With an incredible mix of technology, performance and genuine craftsmanship, the Quattroporte is truly the luxury saloon topping most driver’s wish lists. Attention is given to every minor detail both inside and out. Factor in the V8 Trofeo factor and the excitement levels go through the roof.

The good

Jaw-dropping design and superb handling ability

The bad

High running costs and hefty price-tag

Tech Specs

Price from

£81,285

Combined Fuel up to

27.2mpg

0-62 from

4.3 seconds

max speed up to

202mph

co2 from

163g/km

Test Drive

Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo – first drive (2021)

Maserati has unleashed its fastest ever production saloon cars powered by a mighty V8 engine and boasting a top speed of 202mph. Last year, the Italian car maker introduced the Levante Trofeo SUV and now we have the Ghibli Trofeo and Quattroporte Trofeo saloons to complete the powerful line-up.

It’s like taking a step back in time to 1963 when the Quattroporte was born and a V8 engine was combined with a beautifully elegant body to create the fastest saloon in the world.

Now history has repeated itself and in 2021 the rear-wheel drive Trofeo cars are fitted with the most powerful V8 engine ever to feature in the Quattroporte. The 3.8-litre unit, developed by Maserati Powertrain in cooperation with Ferrari, delivers 580hp and 730Nm of torque.

Our Quattroporte Trofeo model carried a hefty price-tag of £127,310, increased to £136,060 with options fitted. But this car can complete the 0-62mph sprint in a very fast 4.5 seconds and has that top speed of just over 200mph.

Running costs, as you would expect, are also high with a combined 19.0mpg and carbon emissions of 280g/km under WLTP testing.

From a design viewpoint, the latest Quattroporte Trofeo boasts a more dynamic look with upgraded rear light clusters that are set in a boomerang design for effect. There is red detailing in the bottom edges of the side vents, in the Trofeo badging and in the logo on the pillar. The B pillars also feature a small Italian flag as a gentle reminder to the car’s proud heritage.

And to complete the dynamic styling, there are 21-inch forged aluminium alloy wheels with high-performance brake calipers available in red, blue or silver.

The interior is pure class with the finest ‘Pieno Fiore’ full-grain natural leather, a larger 10.1-inch infotainment screen with multi-touch function, a wireless charger and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

When it comes to performance, this is no car for the faint-hearted. Yes, it can be driven in a calm, composed manner, but the design and potential of this model simply scream foot-down-fun.

The acceleration through the eight-speed automatic transmission is blisteringly quick and there are giant steering wheel-mounted paddles for added driver engagement.

In addition, there are buttons galore to explore. As well as the Normal, ICE (it stands for Increased Control and Efficiency) and Sport modes, the Quattroporte Trofeo boasts a Corsa mode – a dream come true for driving purists.

Activate this system and the gear shifting becomes faster than Sport, there is a more ground-hugging damper set-up and, for maximum driving enjoyment, the intervention of traction control and electronic stability program is restrained.

There is also a Launch Control system, which like racing starts means revving with your right foot, while braking with your left – watch the rev counter rise and then take your foot off the brake. It’s not for anyone of a nervous disposition and clearly not for busy road settings either.

But for normal driving environments, the all-round handling is certainly enough to keep you entertained. There is bags of grip into tight bends and the control levels are sublime. Despite the blistering power, it feels well planted and nicely balanced with plenty of feel through the steering wheel.

The car features a clever system that has been designed with Bosche to improve the stability. It’s called Integrated Vehicle Control and it predicts driving situations in advance and then adapts the brakes and engine speed accordingly. This in turn improves the traction and balance as the 2.0-tonne Quattroporte travels at higher speeds.

This in connection with the impressive Skyhook suspension system means passenger comfort is high even on poorer roads. And when it comes to space, there is ample room for five inside the Quattroporte Trofeo with a 530-litre boot to accommodate all the luggage.

Safety systems are also comprehensive on this powerhouse of a car and our model featured an additional Driver Assistance Package Plus pack costing an extra £3,190 that added blind spot alert with rear cross path, active driving assist, advanced brake assist featuring forward collision warning and automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, pedestrian recognition, a surround view camera and traffic sign recognition.

As the motoring industry heads towards a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly future, the Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo is a not-so-subtle reminder of how much we will miss the exhilaration of the V8 engine.

For more details, visit Maserati here.

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