Maserati has given its flagship model, the Quattroporte, an update (actually, make that two) for 2016, and the result is the GranLusso and GranSport — both polar opposites of each other.

The Maserati Quattroporte (literally translated to ‘four doors’) has had an illustrious history since its inception in 1963. Less clinical than its German counterparts: the Mercedes S class, Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series, the four-door grand tourer is now available in two models to better suit the diverse preferences of Maserati’s customer base.

The GranLusso is the luxury-oriented variant of the two, its exteriors now fitted with 20-inch Mercurio alloys and subtler spoilers. Other enhancements include chrome bumper inserts, black brake calipers and an elegant 20-inch Mercurio wheels. Inside, the car is decked in bespoke Ermenegildo Zegna silk and leather, and finished with top grade wooden trim.

On the other end of the spectrum, the GranSport – as its name suggests – is performance-driven, both in style and function. Front and rear new sports bumpers with body-coloured sideskirts reflect its driver’s more athletic lifestyles, as with its larger 21-inch Titano wheels and red brake calipers. The GranSport is essentially a big limo with sporting intent, so it’s only natural its interiors also play the part. Carbon fiber trimmings and piano-black wood veneers add to its aggressiveness, while its sport seats are built for optimum comfort and support, a feature you will appreciate after you learn what its engines can do.

At the heart of the cars, the same Ferrari-developed 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 530 hp, propelling the car from 0 to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds and delivering a top speed of 310 km/h. A milder (read: less exciting) 410 hp twin-turbo V6 option is also available, hitting nought to 100 km/h at 5.1 seconds. Both versions are also fitted with a host of latest-generation active safety technology, including an adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, a new electric parking brake and a 360-degree camera.