Sharper Maserati Quattroporte S

What is it?

The Maserati Quattroporte is arguably the most beautiful four-door car you can buy. But even beauties need a bit of nip and tuck once in a while and the Quattroporte is no different. So Maserati has updated it for the 2009 model year. The changes are relatively slight, extending to new head and tail lights, reshaped bumpers, front grille and side skirts. Inside there's more standard equipment, a new infotainment system and better integrated airbags. The most significant addition to the Quattroporte range though is the availability of the 4.7-litre V8 from the GranTurismo S. It's fitted to the new Quattroporte S and delivers 425bhp and, more importantly, maximum torque of 361lb.ft.

Is it any good?

The addition of the 4.7-litre V8 engine does wonders for the Quattroporte. Its increased power and torque make it a much easier, less frenetic drive than the 4.2-litre V8 model. The smaller engined V8 lives on in the price lists, though it's difficult to imagine anybody opting for it over the faster, more involving and better equipped S. Differentiating the S from its 4.2-litre S isn't difficult, it gaining chrome slats on its front grille; while larger dual-cast brake discs are also obvious behind the 19-inch V-style alloy wheels.

The healthier torque curve of the S brings a huge boost in flexibility. It also allows the S to reach 62mph in just 5.4 seconds - some 0.2 seconds faster than the standard car. The torque of the 4.7 means there's no need to be stabbing at the paddles on the slick six-speed automatic in the quest for engine revs for pace, it being a friendlier, easier drive as a result. Maserati's Skyhook electrically adaptive damper system comes as standard with the S, being retuned to provide a good balance between comfort and control. It's an enjoyable car to drive, the sonorous V8 engine and exhaust note, sharp, precise steering and fine neutral chassis balance, allied to its stunning looks making it a very appealing package. It's not all perfect though: the fit and finish inside isn't quite up to the standards of BMW and Mercedes rivals, while cabin and boot space isn't as generous as in many competitors, either.

Should I call the bank manager?

At £85,000 you may well be the bank manager. The Maserati is actually relatively competitive against its rivals price-wise, particularly when you consider its brand cachet and exclusivity. Fuelling it might be an issue though, the average official fuel consumption of 18mpg likely to be less in reality. But the S makes good sense over the similarly facelifted Quattroporte with the 4.2-litre V8. The price differential is £6,000, that bringing not just the much-needed boosts in power and torque but Skyhook variable damper suspension and larger dual-cast brakes.

Summary

Maserati has addressed some of the failings of the Quattroporte by adding the 4.7-litre engined S to its range. It's an easier, more tractable engine that demands less from the driver to deliver its best. Detail improvements to the specification improve its appeal even further. Always a gorgeous-looking car, the new Quattroporte S has now got some real substance to back up its unrivalled beauty.

Kyle Fortune