially mid-corner, the suspension gets jittery and the steering shakes; something that doesn't inspire confidence in a driver. Even when the suspension is in the softer comfort setting it doesn't deal with bumps at speed as well as its more polished German rivals.

In years gone by that would have been something customers could have accepted as a price for getting into something so sporty in the luxury limousine segment. The Quattroporte used to stand out from its key rivals as the clearly more dynamic choice.

Unfortunately for the Italians, the Germans have caught up. The latest generation BMW 750i is an impressive machine that blends luxury and space with a finely tuned chassis and powerful drivetrain. The same can be said for the Audi A8, especially the S8 Plus. 

And with those key rivals undercutting the Quattroporte GTS - the Audi S8 Plus is priced from $330,500 and the BMW 750Li from $312,700 - it makes life tougher for the Maserati.

What hasn't changed, and cannot be denied, is the Maserati remains a different proposition from its German rivals in terms of style. It will continue to appeal to customers that want a spacious five-seater with the heart and character of a sports car, and, most importantly, for drivers who want to be in control.

2017 Maserati Quattroporte and Quattroporte GTS specifications

On sale: Now

Engine: 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol, 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol

Power: 257kW at 5500rpm, 390kW at 6800rpm

Torque: 500Nm at 1750-4500rpm, 650Nm at 2000-4000rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

Fuel use: 9.1L/100km, 10.7L/100km

2017 Maserati Quattroporte pricing

Quattroporte Turbo Diesel - $210,000

Quattroporte - $215,000

Quattroporte GranSport - $234,990

Quattroporte GranLusso - $239,990

Quattroporte S - $240,000

Quattroporte S GranSport - $274,990

Quattroporte S GranLusso - $279,990

Quattroporte GTS GranSport - $345,990

Quattroporte GTS GranLusso - $349,990

*All prices exclude on-road costs