Royalty and racing drivers have experienced the uniqueness that is Maserati.
Few marques today can have claimed to have taken the world’s best drivers to F1 titles, carried Italian honour first across the line at the introverted-Indianapolis 500 and also been the luxury car of choice by crowned heads in Europe and Asia.
Maserati has attained all of these and it is still a rarity on our roads matched only by the presence of Bentley.
From its origins as a bicycle maker in the 19th century, the first Maserati appeared in 1926 and as it edges towards its landmark 90th birthday at the end of this year the marque is enjoying booming sales with still more new models in the pipeline including the Levante at the end of 2016.
Quattroporte is the first Maserati saloon and a rare sight among luxury four-door models. It is about to be refreshed and we tested the current model before it is replaced.
The sixth generation of the Quattroporte has a choice of petrol V6 and V8s in the range as well as our V6 diesel tested.

The first impression of the Quattroporte is that this is a serious, traditional big saloon with first class luxury interior and detailing.
It’s very roomy and comfortable, has an insulating ride but a sporting chassis which rewards the enthusiast when trying on some twisting roads.
The torquey diesel engine and 8-speed automatic transmission provide a lot of get up and go, have instant response for overtaking and can serenely send you along the motorway.
Miles pass without stress or strain with a lot in reserve but if you engine a throaty engine noise it is there at higher revs and in the middle gears.
You can hear how hard the suspension is working at absorbing the bumps and potholes but the ride generally remains composed and comfortable.

Steering is responsive even if the turning circle is not compact for urban use.
I liked the layout of the secondary controls, while the instruments were big and clear and I loved the oval clock in the centre of the fascia.
In front, the powered seats have seemingly endless adjustment and those in the back can be cocooning in character, although their leather upholstery means your passengers may slide around on tighter turns.
Oddments and 530 litres luggage room is good, climate controls simple and efficient.

Visibility is good apart from some rear blindspots when reversing. Very good wipers and bright lights take care of poor conditions. So you are getting a lot of car for your money, a distinctive car with a pedigree and history which handles like a sporting saloon and yet turns out to be surprisingly frugal with fuel.
Fast facts: Maserati Quattroporte Diesel
Price: £70,510 | Insurance group: TBA |
Mechanical: 275bhp 3.0V6 turbo-diesel, 8sp auto/ manual | Fuel consumption: 43mpg |
Max speed: 155mph | 0-62mph: 6.4sec |
CO2 emissions: 163gkm | BIK: 30% |
Boot: 530 litres | Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage |
For: Space and grace, economy, performance | Against: Some engine and road noise. |
© Images Beth Keenan
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