We review the Maserati Quattroporte Diesel from price to economy and all its features
TO the purists, diesel is a dirty word for a supercar firm like Maserati.
But the new addition of oil-burners in the range is a must for the Italians to compete with the Germans.
Diesel in disguise ... Maserati Quattroporte Diesel
The Quattroporte is now suddenly the elder brother of the Trident range but was the first to get the new diesel ahead of the Ghibli and soon-to-come Levante SUV.
It’s a very similar story to the Ghibli. It lacks the refinement of the Rhine kings Merc S-Class and BMW 7 Series but what it does have, similar to the Jaguar XJ, is bundles of passion and personality the Germans can’t get near.
Not surprisingly the Quattroporte is a diesel in disguise, there are no badges to say this needs the black pump.
Diesel is the sensible choice now — no matter what the purists say
It’s the same 3litre V6 turbo diesel that’s in the Ghibli and while the 275bhp looks pedestrian on paper compared to the 410bhp and 525bhp for the petrol versions, it certainly doesn’t feel down on power with 62mph achieved in 6.4 seconds.
Add in the real diesel joy of economy of 45mpg and 163g/km of CO2 — and this is a proper alternative.
The Quattroporte is all about driving experience though. From behind the wheel you feel like you’re playing a part in The Godfather or Sopranos. With three wing sir vents and sleek profile, it has the feel of a machine gun.
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And despite its length of 5.3 metres, it feels remarkably light and agile to outrun and good guy in a car chase.
Unfortunately, like the Ghibli, it’s the uncomfortable ride that troubles me the most — this sort of car needs to give the option of ultra-smooth as well as racy.
Inside looks like it’s been fitted out by Armani. I loved the carbon fibre trim in overkill while legroom has been improved in the rear by 117mm — a must in this sector while there are four and five-seat layouts.
The other good thing about the diesel is that the entry-level QP, which is what Maserati call their super-saloon, drops to a starting price of £69,230.
That’s still Lottery-winning territory for you and me, but nonetheless a Maserati getting cheaper is still a talking point in rip-off Britain.
Meanwhile the Quattroporte S, twin-turbo petrol V6, starts at £80,095 and the flagship GTS V8 is £108,160. But the diesel is the sensible choice now — no matter what the purists say.
Key Facts
- PRICE: £69,230
- ENGINE: 3litre, V6 turbodiesel, 275bhp
- 0-62mph: 6.4seconds
- TOP SPEED: 155mph
- ECONOMY: 45mpg
- EMISSIONS: 163g/km.