The Grecale will compete directly with the Porsche Macan, Audi Q5, and BMW X3, and will soon be available with a long-range all-electric powertrain.
Maserati prides itself on creating models with the highest level of performance and exclusivity. Since its inception in 1914, the Italian carmaker made GT and sports cars such as the Ghibli, GranTurismo, and Quattroporte. It moved across several prominent owners such as Citroen, De Tomaso, FIAT, and Ferrari, before finally settling into the super conglomerate Stellantis in 2021.
Under the new owner, the Italian brand will focus more on sustainability and green technologies. On that note, Maserati continued the tradition of naming cars after natural winds, with the Grecale based on a cool South Mediterranean airstream.
The Grecale keeps things sporty, classy, and alluring by retaining the oval grille with the Maserati Trident and vertical elements. Other interesting design cues included the triple gills on the front fenders and a curvy rear-end with the quad-pipe exhaust system! Overall, though, it’s a much more subdued look than the Levante.
Although technically labeled an ‘SUV,’ the Grecale looks more akin to a hot hatch with more than enough ammunition under the shell to match the moniker. Maserati offers the crossover in three flavors with two powertrains. The GT and Modena feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged i4 and a 48V system, producing 296 hp in the base trim (GT) and 325 hp on the Modena. These engines’ 0-60 mph acceleration times are 5.3 and 5.0 seconds, respectively.
While the i4s are powerful in their own right, the Trofeo is the one geared towards enthusiasts. It packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (MC20), producing 523 hp. As a result, the Grecale Trofeo can sprint from 0-60 mph in a supercar-rivaling 3.8 seconds. Moreover, the high-performance version won’t stop until it reaches 285 km/h (177 mph)!
In addition to this, the automaker also included various driving modes and response maps, including off-road, comfort, GT, and Corsa. Meanwhile, the cabin is loaded with tech features, such as the twin-display unit on the center console. The system combines a 12.3″ main display and an 8.8” secondary screen and comes with Google’s Android OS. Features like the HVAC, seats and ambient lighting are also controlled by the touchscreens, which might not be the happiest solution. The Grecale also features a bright and easy-to-use 12.3’’ drivers display combined with a HUD to showcase all important information.
Maserati also emphasizes the interior’s material quality and fit and finish. For instance, the standard heated+ventilated seats are wrapped up in soft and fine leather, whereas the dashboard and center console utilize carbon fiber and open wood pore to dial up the luxury quotient.
Also worth mentioning is the suite of ADAS (ACC, Lane Centering, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Driver Assist) equipment on board.
But the mild-hybrid and high-performance Trofeo versions only scratch the surface, as Maserati also works on an all-electric version called the Folgore. Initial specs reveal a 105.4 kWh battery pack and a 400V system capable of supporting a motor with a torque output of 590 lb-ft. Well, well, there’s one thing for sure — it is sure to be a bang!
Maserati already shared pricing for the US market, with the entry-level GT starting at $64,995.
Gallery: Maserati Grecale
