MASERATI Quattroporte GTS Review

But wait, there’s another button in here, called I.C.E. - Increased Control and Efficiency. This softens the throttle mapping and does away with the turbocharger’s overboost function. It also keeps those exhaust valves close until 5,000 rpm and tames the gearshifts. Think of this as Maserati’s version of the BMW’s Eco Pro mode. Of course, while BMWs feel rather numb when that’s on, the Quattroporte is still pretty drivable when I.C.E. is activated.

Speaking of efficiency, the Maserati Quattroporte GTS lets you choose. Drive in a relaxed manner and you’ll get about 11.7 mpg (20 l/100 km). Go berserk and you’ll drop to to 8 mpg (30 l/100 km). Nonetheless, such details are for those who will probably skip the the V8 GTS and go for the V6 Quattroporte S, or the latter’s Q4 all-wheel drive version.

We found the most vivid luxury sedan experience so far within the Maserati Quattroporte GTS. The Italians have hit the target spot on with this one. The Quattroporte's character easily wins the “best part of the car” title.

The way in which the V8-powered Quattroporte GTS makes an average drive become memorable is unique. And it’s not just the driver who’ll be having a good time inside this Italian. The passengers feel spoiled too.

Fiat’s joint effort with Chrysler has made the Quattroporte a much more viable proposition. It’s ironically then that this also makes up the worst side of the Quattroporte. That’s because the Maserati Quattroporte still doesn’t feel quite as solid as it should.

And the tie-up also means that, according to Maserati, the Quattroporte shares ten percent of its parts with other models in the Fiat Group. The percentage itself is far from being an issue, but it’s still a pity that the switchgear is included here.

When it comes to pricing, the Maserati Quattroporte once again falls into the same category as the Porsche Panamera. The Maserati Quattroporte GTS starts at $144,900, while the European pricing begins at EUR148,460 (20 percent VAT included). An eight in the value for money department then.

Perhaps the former, fifth-generation Quattroporte was even more Italian. But with this new one, you still get all the good bits, with quite a big bonus - now you can think about owning one, not just choose it with the heart.