
Quattroporte is equipped with an engine codenamed M156D. The entire Quattroporte lineup uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, available in both high and low power versions. The high-power version delivers a maximum horsepower of 430 hp, while the low-power version offers 350 hp. It features direct fuel injection technology and utilizes an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. The Maserati Quattroporte is adorned with a prestigious three-layer blue paint with deep texture, and for the first time, it incorporates a black and brown dual-tone cabin, Italian top-grade full-grain leather, and a satin-finished chrome aluminum nameplate with a limited-edition exclusive logo on the dashboard trim. These designs and exclusive configurations further enhance its luxurious appeal.

I've driven several Quattroportes, and the engine story needs to be told by generation. The top dog in the 2013 generation was the 4.7L V8 naturally aspirated, which you can still find in the used market. Later, the entire lineup switched to turbocharging - post-2016 models all came with the 3.0T V6 twin-turbo. But don't underestimate this machine: the standard version delivers 430hp with solid kick-in-the-back acceleration when you floor it. The Trofeo performance version released two years ago is even more brutal, packing 590hp and hitting 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds - a true wolf in sheep's clothing. Here's a little-known fact: its turbos are positioned in the V-angle between cylinder banks, giving it razor-sharp throttle response. If you're checking out new models recently, salespeople will definitely brag about that 3.8T engine shared with the Levante.

Last year, while accompanying a friend to pick up the Quattroporte, I specifically studied the engine bay. Currently, there are three main engine options available: the base 3.0T with 350 horsepower, which is actually sufficient for daily driving; the high-power 430-horsepower version that pops and bangs when you floor it; and the top-tier 3.8T packing eight cylinders, with exhaust manifolds that deliver an Akrapovic-like soundtrack. Special mention goes to the cooling system—the Trofeo version hides three independent radiators behind the front grille, making it more resilient during aggressive driving compared to lower trims. By the way, ’s engine bay layout is truly a work of art—lifting the hood reveals red valve covers adorned with the iconic trident emblem.

The engine code of this generation Quattroporte is M156, which is essentially a heavily modified version of the 3.0T from the Ghibli. However, engineers increased the turbo pressure from 1.2Bar to 1.5Bar and replaced the piston rods with forged ones. Recently, while testing the Trofeo version, I noticed a detail: the engine's redline is at 7200 rpm, 400 rpm higher than the standard version. But what surprised me the most was the fuel consumption—just around 13L/100km in city driving with AC on, much more economical than the old V8. When choosing a car, pay attention to the engine mount bushings; some older cars may produce a clunking sound during hard acceleration.

Just compared different displacement versions of the Quattroporte on the track. The low-power 3.0T version starts noticeably gentler, but the turbo kicks in linearly after 2000 rpm. The high-power version produces crisper exhaust backfire sounds when lifting off the throttle, especially with downshifts and throttle blips in tunnels - you get those satisfying 'pops'. The top-spec 3.8T is in another league altogether, with its twin-scroll turbo feeling like an adrenaline shot post-4000 rpm. Transmission tuning also differs: the low-power version shifts more smoothly, while the high-power model actively maintains higher revs in Sport mode. A heads-up for northern drivers - the exhaust valves default to fully open during cold starts, so warm-ups can be quite loud for neighbors in winter.

You don't truly understand Maserati's essence until you've seen a repair shop disassemble a Quattroporte's engine. The V6 cylinders are arranged at a 90-degree angle, with cooling channels hidden in the center to reduce knocking. The turbochargers are custom-made by BorgWarner, and the blow-off valve produces an exceptionally deep, muffled sound. During refurbishment, we discovered a clever design detail—the engine oil pan is actually made of magnesium alloy, taking lightweighting down to the bones. However, watch out for the valve cover gasket; this generation may develop oil seepage around 100,000 km. If budget allows, opt for the active exhaust system—even at idle with valves fully open, it produces a bubbling water sound that'll make supercar owners roll down their windows to look at you when you take off from a red light.


