“The Quattroporte has enough Italian charm to have the ladies falling at its feet and men (even presidents) fighting to get behind the wheel”. So begins the review of the Maserati Quattroporte S in the August 2008 edition of Auto Illustrierte.

The Swiss magazine considers the Quattroporte one of the most fascinating luxury saloons thanks to its interior that is “fitted out like a suite, with first class materials full of the scents and sounds that bring to mind an Italian gentleman”.

The article than explains how the 4.7 litre engine helps out the driver halfway up the rev range: “at 2500 rpm, the engine delivers 82% of its peak torque, aided by the ZF automatic gearbox that is very quick and precise”.

Summing up, Auto Illustrierte sees the Quattroporte S as a car for “presidents in a hurry”. Luxury is combined with power and true sporty handling. “The steering is very direct, the weight distribution spot on with 49% over the front and 51% at the rear. The Skyhook electronic damping completes the rundown of the spec that gives the driver total freedom of expression”.