Maserati Quattroporte 2017 Review

As one of the representatives of high-end luxury sedans in the Malaysian market, the 2017 Maserati Quattroporte has attracted many consumers seeking a unique style since its launch, thanks to its Italian design and performance pedigree. Although the new car market evolves rapidly today, the product strength of this classic model still holds some aspects worth discussing—especially its balance of business luxury and driving pleasure, as well as its differentiated brand tone compared to German competitors. In this test drive, we will focus on its performance in daily commuting, high-speed cruising, and short-distance mountain roads to see whether this "Trident" sedan can still meet today's users' dual demands for luxury and performance.

From the exterior, the 2017 Quattroporte retains Maserati's signature sporty luxury style. The front features a vertical grille paired with the iconic trident logo, offering high recognition; the headlights on both sides use xenon light sources, featuring a slender design that extends towards the sides of the car, making the front end look wider. The side of the body has streamlined lines, with a waistline running from the fender to the rear that enhances its muscular appeal. The 20-inch multi-spoke wheels further emphasize its sporty character. At the rear, the quad exhaust layout clearly signals its performance orientation, and the LED taillights adopt a family-style wrap-around design, delivering an eye-catching effect when lit up at night. Overall, its design is not overly ostentatious, but every detail highlights the brand's sporty genetics, ensuring it attracts attention even when parked by the roadside.

Once inside, the sense of luxury is primarily reflected in the materials used. The dashboard is wrapped in extensive genuine leather, complemented by wood accents and metal trim, delivering a fine tactile feel. The steering wheel features a three-spoke design with leather wrapping and paddle shifters, providing a solid grip. The central control screen measures 8.4 inches and is equipped with the Maserati Touch Control system, supporting Bluetooth, navigation, and smartphone connectivity. While its operational logic is intuitive, its smoothness slightly lags behind newer models. The seats are made of genuine leather; the front seats feature power adjustment, heating, and memory functions, with decent side bolsters, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The rear space lives up to the positioning of a mid-to-large-size sedan. A passenger with a height of 175cm can enjoy more than two fists' worth of legroom and about one fist of headroom while seated. The center armrest includes cupholders and storage compartments, and the rear also features independent air conditioning vents and power outlets, catering to business or family usage needs.

In terms of performance, the 2017 Quattroporte is powered by a 3.0T V6 twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum output of 350 horsepower and peak torque of 500 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the engine provides ample torque even at low RPMs, allowing for brisk acceleration without feeling "heavy" even in traffic congestion. When switched to Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, and pressing the accelerator firmly prompts the transmission to downshift quickly, creating a noticeable push-back sensation and clean, decisive overtaking maneuvers. At high speeds, the engine maintains around 1800 RPM with plenty of power reserves and strong acceleration capabilities. The chassis features a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear independent suspension. It is tuned towards sportiness while maintaining a level of comfort. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations without feeling excessively rigid. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and the steering is precise, providing the driver with ample confidence. However, compared to German competitors, its chassis damping may feel slightly direct, offering a greater sense of road feedback.

In terms of fuel consumption, we tested it under mixed driving conditions, and the fuel consumption was about 12.5L per 100 kilometers. On the highway, it can drop to around 9L, which is a normal level for a 3.0T V6 model. Noise control performance is excellent; wind and tire noise are not obvious during high-speed driving, and the engine noise is well suppressed under normal driving conditions. Only when the accelerator is deeply pressed does the sound transmit into the cabin — but this type of sound wave actually enhances the fun of driving. The support and wrapping of the seats perform excellently during long drives. Even after driving continuously for 2 hours, there is no discomfort or back pain.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2017 Maserati Quattroporte lie in its unique brand tone, balance between sportiness and luxury, and the driving pleasure brought by the V6 engine. Compared to peers like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, it may fall slightly short in technological features, but it offers more individuality in design and driving experience. It is suitable for consumers who dislike the "business template" style. If you value brand character and want a luxury sedan that offers both daily commuting and driving enjoyment, or need a car that can handle business receptions while occasionally indulging in sporty handling, this model is still worth considering. Even though it is not the latest model, its classic design and solid mechanical qualities can still secure a place in the current market.