Maserati rolls out range-wide Royale treatment
New special editions get Bowers and Wilkins stereo, unique paint and new wheels, available from £79k
New decade, same Maserati. Despite the promise of the long-awaited Alfieri arriving later this year, the rest of the fabled manufacturer's line-up remains rather uninspiring. With the Gran Turismo recently retired and the Quattroporte no longer available with a V8, the marque has been reduced to finding simpler ways to keep its range in the headlines.
The Royale series may just be the latest in a long line of 'special edition' Maseratis, then, but is worthy of our attention because, well, it's mid January and the rest of the automotive world is still recovering from its New Year hangover. Paying tribute to a 1986 special edition of the Quattroporte - a machine which featured a blue and green colour scheme, luxury leather upholstery and extensive use of wood - the new limited-run trimline brings several of that car's defining themes up to date for modern customers.
While only 51 examples of that car were produced, Maserati needs to sell more than that in 2020, so will make 100 Royale'd Ghiblis, Quattroportes and Levantes respectively. The unique designation will be available on cars fitted with 3.0-litre V6 engines only - that's the 275hp diesel and 350hp or 430hp petrol units - and comes in a choice of two colours: Blu Royale and Verde Royale.
A set of 21-inch Anteo Staggered Anthracite or Titanium Anthracite rims will be available on the saloon cars, both with silver brake calipers. Wheel options for the Levante haven't yet been confirmed. Interiors are based on Maserati's GranLusso trim, and feature high Gloss inserts - Metal Net for the Levante, Ebony for the Ghibli and Black Piano for the Quattroporte - a special "One of 100" plate, Bowers & Wilkins sound system, electric sunroof and privacy glass.
Royale series cars also come equipped with several usually-optional packs as standard, including Cold Weather, Premium and Driving Assistance Plus, ensuring that "whether driving down city streets or taking part in an exclusive grand tour, high-powered luxury will be met with greater-than-ever safety on the road." Jolly good.
First deliveries are scheduled for March, with prices starting at £78,900 for the Ghibli, £103,150 for the Quattroporte and £85,300 for the Levante. Remember, though, only 100 of each will be produced no matter the demand, so if you prefer your Maseratis Royale then you'd best order now.
100 of each model....I.doubt you will need to rush to order one and this comes from someone who suspects we may get a levantte next time round.
100 of each model....I.doubt you will need to rush to order one and this comes from someone who suspects we may get a levantte next time round.
Perhaps he meant DB9 and it’s VH platform, in which case he’d closer to the truth as that soldiered on up until only a few years ago under various guises, until it was replaced with the DB11.
Anyway, back on topic; They’re rolling a turd in glitter with this one. It’s an overpriced sub-standard product that is comprehensively outclassed by the competition. Totally an image over substance product, along with their usually tragically stereotypical owners.
And about the GT, to me it looks like that new Ferrari Roma is what the Alfieri was going to be. Looks like they took over the design again after the California or whatever the new version of that is called.
Edited - I meant Ferrari Roma
Edited - I meant Ferrari Roma
I struggle to see any appeal in Maserati these days, sure the leather seats look great, but the cars are generic and generally miles of class leadership.
The Ghibli diesel was a real low - like a 530d but kind of worse in every respect. The buying public weren't daft.
Also, the article could be a bit more clear on price. The article says that, in respect of the QP, prices for this special addition start at £103k. Does that mean that the base QP (the 350 hp one) tarted up is £103k and that the tarted up top of the range 430 hp QP is more expensive still? If so, the 430 hp one is probably going to cost about £113k! Which is about £25k more than the non tarted up top of the range QP.
As nice as it looks and no doubt feels, that is a lot of money for some wheels, paint, options, badge etc, especially when compared to the competition.
The quatraporte could be 150k+ car with the V8 out of the 488. Less volume but more exclusivity and profit. The brand deserves to be in the same ball park as Bentley and Aston Martin. It seems to me they keep them down just to keep Ferrari happy.
The Ghibli could be the entry level car again with the V8 and Ferrari know how to give the M5 a bloody nose. Cement them as something special.
Just sad when they have been dragged down to 530d level. It’s the company that built the birdcage and dominated the earlier years of F1.
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