The sixth generation of Maserati Quattroporte,
a car still on sale today
, was always going to have a tough time of it. As any car in that fiercely competitive uberluxury sector would, but primarily because it was replacing the fifth generation Maserati Quattroporte. Normally no great burden - things move on, even in the automotive world - yet this car's predecessor had achieved so much for Maserati's reputation that it would struggle to have anywhere near the impact.
While undoubtedly flawed, that 2003-2012 car was everything the world wanted in a modern Maserati saloon: fast, handsome, really good to drive and supremely cool. That it was on sale when the GranTurismo was launched in 2007 won't have harmed its cause, either, as Maserati continued to ride the wave of favourable public (and press) reception.
So there was a weight of expectation on the 2013 QP. Immediate concerns were raised about the way it was styled, which to some made it look a little generic and bland against the undeniably Italian predecessor, but there was plenty to be encouraged by as well. Both V6 and V8 engines were Ferrari derived, the eight-speed auto would be a world away from what went before and a new aluminium platform promised both a reasonable kerbweight (1,900kg in production trim) and a level of dynamic prowess.
For whatever reason, the end result didn't quite materialise as a world beater. When this GTS was new, it was praised for its enormous speed, chassis balance and decent steering, yet chastised for its awkward ride, poorly calibrated transmission and sub-par interior. It was competitive without being class-leading; and that's unlikely to cut it in the powerfully-built world of business, what with rivals from BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar and Audi around, plus the small matter of a £115k asking price. Why settle for third (or maybe fourth) best when a superior car can be had for similar money?
So there aren't many sixth-gen Quattroportes around, or certainly it seems that way. However, like those large saloons you see plenty more of, the big Maserati certainly depreciates. And we all know that flaws and irritations are much more easily overlooked with miles under a car's wheels, years behind it in the service book and thousands wiped from its value.
See this GTS as the perfect example. Before it was discontinued a little while back, a flagship Quattroporte packed the 530hp twin-turbo V8, meaning 190mph potential, and arguably the looks best suit the GTS add-ons and this car's subdued spec. Having cost at least £115,980 just a few short years ago, this GTS is now on offer at Maserati Egham with 25,000 miles on it for £39,500. The 'Maserati for 3 Series money' is a tired magazine headline, but when a 330d M Sport is £41,565...
Let's not get into that right now. And let's not pay too much attention to the fact that an S8, XJR, or S63 could also be bought in near-identical condition for similar money. Let's instead celebrate the fact that a Maserati super saloon is there as an option, and that - imperfect though it will undoubtedly be - having the choice of any Maserati to buy should always be considered a good thing.
SPECIFICATION | MASERATI QUATTROPORTE GTS
Engine: 3,799cc, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: 8-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 530@6,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 524@2,000-4,000rpm
MPG: 26.4
CO2: 250g/km
First registered: 2015
Recorded mileage: 24,760
Price new: £115,980 (before options)
Yours for: £39,500
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