2009 Maserati Quattroporte 4.7 S

As a 2009-built Quattroporte this fabulous example benefits from a raft of upgrades that improved the QP formula immeasurably. Not only does it look sharper – due to new sills, bumpers, wing mirrors (incidentally shared with the GranTurismo) front grille and rear lights – but crucially, facelifted QPs got a transmission upgrade too in the form of the much more reliable and enjoyable to use fully-automatic ZF six-speed. Previous models came with the awkward DuoSelect transaxle, itself a Maserati development of the old Ferrari twin-plate semi-auto.

This model is the go-faster S version with the tip top 4.7-litre engine. Clearly the vendor felt that the 424bhp factory power wasn’t up to snuff so had the engine management remapped to unlock 465bhp. That rampant urge is marshalled through the fully-auto ZF by either the optional paddle-shift manual overrides or the conventional centre-console selector. As with all QPs of this generation the rear tyres get half a chance to grip thanks to a limited-slip differential. The overall condition of this super saloon means it’s still utterly in-keeping with its original high-end market and can still turn a few heads. This Maser still represents an awful lot of car, even by 2021 standards.

The classy shade adorning this QP’s bodywork is rather romantically referred to as ‘Grigio Granito’ – that’s grey granite in somewhat less florid English. Aside from the odd very minor scuff or light scratch here and there, the exterior remains in very fine order. In this dark shade, this Maserati’s panels take on a mirror-like finish, making it tough to photograph. Many an offcut image ended up in the bin due to catching the reflection of the prat holding the camera because it’s just so shiny. There is one area of damage that only draws the eye once you’re at ground level. The nearside corner of the front splitter has clearly been dragged over a high kerb. There’s a few other similar (less obvious) scrapes along this low and exposed front panel.

Chromework appears excellent with a shine to the grille slats, door handles and trident badges that would still make Modena proud. Those large and attractive 19-inch alloy wheels have the odd mild rub mark to their edges, likely from close kerb contact, but they remain on the right side of a refurb for all but the most discerning. They’re shod in correct Pirelli P Zero tyres too with good tread depth and date stamps from the middle of 2018.

A luxury vehicle is bought or binned on the strength of its cabin. Thankfully this Maserati presents just as well on the inside as it does out. There’s plenty of toys too, all of which appear to still be doing what they’re supposed to. Air-conditioning, satellite navigation, parking sensor (front and rear), heated electric seats with more adjustment than your average dentist’s pew all combine with premium Bose audio and an electric rear screen to make you feel thoroughly pampered.

The latter does make an odd whirring noise at the bottom of its travel down the rear window, but it still functions. Another minor glitch is the illuminated buttons on the steering wheel, they apparently occasionally become intermittent. Well, it’s Italian and complicated so it wasn’t going to be utterly faultless was it?

The seat, carpet and headlining fabrics are all in excellent shape with very little signs of wear. The usual old sticky plastics that you get with Masers and Ferraris of this era is present. Press the audio controls or the Sport button in the dash and it feels as if you’re giving it a fingerprint sample. Kits are available to fix this but it’s really not as bad as some we’ve encountered. There’s more good news in the boot too with the original travel toolkit, warning triangle, high-vis vest, bulbs and first aid kit all present and correct.

It’s really tricky to get a peek underneath this sporting saloon without a ramp. Its low-slung and wide stance mean the majority of its underside is out of sight. We did however manage to glance along the floors and sills and found little to worry about. There’s a bit of surface corrosion here and there on cover panels and the odd exhaust hanger but certainly nothing that appears untoward for a 12-year old car. 

Supplied new to Ferrari and Maserati concessionaire Lancaster (confusingly in Colchester) the car stuck around for its first three services from 2011 at just 9221 miles, to 2014 when it still only registered 17,339 miles. A move to well-known Maserati specialist Meridien Modena occurred in 2016, with another shift in care to equally well-respected purveyors of Italian exotics, Emblem Sports Cars took place from 2016 to 2020.

In addition to dealer and specialist servicing there’s plenty of reassuringly large bills elsewhere in the history. Case in point, a £3833.75 invoice from Autoshield Maserati in Manchester for a replacement engine variator, associated front cover gaskets and a full fluid and filter service in December 2020. Further bills – always between £500 and £1500 – can been seen at regular intervals but one large bill stands out. At £6983 the crucial 35k-mile service – that includes swapping all fluids including diff, engine and brake plus filters – was bolstered by a front suspension refresh due to pothole damage. There was also a £1906 air-conditioning rebuild in 2016 and another major fluid and filter service (at 75k) in 2020.

A more evocative or theatrical super saloon experience is hard to come by. As an objective one car to do it all, this Maser is perhaps too much of a thoroughbred but if you want a competent all-rounder you need only look in BMW’s direction. If instead you want an entrancing and utterly captivating thriller with all the theatre of a four-door Ferrari, then this QP is for you.

There’s no denying that many see Maserati ownership as a risky and potentially expensive prospect but with a solid history showing ample care lavished on this QP, we’re confident that it will reach its estimate of between £13,500 and £17,500.

Viewing is always encouraged (within Govt. guidelines of course), and this particular car is located with us in Kings Lynn. To arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.