Maserati has pulled the wraps off their updated their updated sixth-generation Quattroporte luxury sports saloon for the 2017 model year. The new bits can be summed up as an overall exercise in brand cohesion as well as bridging the technological gap with its competitors.
The Italian automaker is nearly ready to roll out these new Quattroportes to showrooms, with deliveries to the European and US markets slated to begin as early as June. We’ll bring you news on the Australian release when word gets out. Tentatively, Down Under deliveries should start in early 2017 with booking to open soon.
Maserati clearly wants a clear sense of visual uniformity across its line-up of vehicles, and the facelifted Quattroporte takes some not-so-subtle cues from their SUV, the Levante, as well as their well-received coupe GT concept, the Alfieri.
There’s a new grille, more matte black trim, reshaped front bumper, and some active aerodynamic elements (Air Shutter) that reportedly reduces drag by up to 10 percent. The overall silhouette, however, remains untouched – this is very much the same Quattroporte that we’re used to seeing if viewed from a distance.
To the driver and occupants, the first thing they’ll likely notice will be the new 8.4-inch high-resolution touchscreen with multi-touch support and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The display itself is also integrated into a capacitive touch area that controls the climate control and other functions for a more minimal dashboard. Moving further below and there’s a rotary control dial that sits just behind the gear selector.
A new Advanced Drive Assistance Package is also on available, packing safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist and Automated Emergency Braking, and an additional Surround View Camera.
Maserati has decided to offer the Quattroporte as the standard variant or either of the two equally-priced GranLusso or GranSport trims, no matter what variant or engine choice, depending on the buyers leaning toward a more comfortable and elegant or aggressive and sporting car, inside and out.
At the base of the range, the Quattroporte Diesel is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel that generates 205kW/600Nm. The petrol-powered Quattroporte is the middle child, powered by a 306kW/550Nm 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine. Finally, the Quattroporte GTS tops the range with its 395kW/710Nm 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8.
For more on Maserati cars, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
