An Odd Mixture
by David Finlay (18 Apr 08)

The words "executive" and "Maserati" may not immediately seem likely occupants of the same sentence, and you might be surprised to find that there is such a thing as a powerful Italian sports car with a bias towards the comfort of the rear-seat passengers. But that's what we have here.

The Executive GT represents two models in the seven-strong Quattroporte range. There's the automatic-transmission version which is the subject of this test, plus the one with the semi-automatic Duo Select gearbox which is slightly quicker and costs exactly the same but will probably be far less popular.

If you have a keen eye for these things you'll spot the Executive on the road thanks to its 19" wheels (other Quattroportes get 18" or 20" rims) and its chromed front and side grilles. Most of the things which distinguish this car from the others are inside, though, and apart from the wood-rimmed steering wheel they're all in the back.

First of all there's rear seat comfort pack which consists of heating, ventilation and massage systems. Rear passengers also get their own climate controls and and sunblinds, and have access to airline-style retractable tables which fold out from the back of the front seats.

These tables cause what is for me the car's biggest problem. In all its other forms the Quattroporte is impressively spacious in the back, and for executives of short stature I'm sure the tables won't impinge on legroom to any great extent. As a 6'3" person I find that my knees are jammed right up against them even when they're folded up, and folding them down fully is all but impossible. Maybe I'm just the wrong sort of executive.

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