Are Maserati Quattroporte expensive to maintain?
I’ll cut to the chase: the Maserati Quattroporte is a magnificent Italian luxury sedan that can make your heart sing—and your accountant sigh. After a week living with one (an M156 with the twin-turbo V6), I noticed right away how special it feels: the long bonnet, the baritone exhaust burble, the way it turns a mundane coffee run into a moment. But yes, maintenance isn’t cheap, especially if you’re coming from a BMW 5 Series or an Audi A6. That said, it’s not the boogeyman the internet sometimes makes it out to be—if you buy well, keep up with service, and know where to go.
What it really costs to run a Maserati Quattroporte
Costs vary by generation and engine, but across owners I’ve spoken to (and my own service receipts), expect the following on a modern Quattroporte (2014–2023 M156):
- Annual service: roughly $900–$1,800 at an independent specialist; $1,200–$2,500 at a dealer.
- Brake pads and rotors (all four corners): $1,800–$3,000 depending on trim and parts choice.
- Tires: $1,200–$2,000 for a quality set, more if you enjoy track days or live where potholes are ambitious.
- Unexpected fixes (sensors, suspension bits, electronics): budget $1,000–$2,000 every couple of years as a sanity fund.
Earlier cars (2004–2012 M139) with the DuoSelect single-clutch automated manual can add a big-ticket item: clutch replacements. A few owners told me they needed one between 25k and 40k miles—figure $3,000–$5,000. Later cars with the ZF automatic (and all M156 cars) avoid that pain and are generally friendlier to run.
Maserati Quattroporte maintenance: what to watch for
- Oil changes: Once a year or every 10–12k miles. Use the proper spec oil—these engines aren’t fond of shortcuts.
- Cooling system: Radiators and hoses last well on newer cars, but keep an eye out for slow leaks and aging expansion tanks past 60k miles.
- Suspension: Adaptive dampers ride beautifully, but they’re not cheap. I noticed a faint clunk over sharp city joints around 45k miles that turned out to be a worn drop link—an easy win, not a wallet buster.
- Electronics: Infotainment glitches happen; a few owners mentioned CarPlay dropouts. Software updates fix many gremlins—ask your service advisor.
- Brakes and tires: It’s a heavy, fast sedan. If you drive it like it wants to be driven, consumables go quicker. That’s not a Maserati problem; that’s physics.
Maserati Quattroporte vs competitors: running-cost snapshot
| Luxury sedan | Typical annual maintenance | Brake job (pads/rotors) | Set of tires | Notable quirks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maserati Quattroporte (M156) | $1,200–$2,500 | $1,800–$3,000 | $1,200–$2,000 | Electronics niggles; adaptive damper costs |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | $900–$2,000 | $1,600–$2,800 | $1,100–$1,800 | AIRMATIC/ABC repairs can sting |
| BMW 7 Series | $800–$1,800 | $1,400–$2,500 | $1,000–$1,700 | High-tech comfort features = high repair bills |
| Porsche Panamera | $1,000–$2,200 | $1,800–$3,200 | $1,200–$2,200 | PDCC/air suspension expenses if neglected |
Estimates based on typical owner reports and specialist quotes in the U.S.; actual costs vary by model year, options, and driving style.
Living with a Maserati Quattroporte: the good stuff (and a couple quirks)
If you’re here, you already know the draw. Even the Quattroporte S with the twin-turbo V6 (~424 hp, ~428 lb-ft) surges forward with that unmistakable Italian urgency. The V8 GTS in earlier M156 cars is hilariously quick—0–60 mph around 4.5 seconds—and sounds like opera at full volume. On the highway, it’s quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back, yet on a back road it tightens up nicely. When I tried it on rough city streets, the adaptive suspension took the edge off better than I expected for a big luxury sedan, though 20-inch wheels will still find the worst imperfections.
Inside, it’s classic Maserati: thick leather, proper stitching, and that smell. Seating position is slightly higher than a Panamera, which I liked for visibility in traffic. The infotainment (Uconnect-based on newer cars) is perfectly usable, but the screen still looks a touch aftermarket compared with the latest German setups. Minor gripe, major car.
Maserati Quattroporte generations: what to know
- Quattroporte III (1979–1990): The square-shouldered classic—V8, rear-drive, big presence. A collector’s piece more than a daily.
- Quattroporte V, M139 (2004–2012): Gorgeous. Early cars with the DuoSelect single-clutch can be costly if used in heavy traffic; later ZF autos are the ones to aim for.
- Quattroporte VI, M156 (2013–2023): Twin-turbo V6s and V8s, rear or AWD, ZF 8‑speed. Best all-rounder for reliability and usability, and still feels special every time you walk up to it.
Maserati Quattroporte vs Maserati Ghibli: which suits you?
The Ghibli is the more compact, playful sibling—easier to park, a bit sharper at low speeds, and usually cheaper to buy and service. The Maserati Quattroporte feels like a proper flagship: longer wheelbase, more rear legroom, a richer ride, and bigger-numbers performance if you step into V8 territory. If you do a lot of chauffeuring or road-tripping to ski weekends, Quattroporte. If you live downtown and like a cheeky blast on a Sunday morning, Ghibli.
Care-and-keep: a couple of practical adds
- Find a trusted independent Maserati specialist; you’ll save money without compromising on expertise.
- Stick to factory service intervals and keep records. Buyers pay more for documented cars, and issues get sorted faster when there’s a paper trail.
- Consider a third-party warranty if you’re risk-averse—just read the fine print for coverage on infotainment and suspension.
Conclusion: Is the Maserati Quattroporte expensive to maintain?
Compared with the usual suspects, the Maserati Quattroporte sits on the pricier side of maintenance—but not outrageously so for a flagship luxury sedan with genuine exotic flavor. If you want the theater, the craftsmanship, and the way it makes a dreary commute feel like a drive along the Amalfi Coast, the costs make sense. Buy the right example, service it properly, and the Quattroporte repays you every time you thumb the starter.
FAQ: Maserati Quattroporte ownership and maintenance
- Are Maserati Quattroporte expensive to maintain? More than mainstream luxury sedans, yes, but in line with other high-end flagships. Budget $1,200–$2,500 per year for routine care on newer cars.
- Which Quattroporte years are most reliable? The M156 generation (2014–2023) with the ZF 8‑speed is generally the safest bet. Late M139 cars with the ZF 6‑speed are solid, too.
- Does the Quattroporte have a Ferrari engine? Some earlier V8s were Ferrari-built. Newer twin-turbo V6s and V8s are Maserati’s own architecture within the Stellantis family.
- How fast is it? A V6 S does 0–60 mph in the mid‑4s; V8 models can be quicker. Top speeds range up to ~190 mph depending on the model.
- Can independent shops service a Maserati? Absolutely—look for shops with Maserati diagnostic tools and experience. They’ll often be 20–30% cheaper than dealers.
