Maserati Quattroporte vs BMW M3
What's the difference?

Maserati Quattroporte

—

2016 price

View pricing & specs

BMW M3

$124,800 - $199,990

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2016 Maserati Quattroporte

2023 BMW M3

By Peter Anderson

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Turbo 6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

9.6L/100km (combined)

10.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Terrific powertrain
Huge luxurious cabin
Great looks and badge

Brutal acceleration
Surprisingly compliant in the city
Boot space for days

Dislikes

Iffy entertainment software
Weird sensations through electric steering
Some dodgy plastic chrome bits

Carbon pack a little (a lot) silly
Thirsty as all get out
Design a little polarising (though I like it)

2016 Maserati Quattroporte Summary

Maserati's Quattroporte is part of a dying breed. A decade or so ago, the European manufacturers took a huge amount of pride in their range-topping big luxury sedans, cars you can either drive or be driven in, bristling with the latest technology.

In 2015, all we hear about are the range-topping SUVs from those makers, with cars like the S-Class and 7 Series fading slowly into irrelevance.

While by no means low-tech, the Maserati Quattroporte takes the high style route, focussing on a luxurious interior with that handmade feel.

View full pricing & specs

2023 BMW M3 Summary

There’s no point waxing too lyrical here, because the facts surrounding the M3 Touring are more than exciting enough.

It’s a (kind of) family friendly wagon with oodles of space and practicality. It’s also an unhinged performance weapon with a thumping 3.0-litre twin-turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder engine.

And it has been years — decades, even — in the making. So, has it been worth the wait? Let’s strap in and find out.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2016 Maserati Quattroporte 2023 BMW M3

Verdict

Beauty is way more than skin-deep in the Quattroporte and while the 330 doesn't have the punch of the S, it's hardly that much slower. Maserati reasons you will want to spend the $25,000 saved on options, concentrating on the Italian craftsmanship rather than the outright performance available in the V8 or the efficiency of the less aurally attractive diesel.

As with any car of this type, you've got to want one in the first place, but for a big, beautiful sedan, there's nothing as good looking this side of an Aston Rapide. The Quattroporte 330 does nothing to dim the allure of Modena's big mover and, if you're that way inclined, nobody on the outside will ever know.

Verdict

Long live the mighty wagon. The BMW M3 Touring is treat to look at, and an even bigger treat to drive.

If you want one, act fast. We waited a long time for a wagon-shaped M3, and with electrification increasing in the automotive industry, this will likely be your last chance.

Maserati Quattroporte vs BMW M3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Maserati Quattroporte vs BMW M3
What's the difference?