2023 Maserati Quattroporte

In last year's review of the Maserati Quattroporte, we lamented how it's starting to get very old - it's now been on sale in the USA for over a decade, after all. The Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class were both redesigned in the last few years and there were two new generations of BMW 7 Series under the watch of the current Quattroporte. Now there's a 2023 Maserati Quattroporte, but it's virtually unchanged, sent right back into battle, firmly on its back foot. Sure, we love the Italianate charm and emotive styling, while the decade-old platform still provides sporty handling and has shown its worth underneath the Ghibli and Levante too. But with outputs ranging from 345 to 424 horsepower, its rivals outpunch it handsomely and it has a tough time justifying its substantially higher 2023 prices. Fans of the nameplate will have to wait until 2025 for an all-new Maserati Quattroporte large luxury sedan to arrive and it comes filled with the promise of the MC20's V6, an electric Folgore version, and brand-new tech. In the meantime, the old car has fallen out of contention and is now more of an emotional purchase than a rational one.

The new Maserati Quattroporte's price list starts at six figures for the first time after the recent round of increases. The base price of the GT is $108,400 - around $10k more than last year. The Modena will cost you $119,700 in RWD format and the AWD Modena Q4 retails for $124,400. These prices for the Maserati Quattroporte are MSRP and the destination charge adds another $1,995.

Given its age and other foibles, you only have to drive a Quattroporte to understand why it is still so loved. True to its heritage, driving enjoyment is a top priority and the folks at Maserati have managed to infuse this large car with plenty of it without ruining its comfort mission, even after ten years. It's a difficult line to tread. Sure, the ride is not as soft as that of its rivals; it can get a bit choppy, especially now that 20-inch wheels are standard on all the trims. In return, however, you get crisp handling, more steering feel and feedback than just about any rival, and the bonus of a delicious V6 snarl emerging from the background when you hoof it. The adaptive Skyhook suspension is standard and you can adjust it to the road conditions - and your level of enthusiasm. Other large sedans may be quieter and ride more softly, but few offer just the right measure of exuberance and driving passion that seems to be the reserve of the Italians.

On paper, the Maserati Quattroporte is well down on its rivals. At the price, it makes no sense as a rational purchase, considering the awesome breadth of abilities of an S-Class or new 7 Series. It's also falling behind on tech and there are simply too many cheap cabin materials, considering its lofty price. The big Maser's appeal lies in the intangibles and if you love driving as much as being driven, you'll find plenty to love here, as it shrinks around you and gives you a reason to smile after a long day at the office. Although entirely subjective, its looks haven't aged much either and most onlookers will agree that it is as beautiful as ever and will stand out in the car park. Sadly, these plus points will be unlikely to convince many people to part with over $100k, and a brand-new Quattroporte is sorely needed - but still two years away.

To give it the athletic responses to go with its fun chassis and dashing looks, we'd skip the base GT and go straight for the 424-hp Modena. It already has all the most important features such as premium leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel and front seats, a sunroof, the adaptive Skyhook suspension, and a fully featured infotainment system, along with comprehensive driver assists that include adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The standard Harman Kardon audio system is fine and you might prefer listening to the engine on a spirited drive, but a superb Bowers & Wilkens system is available. We'd leave it as is, and it's cool that you have the flexibility to add AWD to this trim if you need it for winter driving.