What's all this about?

Maserati has made some subtle, but effective tweaks to its Quattroporte saloon. It goes on sale from June with prices starting from £70,510.

And how does the range line up for that cash?

You've got the Quattroporte Diesel, the Quattroporte S and then the Quattroporte GTS. The first two are powered by 3.0-litre turbocharged V6s, the former a diesel with 275hp and 600Nm, the latter a Ferrari-produced biturbo petrol of 410hp and 550Nm. Then there's another engine derived from Maranello, the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 petrol, which powers the GTS with 530hp and 710Nm. All Quattroportes have eight-speed ZF automatic transmissions and Skyhook adaptive dampers, and all of them are faster flat out than they were before.

How fast?

The Diesel does 157mph, the S maxes out at 179mph and the brutal GTS can achieve a healthy 194mph. In addition, the 0-62mph times are pretty impressive too, at 6.4-, 5.1- and 4.7 seconds respectively.

What's changed outside and in?

Maserati has given the Quattroporte a more 'pointed and imposing' grille with chrome vertical elements, as well as matte black details for the mirrors, side skirts, front splitter and rear diffuser. Behind said grille is an electronically controlled Air Shutter, which can improve aerodynamics by 10 per cent, and within is a new capacitive 8.4-inch touchscreen, revised switchgear and some extra toys, both in terms of safety (electronic driver aids) and connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).

Is there a trim grade structure?

Yes, there is. Both the £70,510 Diesel and the £82,750 S models can be upgraded to either GranLusso or GranSport specification, either of which increases the prices by £8,400 to £78,910 and £91,150 respectively. GranLusso ramps up the luxury with more exclusive materials, additional kit (power foot pedals, electric rear sunblind, four-zone climate control, heated rear seats and extended keyless entry) and top-quality Italian craftsmanship, plus 20-inch Mercurio alloys in the arches, while the GranSport plays up the car's 50:50 weight distribution and 'lightweight' build ethos. It has more aggressive air intakes at the front, with more vents and a piano black spoiler at the rear, while 21-inch Titano alloy wheels are added. Inside are sports seats, a sports steering wheel (which can optionally be had in carbon fibre) and some sporty trim additions. An Exterior Carbon Pack is an option for GranSport cars.

How about the GTS?

It only comes in GranLusso or GranSport trim, which means it costs from £115,980.

Matt Robinson - 13 Jun 2016