Top 3 Maserati Quattroporte trims head-to-head: here’s our winner.

As one of the very first four-door performance cars sold, the Quattroporte has an illustrious history that extends back to 1963 when the first model was introduced. Since then, five generations of Quattroporte have been sold and marketed by Maserati with the current sixth-generation having been on sale since 2013. The Quattroporte was updated in 2016, with another lifecycle update recently applied to 2021 models, including new taillights, an updated front grille as well as an updated infotainment system and an enhanced instrument cluster.

The current line-up consists of six models, the entry-level Quattroporte, the sportier GranSport models, of which there are two, a pair of GranLusso models which are aimed at those looking for a luxurious model and of course, the flagship Trofeo.

For our purposes today, we will be looking at three trim levels available across the Maserati Quattroporte line-up locally. We have chosen the ‘regular’ and ‘S’ version of the GranSport variants while including the Trofeo flagship, allowing for a clear comparison between performance models within the range. Since each trim level features its own distinct powertrain and features, the purpose of this piece is to show key differences between the models which will go a long way to explaining the rather large price difference between the trio.

Powertrain

The Quattroporte range is powered by the option of two Ferrari-built engines, a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 or a 3.8-litre turbocharged V8, both paired with a ZF-sourced 8-speed torque converter automatic, sending power to the rear wheels. Both the GranSport and GranSport S feature the same 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, but in different states of tune. The ‘regular’ GranSport produces 257kW and 500Nm, allowing for a 5.5-second 0-100km/h time and a top speed of 270km/h while the GranSport S produces 316kW and 580Nm of torque, meaning a 0-100km/h time of 5.0-seconds and a top speed of 280km/h.

The top-of-the-range Trofeo model’s 3.8-litre engine produces a potent 433kW and 730Nm of torque, allowing for a top speed of 326km/h and a 0-100km/h time of 4.5-seconds. While this engine appears to be lifted directly from various Ferrari models, it is important to note that the Maserati version features a shorter stroke, a cross-plane crankshaft and wet-sump lubrication, making its really rather different from the units used by the Prancing Horse.

	Maserati Quattroporte GranSport	Maserati Quattroporte S GranSport	Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo
Engine	3.0-litre, 6-cylinder, turbocharged petrol	3.0-litre, 6-cylinder, turbocharged petrol	3.8-litre, 8-cylinder, turbocharged petrol
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Price	R2 749 000	R3 061 000	R4 074 000
Power	257 kW	316 kW	433 kW
Torque	500 Nm	580 Nm	730 Nm
0-100 km/h	5.5 sec	5.0 sec	4.5 sec
Top speed	270 km/h	288 km/h	326 km/h
Fuel consumption	10.8 L / 100 km	10.8 L / 100 km	12.2 L / 100 km
Kerb weight	1 860kg	1 860kg	2 000kg

Exterior 

Both the GranSport and GranSport S models get a sportier exterior look when compared with the standard Quattroporte and GranLusso models, including 21-inch alloy wheels, a more aggressive front and rear bumper and larger air intakes. The Trofeo model takes the GranSport models’ athletic exterior and amplifies it. The model features 21-inch Orione wheels, a new front grille with gloss black vertical slats, carbon fibre-framed front air intakes, a rear carbon diffuser, red accents for the side gills as well as a unique design within the taillights that pays homage to the 3200 GT, a vintage Maserati model.

Interior

In terms of the interior of the three models, again, expect the GranSport and GranSport S models to be broadly similar, with leather surfaces made by luxury Italian fashion house, Ermenegildo Zegna, as well as the option of wood or carbon fibre trim elements. The Trofeo again distinguishes itself with Pieno Fiore (full grain) leather seats complete with a 3D-effect Trofeo logo on the headrests, various carbon fibre trim elements as well as a special interface for the driver. All models now benefit from an enhanced instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with smartphone functionality.

Specification

All models feature niceties such as cruise control, an electrically adjustable multifunction steering wheel, keyless start, Blind Spot Monitor, front and rear electric windows, soft-close doors, ISOFIX child seat mounting points, electrically adjustable heated front seats, front and rear PDC with a surround-view camera, six airbags and climate control. From a specification perspective, the Trofeo does not appear to offer any additional specification benefits over its GranSport siblings, despite the massive price chasm.

Conclusion

The three Quattroporte variants are similar from a specification perspective, while the GranSport models offer near-identical interior and exterior aesthetics. The flagship Trofeo differentiates itself from an interior and exterior perspective, with special attention paid to this model. In terms of performance, the Trofeo is, of course, the fastest of the trio, while the two GranSport models offer respectable performance with the GranSport S providing a middle ground between the Trofeo and the regular GranSport.

It would come down to the budding Maserati owner’s desires at the end of the day, with those after the ultimate Maserati super-saloon finding the Trofeo the most appealing while those looking for the sweet spot within the range likely finding the GranSport S the best offering, coming in at over R1-million less than the Trofeo.