The new Maserati Grecale GT makes for an elegant city commute, packed with the punch of a Maserati
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Maserati is continuing its venture into the mainstream—albeit on the more tasteful side—with the new Maserati Grecale, a mid-sized, premium SUV that falls below the weight class of the Maserati Levante, but counts the likes of the Porsche Macan, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5 and BMW X4 (you get the idea) as its sparring partners. Fun fact: Like many a Maserati, the new Maserati Grecale derives its name from a Mediterranean wind, so you can expect it to drive, well, like a breeze.
The new Maserati Grecale is available in three distinct trims: the base model GT (more on that later), the mid-tier Modena, and the top-of-the-line Trofeo. Imbuing the performance SUV with supercar-like status, the new Maserati Grecale Trofeo incorporates a detuned version of the Maserati MC20’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo Nettuno V-6, sharing the same Formula 1-derived twin combustion system at the heart of the super sports car’s powertrain. All three models come with eight-speed automatic gearboxes, all-wheel-drive and four drive modes: Comfort, GT, Sport and Off-Road—although the Maserati Grecale Trofeo enjoys an additional ‘Corsa’ (or ‘Race’) mode, just because it can.
But that in no way means the new Maserati Grecale GT feels like a slouch. Its four-cylinder mild hybrid engine translates to 300 hp and 450 Nm of torque, hitting a pretty neat 5.6 second century sprint time. It boasts smooth handling credentials, too. Put the car in ‘Sport’ mode to sharpen steering and throttle response, as it oozes with confidence around bends with pops of throaty exhaust notes—a reminder that it’s a thoroughbred Maserati, lest you forget. In ‘GT’ mode, the SUV remains quick on its feet, with the composure of that shown in ‘Comfort’ mode.
Look past the different engine configurations and you’ll see that the new Maserati Grecale—in all its forms—pays homage to the marque’s rich sporting heritage. There are the stylistic elements of the Maserati MC20 visible in the front grille and headlights, whereas the rear’s silhouette is a throwback to the iconic Maserati 3200 GT. Not to mention the Trident emblem and signature triple side air vents, along with four large exhaust pipes and standard 19-inch alloys.
Peeking within, the new Maserati Grecale GT features an abundance of state-of-the-art technologies, most evidently displayed in the Maserati Intelligent Assistant infotainment system. It comprises an expansive 12.3-inch screen, the brand’s largest to-date, and a secondary 8.8-inch comfort display for climate control and such. Other technological flourishes include a crisp surround sound system by Italian audio specialist Sonus faber, the first-ever, digitally interfaced Maserati watch on the upper dash, and aluminium-finished electronic buttons by the door panels for easy in-/egress—all hinting, no doubt, at the marque’s bold, electric future.
