In a world of luxury SUV contenders, the Maserati Grecale GT merges performance with practicality, and design with dynamism
It’s a solid drive, that’s for sure. We’re talking about the latest Grecale GT, one of the many releases by Maserati in 2024, which has been billed as the “Everyday Exceptional”. After spending two days exploring its capabilities, we can corroborate it is precisely that: a seamless blend of Italian elegance, spacious comfort, and the unmissable spark of spirited daily driving.
The Grecale GT, with a silhouette reminiscent of the Porsche Macan, draws immediate attention; its sleek, sporty stance holds up well against other luxury SUVs, with design cues that hint at Maserati’s lineage. From the imposing grille to the boomerang taillights inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT, it’s an iconic Maserati look that doesn’t shout for attention, but still receives it. The entry-level Grecale GT houses a 2.0-litre mild-hybrid engine pushing 300 hp—a configuration that offers respectable agility despite its SUV heft. On the other hand, its siblings, the muscular mid-range Grecale Modena and range-topping Grecale Trofeo produces 325 hp and 523 hp respectively.
Slide within, and the Grecale GT continues to impress. The expansive cabin is ready-made for families, imbued with the luxurious design sophistication Maserati promises. The cabin layout is anchored by clean lines and exceptionally premium materials. Think thoughtful use of woodgrain inserts and leather in the interior; and for those who desire just an extra touch of sportiness, optional carbon fibre accents are available as well.
On the highly intuitive centre console, Maserati has dispensed with cluttered buttons and knobs. It relies instead on two touchscreens: a 12.3-inch infotainment panel, and a smaller 8.8-inch display for climate controls and such (think headlight-level adjustments). We came to appreciate this dual-screen setup very quickly into our two-day drive; the convenience of access to quick adjustments of temperature and fan speed of the air-conditioning was a feature ideal for the rigours of everyday use.
One point of personal contention, though, was the push-button gear selector on the centre console. Call us old-school, but having to glance down and push a button instead of instinctively moving an actual lever felt awkward. While the design frees up extra storage space in the console, it did take much getting used to.
Another point to note is that the audio controls are placed behind the steering wheel, instead of the front. And since the more visible volume control slider is located closer to the passenger side of the centre console, it is important not to take your eyes off the road to stretch across and adjust the volume of your tunes. Also behind the steering wheel are a pair of paddle shifters that are large and provide satisfying tactile feedback when in use.
Comfort meets control
The driving modes available–namely Comfort, GT, Sport and Off-road–cater to a variety of conditions, allowing you to shape the car’s performance around your mood, from effortless urban commutes to a more energetic weekend drive. In Comfort mode, the car is well-tuned for everyday commuting with a forgiving throttle response and softer suspension. Toggle into Sport mode, and the ride takes on a livelier stance: the throttle sharpens, exhaust notes open up to a deepened growl, and steering gains weight, echoing a performance-oriented Maserati experience.
We found ourselves gravitating towards the GT mode most for its smooth and linear power delivery, lending itself to an almost meditative driving experience which still maintained Maserati’s unmistakeable performance DNA. It struck a pleasant equilibrium between Comfort and Sport, delivering ample power when called upon without overindulging on throttle sensitivity. It’s the perfect middle ground—ideal for that Maserati flair, just without the drama. When it comes to handling, the Grecale GT surprises. Despite its SUV form, it feels remarkably nimble, staying composed and grounded even around tight corners, and maintaining stability at higher speeds.
The Grecale GT isn’t all about aesthetics and performance; it genuinely has family-friendly features. The boot space, clocking in at 535 litres, provides a wide, flat loading bay that’s versatile enough for weekly grocery runs or a weekend-trip’s worth of luggage. And while we’re on the topic of versatility, the three-zone climate control allows passengers to adjust their own climate preferences—a thoughtful touch for road trips or school runs alike.
system offers two levels of customisation. The highest of which boasts 21 speakers and 3D sound for depth of field and truly unique roundness of sound. Photo by Maserati
Sound is another area Maserati prioritised, with the Sonus faber sound system transforming even the mundane into an immersive experience. You should have seen our faces light up in awe when we fired up Spotify over Apple CarPlay minutes into our drive–the rich, crisp audio was frankly unexpected, and nothing short of, well, exceptional. Whether you’re a discerning audiophile or simply enjoy belting out lyrics on long drives, the 14-driver sound system within the cabin offers depth and clarity that underscores its premium quality.
The 2024 Maserati Grecale GT is an ambitious move to redefine the everyday SUV, aiming squarely at those who desire a taste of Italian luxury without sacrificing practicality even as the base-level model. It manages to be both exciting and comfortable, spacious yet refined, and modern while still steeped in heritage.
