With 400bhp available, the Quattroporte needs immense stopping capability and gets it from four massive, ventilated Brembo disc brakes and four-channel ABS with electronic brake distribution – all overseen by MSP, the Maserati safety programme for traction and stability control. Six airbags protect the front, side and rear cabin areas, seat belts have electronic pyrotechnical pretensioners and an inertia switch shuts down the fuel pumps to prevent fire after a collision.

The car’s interior is plush, but not as practical as some rivals. With a fixed rear bench, load space is strictly confined to the boot and a large fuel tank – it holds 90 litres – is the reason why luggage capacity of 450 litres is adequate rather than generous (the Mercedes S-Class has 560 litres for instance). But the boot compartment – fully carpeted and neatly trimmed – does have four lashing points, a power outlet, side storage area and also includes a handy underfloor space for smaller items.