2018 Maserati Quattroporte GTS Review

In Malaysia's luxury executive sedan market, consumers have always been demanding when it comes to brand image, performance, and riding comfort—they need a car that is suitable for business occasions and doesn't compromise on driving pleasure. The 2018 Maserati Quattroporte GTS, as the flagship sedan of the brand, highlights its 530-horsepower V8 engine and Italian design, making it a "niche but distinctive" choice in this segment. We got our hands on the actual car this time, and the main purpose is to verify whether its daily driving, space practicality, and performance are truly worthy of its million-level price tag.

Approaching the Quattroporte GTS, it's hard not to be captivated by its Italian design. The front end still features Maserati's iconic vertical grille, flanked by sharp LED headlights. The trident emblem in the center of the grille is highly recognizable, and the overall stance directly rivals competitors in the same class. The car's side profile is sleek and elongated, with 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with a 4971mm body length and 3171mm wheelbase, which maintains the stately character of an executive sedan while exuding a touch of sportiness. At the rear, the quad exhaust tips on either side are a direct declaration of its performance, while the LED taillights adopt the family-style "boomerang" design, offering high recognition when illuminated at night. The exterior overall blends luxury with Maserati's unique sporty DNA.

Sitting inside, the layout of the center console is oriented toward the driver for convenient operation. The interior materials primarily use leather and Alcantara, with delicate stitching details on the seats and the inside of the door panels. All touchpoints are wrapped in soft materials, creating a strong sense of luxury. The 10.1-inch central touchscreen runs the Maserati Touch Control Plus system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is quite smooth, but compared to the intelligent systems of newer models, the features seem less versatile. In terms of configuration, the front seats offer 12-way electric adjustment and heating functions. The rear seat has independent air conditioning and USB charging ports, ensuring passenger comfort during business receptions.

As for space, the 3171mm wheelbase provides ample legroom for rear passengers. A 180cm tall passenger would have more than two fists of knee room from the back of the front seat, and about a fist of headspace, ensuring a sense of spaciousness. The trunk has a capacity of 530L and can easily fit three 20-inch suitcases, meeting the needs of daily use or business trips. For storage, the front armrest compartment offers a generous volume, and the door pockets can hold two bottles of water, reflecting thoughtful consideration of practical details.

Starting the car, the roar of the 3.8L twin-turbocharged V8 engine immediately lets you know it's no ordinary ride—a steady V8 growl at low revs transitions into a high-pitched and rhythmic exhaust roar with a deep push on the accelerator, delivering Maserati's signature "sound symphony." The engine generates a maximum power of 530PS and peak torque of 710N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Its official 0-100km/h acceleration is just 4.7 seconds. During real-world driving, the power response at startup isn't particularly aggressive, but as soon as you press the accelerator more than two-thirds down, the turbo kicks in with a bursting push-back sensation. Overtaking requires just a light press of the gas pedal, as the transmission quickly downs shifts, and the power is instantly delivered—it's hard to believe this is a 5-meter-long executive sedan.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play. It feels light at low speeds and becomes steady at high speeds, giving the driver enough confidence. The suspension system adopts a front double wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension structure, tuned towards sportiness but without being overly stiff. While driving on asphalt roads, small bumps on the road are filtered out effectively; when encountering speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension rebounds quickly without excessive shaking, balancing both comfort and sportiness. When driving through mountain roads, the body roll is well controlled, the chassis feels very cohesive, and the car provides sufficient support during cornering, offering driving pleasure that surpasses most executive sedans in its class.

In terms of fuel consumption, the officially stated combined fuel consumption is 9.6L/100km. However, in real driving, fuel consumption in urban traffic is around 15-17L/100km, while on highways it can drop to about 10L/100km. For a 3.8T V8 engine, this performance is considered average, as the powerful engine justifies the consumption. Regarding braking, the brake pedal feel is linear, braking force is evenly distributed, and during emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable without significant nose-diving, providing a strong sense of safety.

As for driving comfort, the soundproofing is well-implemented; at high speeds, wind noise and tire noise are controlled within a reasonable range, allowing conversations in the car to proceed undisturbed. The seats offer excellent support and wrapping, ensuring comfort even during long drives. However, it's worth noting that the exhaust sound is relatively loud in Sport mode, which aligns with the car's sporty positioning. For long business trips, switching to Comfort mode might be necessary to reduce noise levels.

In summary, the 2018 Maserati Quattroporte GTS has clear core advantages: the 530-horsepower V8 engine delivers class-leading performance, its Italian design and luxurious interior satisfy consumers' demand for brand recognition and prestige, while its handling belongs to the top tier among executive sedans. Compared to the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, its smart configurations and rear-seat comfort might fall slightly short, but it stands out with a unique brand appeal and driving pleasure. Compared to the Porsche Panamera, it offers more business-friendly space and a relatively more affordable price point.

This car is suitable for two types of customers: one, business individuals who value driving pleasure and need a car that can both make a statement in business settings and provide personal weekend enjoyment; and two, consumers who appreciate niche luxury brands, as Maserati's Trident badge and unique exhaust notes allow them to stand out in the otherwise homogeneous luxury car market. If you're looking for a million-level executive sedan that is "not just for being driven but also for driving," the Quattroporte GTS is definitely worth considering.