The Quattroporte is one of the finest-looking four-door cars available. Unlike many other sports sedans, it doesn't pretend to be a coupe. Instead, it combines a long wheelbase and a long, low roofline to deliver a flowing design and room for five.
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The Quattroporte packs a 4.2-liter V-8 producing 400 horsepower. In its standard configuration, this engine is mated to a six-speed semiautomatic DuoSelect transmission with electro-hydraulic clutch actuation and paddle-shifters. An automatic ZF transmission is also available. Under acceleration, the Quattroporte provides smooth power delivery and decent throttle response.
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The Quattroporte with the standard DuoSelect transmission has a 47-53 front-rear weight distribution, thanks to a rear-mounted transaxel and engine placement behind the front axle. This design gives it superior balance and handling and despite its long (120-inch) wheelbase.
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In contrast to its elegant exterior design and refined cabin materials, the Quattroporte has disappointingly outdated in-dash electronics. Its Bosch-Blaupunkt media and navigation system features blocky graphics and a cumbersome destination-entry interface. Future models may be in-line for Maserati's next-generation Multi Media System, which is found in the Grand Turismo and features a 7-inch display complete with voice activated navigation and a 30GB hard drive.
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On the inside, passengers are pampered in luxury, surrounded by Poltrona Frau leather upholstery and wood trim. Rosewood comes standard on the Quattroporte while mahogany, walnut, and tanganyika wood are optional.
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One of the most impressive aspects of the interior of the Quattroporte is the level of customization available. Buyers can choose from any combination of nine different trims for the seats, steering wheel, dashboard, and seat piping; five different carpets; and seven different headliners.
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In addition to its 14-way power front seats, the Quattroporte features power-adjustable rear seats. Right-hand rear seat passengers can get extra legroom with a button that slides the front passenger seat forward. An optional rear-seat comfort package adds ventilated and massaging rear seats for an extra $5,300.
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Proving its status as a true luxury car, the Quattroporte comes with an available built-in TV tuner. Those in the back seats can also get TV as part of the rear-seat entertainment system which also includes a a central screen, DVD player, and RCA auxiliary input jacks. These options are not included in the entry-level Quattroporte's base price of $115,000.
