By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(June 19, 2016) After little more than three years on the market, Maserati has given the Quattroporte a little nip and tuck for its mid-cycle facelift. The exterior changes are relatively minor, but the relentless improvement in electronic technology brings with it a new infotainment system, redesigned center console, and a new package of driver assistance systems.

The front and rear fascias have been redesigned, and both are highlighted by matte black detailing. This carries over to the side skirts and mirrors, which also receive a matte black finish, while the mirrors have been reprofiled.



A pointed grille insert with chrome vertical elements is meant to be more imposing, and fronts for an electronic air shutter that provides the optimum grille opening for both aerodynamic drag and cooling. Taken together and added to an air management system tied to the car’s flat bottom, the changes reduce drag by 10%.

The interior changes are equally slight and focused on function. A new center stack houses an 8.4-inch high-resolution touch screen that is integrated with the revised climate controls and a storage drawer by a single, continuous design element. Below that sits a new lower console with rotary dials for volume and function, plus a new storage compartment. The infotainment unit is now compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The new driver assistance package is available as an option and includes: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist and Automated Emergency Braking. An additional new Surround View Camera is available as an option in combination with this package. Every 2017 Quattroporte also comes equipped with an air quality unit that combines a sensor with signal analysis to calculate pollution levels outside the car and prevent it from entering the cabin.

Two trim options are offered, GranLusso and GranSport, and they will carry an equivalent price across the range. They are available as an upgrade across all V6 powertrain ranges (gasoline and diesel), and are standard on the range topping, twin-turbo V8-powered  Quattroporte GTS.

GranLusso-equipped Quattroportes feature a front lower fascia with a floating bridge element, thin rear spoiler, body color bumpers with chrome finishers, unique side skirts, a new rear reflector, 20-in. Mercurio wheels and black brake calipers. Inside there is a an Ermenegildo Zegna Edition interior with a patented silk fabric covering the seats, doors, headliner and sun visors. In addition, there is open-pore Radica wood on the steering wheel and instrument panel.

The GranSport trim features a restyling of the center and side front fascia intakes, a visual bridge between the grille and lower intake, a revised rear fascia, a piano black rear spoiler and 21-inch Titano wheels. There is a glossy black finish on the bumpers, red brake calipers, blue inserts in the front Trident and side badge, and blue Tridents on the wheel centers. As an option, the grille of the GranSport can be ordered in glossy black.

Inside there are redesigned front and rear seats with greater sculpting to hold driver and passengers in place, a new steering wheel (in carbon fibre or full leather), piano black wood trim, aluminum paddle shifters, and stainless steel pedals. If that’s not enough, buyers can order the exterior carbon trim pack that finishes the mirrors, door handles and b-pillar cover in carbon fiber.

The Virtual Driver