Maserati Quattroporte Review

In the luxury executive sedan market, the German Big Three have long dominated the mainstream, but many consumers are also seeking a choice that combines Italian design with driving passion. The 2019 Maserati Quattroporte GranSport is precisely such a model, retaining Maserati's iconic sporty genes while further optimizing its luxury features. In this test drive, we mainly aim to verify whether it can balance sporty performance with executive-level comfort in daily commuting and highway driving.

From a distance, the 2019 Quattroporte GranSport boasts smooth and dynamic body lines, showcasing the typical Italian coupe posture. The front features a large vertical grille complemented by the trident emblem, offering high recognizability. The sharp-shaped LED headlights on both sides have distinct internal configurations, providing a striking visual effect when illuminated. On the side profile, 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with red brake calipers enhance the sporty look; the waistline extends from the front fender to the rear, and the slightly sloping rear design keeps the car looking sleek rather than bulky. At the rear, the quad-round exhaust layout on both sides is a hallmark of the GranSport version, while the slightly raised duck-tail spoiler further emphasizes its performance orientation. The overall design maintains the solemnity of an executive sedan while incorporating Maserati's signature sporty flair.

Stepping inside, the interior combines black leather with carbon fiber trim, creating a strong sporty ambiance. The center console has a clear layout, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display on top that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing a decent operational fluidity; below are some physical buttons retained for easier operation during driving. The seats feature sporty bucket designs with good lateral support, and they also offer electric adjustment and heating functions. The leather has a delicate texture. The steering wheel adopts a three-spoke design, which is reasonably sized and feels solid to grip, with controls for cruise control and multimedia on the left side. Notably, the stitching craftsmanship and material assembly inside the car maintain luxury brand standards; however, the texture of some plastic components is slightly inferior compared to other cars in the same German class.

As a mid-to-large executive sedan, the Quattroporte GranSport boasts a wheelbase of 3171mm, providing ample space in both the front and rear seats. When the front passengers adjust to a comfortable seating position, the rear legroom still offers more than two fists' worth of space, and headroom does not feel cramped. In terms of storage space, the center armrest box has a spacious capacity, the door panel storage compartments can hold two bottles of water, and the trunk offers a standard volume of 530L, meeting the needs for daily family use or business travel. The rear is equipped with independent air conditioning outlets and USB charging ports, enhancing passenger convenience.

In terms of powertrain, the 2019 Quattroporte GranSport is equipped with a 3.0T twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 430PS and peak torque of 580N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the engine delivers ample torque at low RPMs, providing brisk acceleration. At mid to high speeds, the power reserves are abundant, and overtaking becomes smooth and effortless. When switched to sport mode, the transmission's shifting logic becomes more aggressive, with quicker downshifts and a richer exhaust note. However, in eco mode, the power delivery becomes relatively gentle, making it better suited for urban commuting.

In terms of handling performance, the Quattroporte GranSport has precise steering with minimal deadzone and clear road feedback. The suspension system employs a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link structure, tuned on the firmer side. This provides good support during cornering, with the body roll well-controlled. However, on bumpy roads, the suspension's filtering of fine vibrations is not thorough enough, and the vibrations transmitted to the cabin slightly affect overall comfort. The braking system performs stably, with a moderate brake pedal travel, linear braking force output, and good body posture maintained during emergency braking.

As for fuel consumption, the official combined consumption is 9.1L/100km. In real-world tests, fuel consumption is about 12-13L/100km in urban traffic and can drop to 7-8L/100km during highway cruising. Overall, this performance aligns with the level of a 3.0T engine. Regarding noise control, there is slightly noticeable tire and wind noise at high speeds but within an acceptable range. Engine noise is well suppressed during normal driving and is only noticeable inside the cabin at high RPMs.

Overall, the 2019 Maserati Quattroporte GranSport's core strengths lie in its unique Italian design, abundant power reserves, and sporty driving experience. Compared to its German counterparts in the same class, its configuration level is mid-range, but it is more distinctive in terms of brand appeal and driving excitement. This car is suitable for executive users who pursue individuality and driving pleasure. It provides enough space to meet business or family needs while also offering a thrilling driving experience during leisure time. If you don't want to choose the overly homogenized German luxury sedans and wish to balance sportiness and luxury, the Quattroporte GranSport is a worthwhile option to consider.