In most cases be it at a Motorshow or in a showroom you generally approch a car from the front – usually form the drivers side which means you’re looking at its front-on 3/4 view….

Aan angle at which and quite frankly this thing looks more like a whale shark – not one of the most beautiful animals in the world nor one of the fastest.

In terms of looks alone which as I said is what draws you to a car this is about as good looking as a 300C or even an Edsel Ford

Please. It’s a car. And an achingly ugly one at that.

If you fancy a driving around in sculpture and heritage, can i suggest a motorised damien hirst sheep…

The problem with this car is its gearbox which believe me is so bad that it may stop anyone from buying this great car. However, I hear this has been fixed.

I will buy this car anyday over an Aston or a Bentley GTC. It certainly outclasses Beemers and Mercs in terms of looks at least.

The fact that Maserati are owned by Ferrari can only be a good thing in terms of of reliability and risidual value which some of you voiced your concerns about.

It is good that we still have some bold artists in the world of automotive design and that cars should have personality.

I’ve been lucky enough to have a spin in this car and i for me it brought a smile to my face that no bmw has to date.

I’d buy one if i was 10 years older and had the cash.
That’s my only criticism – it is a bit grown up.

Here goes…

TP & co – You’re not fans are you?
Benjie – The rating is more about the delivery and poise than its prowess as a dragster or a go-cart. Not so much dated than retrospectively cued – in my opinion, the overall exterior design successfully draws from a rich vein of design successes an iconic period.
OSU811 – Value retention for later models has improved and reliability issues are no more than a vague memory for Maserati.
Phill – I would not compare a Quattroporte to an M5 any more than I would compare a pair of socks to a hat. They’re completely different types of car.
Golfschwein, Dave, Marc Luck and Mercatroid – I think you all understand what I’m getting at – you get a feeling that although Maserati obviously want to capture some of the German and Japanese luxury saloon market, they tend not emulate them. The essence of the Quattroporte is all about doing it differently.
Alex – Excellent points. The most contentious design often becomes the best – it’s easy to forget that the first couple of Chris Bangle-designed BMWs drew massive controversy from both customers and press. No-one had ever clapped eyes on anything that looked like the current 7-Series when it was launched. Bold but great design can initially alienate and confuse its audience – most observers eventually accept and appreciate it but some just never understand it. It is now so popular that it’s mainstream – further reinforcing my point.
Camski – I completely agree, it’s down to the individual isn’t it?
Jbot – The Gran Turismo IS a beautiful car – I would eat my own spleen in a white wine sauce to own one and I really don’t like white wine sauce.
No Name – well spotted – I’ve given that range in GB pounds and will email Alborz with a groveling apology!

In summary, the Quattroporte is an all-or-nothing kind of car as far as the audience goes and this is illustrated brilliantly in the range of all of your comments. I didn’t say that it was better than its rivals – simply different; somehow refreshing. I’d be the first to admit that German luxury saloons are brilliant and I actually said so in my piece. How else would they sell in such great numbers and given the huge amount of resources that they spend on research and development, you’d expect them to be more than just okay. I drive a Mercedes and I’m very happy with it!

Thanks for all of your comments.

Bob

Are you doing a car review, a GCSE literature exam or an expose for ‘big boys in boots’ top shelf magazine?

It looks like a cross between a princess and a cortina!

NEXT!

I think it looks quite boring, the interior colours are terrible and layout seems quite boring too and the rear lights look remarkably similar to that off the Daewoo Nubira

I just read your second sentence above. Read it aloud and then repost it to make sense.