The Quattroporte takes the convention that large luxury saloons should look sober and restrained…and throws it out of the window. Rarely has something with four doors had such head-turning quality; it’s a low, sinuous and sexy shape that starts with the snarling trident grille and flows curvaceously to the rear, with a kick over the rear axle. Think of it as a grand tourer with a handy extra pair of doors for friends or family to come along for the ride. The model is offered in a choice of GranSport or GranLusso trim; the former majors on luxury (think chrome, warm tones and wood), while the latter has a sharper sporting focus with its dark brightware and carbon-fibre trim.

Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy a plush, welcoming cabin upholstered in the finest leathers. The rev counter and speedo are separated by a TFT display for navigation and other information, while the 8.4″ Maserati Touch Control Plus touchscreen controlling sat nav, entertainment, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® smartphone interface. MTC+ also controls the front seat heating, ventilation, steering wheel heating and switches to display the rear view when reverse is selected. A touch of distinctive Italian design can be found in the dash in the form of an analogue Maserati clock.

As befits a luxury flagship, the Quattroporte offers numerous surprise-and-delight touches like keyless entry and keyless go, power rear sunblind, electro-chromatic door mirrors, thermal and noise-insulated glass and a power tailgate. A state-of-the-art Harmon Kardon system includes a 900-watt amplifier for rich and detailed sound quality, whatever the source, though you can opt for the Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system for the ultimate audiophile experience.

GranLusso and GranSport trim options now available:

With the GranLusso, the style is focused on luxury. With the GranSport, it’s more about engaging driving dynamics.

The 350hp V6 petrol engine powers the Maserati Q4 intelligent all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed auto transmission. 0-62mph takes just 5.5 seconds while combined fuel consumption is around 25mpg. In normal conditions, all power is sent to the rear wheels but Q4 can alter the torque split from 100 per cent rear-wheel drive to 50-50 between the front and rear wheels if the rears lose traction. Suspension is the Skyhook active damping set up that uses sensors to monitor the movement of each wheel and the car’s body an react accordingly. Maserati branded Brembo brake callipers bring the powerful Quattroporte to a halt, swiftly and repeatedly. Maserati may not make Grand Prix racing cars any more, but there’s more than a hint of the company’s illustrious racing past in the way the Quattroporte stops, steers and accelerates.