Maserati Quattroporte Review

2009 Maserati Quattroporte S Sedan Shown

Certain things just sound sexier in other languages, like fancy French perfumes labeled "eau de parfum" and fancy Italian four-door luxury sedans called "quattroporte." But the Maserati Quattroporte is more than a deceptively sexy name; it's a beautiful, performance-oriented Italian luxury car endowed with ample power, sharp handling and two impressive transmissions that make it the closest thing yet to a Ferrari sedan.

Since its introduction, the Quattroporte (the name means "four doors" in Italian) has offered what it calls the DuoSelect paddle-shift automated clutch manual transmission similar to those found in F1 race cars. But the DuoSelect's automatic mode tends to shift unevenly in traffic and its operation is a bit unorthodox. To rectify the situation, Maserati has introduced a six-speed automatic that offers crisp response and fast, smooth shifts that place it among the world's best.

Despite weighing about 4,400 pounds, the Maserati Quattroporte manages to feel like a car half its size with well-weighted steering, limited body roll and a captivating eagerness to change direction. Contributing to this is Maserati's "Skyhook" adjustable suspension, controlled by a button on the dash. Skyhook can be set to the more comfortable "Normal" mode or the noticeably firmer "Sport" setting -- both calibrated on the supple side on the Automatic model to better suit American tastes.

The Maserati Quattroporte, Sport GT and Executive GT arrive with hefty price tags, though, and they don't offer the same straight-line punch as some of their full-size European or Japanese luxury sedan competitors. Yet the Quattroporte is not only a great choice for driving enthusiasts, it's also the more artful choice, with stunning styling by Pininfarina and an interior that's made to order. While its German rivals perform with businesslike efficiency, the Quattroporte is certainly the more passionate expression of "four door" for those so inclined.

Current Maserati Quattroporte

The Maserati Quattroporte is a performance luxury sedan offered in DuoSelect and automatic models, which are further defined by base, Sport GT and Executive GT trim levels. The Executive GT is more luxury-oriented, and the Sport GT will no doubt satisfy more serious performance fans. Options for all trim levels include run-flat tires, rear-seat heating, cooling and massage, pull-down rear-seat tables, DVD entertainment and custom paints and leathers.

The Maserati Quattroporte is powered by a 400-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 engine attached to either a traditional six-speed automatic transmission or a DuoSelect automated-clutch five-speed manual. The DuoSelect can shift automatically or by the driver via paddle shifters, and offers lightning-quick gearchanges and perfectly matches revs when downshifting. Although DuoSelect will appeal to performance-oriented drivers looking for something different, the excellent automatic transmission should better suit American tastes.

As a low-volume, high-end luxury car, the Maserati Quattroporte can be customized to meet individual needs with a variety of cabin trims and leather colors that can be mixed and matched. Seating is comfortable for touring and tailored for four courtesy of the rear seat's aggressive contours. The handsome dash and console feature a healthy dose of look-alike buttons, though, so it takes awhile to get used to some controls.

While the fully automatic transmission makes the Maserati Quattroporte a bit less sporty, its more familiar gear-selection procedure and crisp, predictable shifts are just right for the American luxury-car buyer. Regardless of transmission, the Quattroporte is responsive and very well-balanced, changing direction swiftly and easily like a much smaller car while offering a smooth, supple ride comparable to other full-size luxury cars.

Past Maserati Quattroportes

After a decade's absence, the latest Maserati Quattroporte debuted for the 2005 model year with a single transmission -- the quirky DuoSelect five-speed manual that didn't suit many Americans. To broaden its appeal somewhat, the lineup was expanded for 2006 with the introduction of the Sport GT and the top-of-the-line Executive GT trim levels. The six-speed automatic was made available for the 2007 model year.

SELECT A SPECIFIC MASERATI QUATTROPORTE MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.