2018 Maserati Quattroporte S Review

The luxury executive sedan market has always been a focal point for buyers who value style and performance. The 2018 Maserati Quattroporte S, as the flagship sedan of the brand, has remained a highly recognizable choice in its segment thanks to its Italian design genes and impressive performance. We managed to get a test car for this review, and our main objective is to evaluate whether the model still matches its million-dollar positioning in terms of static quality and dynamic driving experience, especially amidst the current trend of new energy vehicles making inroads into the traditional luxury market. Does the charm of fuel-powered vehicles still hold up?

Looking at the exterior, the 2018 Quattroporte S retains Maserati's classic sporty and elegant style. At the front, its vertical slat grille combined with the trident logo is highly distinctive. The chrome trim surrounding the grille connects with the matrix LED headlights on both sides, visually extending the width. The side profile features smooth lines, and its 4971mm length paired with a 2998mm wheelbase not only ensures the commanding presence of an executive sedan but also creates a sense of dynamism with the waistline running from the front fender to the rear. The rear design is relatively simple, with LED taillights adopting a smoked treatment. The quad exhaust pipes on either side clearly emphasize its performance attributes. Overall, the exterior exudes a sporty feel within a businesslike demeanor.

Sitting inside the vehicle, the first impression is the quality of the materials used in the interior. The dashboard is extensively covered in soft leather, and the inner sides of the door panels feature a combination of leather and Alcantara materials, with silver trim accents thoughtfully added to the details. The center console is oriented slightly toward the driver, and although the 8.4-inch touchscreen may not match today's mainstream sizes, its interface logic is clear and supports CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, making daily use convenient. The seats are wrapped in top-quality Italian leather, with the front seats offering 12-way electric adjustments and lumbar support, providing good cushioning. The rear seat legroom exceeds two fists' width, making it easy for passengers as tall as 180cm to cross their legs comfortably. Additionally, the rear seats are equipped with independent air-conditioning vents and USB charging ports, maximizing practicality.

When the engine starts, the roar of the 3.0T twin-turbo V6 engine is more restrained than expected. However, upon pressing the gas pedal hard, its maximum output of 410PS and peak torque of 550N·m are unleashed quickly. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is listed as 5.1 seconds. During the test drive, switching to sport mode made the transmission more eager to downshift, delivering noticeable thrust at launch. During mid-range acceleration for overtaking, there was an abundance of power reserves. Even during high-speed cruising, pressing the accelerator hard still provided a tangible response. For daily driving, the comfort mode smoothed out power delivery, making it more suitable for city commuting.

In terms of handling, the steering is precise with minimal slack. It feels light at low speeds and automatically gains weight at higher speeds, instilling a sense of confidence. The suspension uses a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link setup, tuned for sportiness without being overly stiff. When going over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension quickly filters out most vibrations, preventing too many small jolts from reaching the cabin. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and the car maintains stable overall composure. Regarding fuel economy, the fuel consumption is about 13 liters per 100 kilometers in urban traffic and can drop to approximately 9 liters per 100 kilometers during highway cruising. For a 3.0T engine on an executive sedan, these figures fall within the normal range for its class.

The comfort details during the driving process are also worth mentioning. The cabin's soundproofing is excellent, and wind noise and tire noise are kept within reasonable limits during high-speed driving, which does not affect conversations inside the car. The seat padding is of moderate softness, ensuring no fatigue even during long drives. Additionally, the gearbox's shifting logic is intelligent, showing minimal jerky shifts whether at low-speed following or high-speed cruising. The overall driving and riding experience balances sportiness and comfort.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Maserati Quattroporte S lie in its unique Italian design style, the powerful performance of its 3.0T engine, and its executive-level spaciousness. Compared to its competitors in the same class, like the BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class, it exhibits a more distinctive brand character, with performance parameters superior to those of similarly sized competitors. Furthermore, its pricing in the million-dollar range offers a certain level of cost-effectiveness among luxury executive sedans. However, it is worth noting that its interior technology features appear slightly outdated compared to newer models, and its fuel economy is not as competitive as hybrid or electric rivals.

The target demographic for this car is very clear: buyers who need an executive sedan capable of handling business occasions but do not want to compromise on driving pleasure; or consumers seeking unique brand appeal and unsatisfied with the homogenized designs of BBA (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi) vehicles. If you are a user who values advanced tech features or exceptional fuel efficiency, it may not be the best choice, but for those prioritizing a balance of quality, performance, and style, the Quattroporte S remains a worthwhile option.

In summary, the 2018 Maserati Quattroporte S is a "less compromising" luxury executive sedan—it can uphold prestige in business settings while also delivering driving pleasure during leisure time. This unique balance is precisely its core strength for standing out in the market.