Three versions, as many engines, lots of technology and Italian luxury. And, next year, also the electric Folgore. Here is Maserati Grecale, one or the most anticipated models that celebrates the relaunch of the brand within Stellantis. The car arrives a few months behind schedule due to the chip crisis.
Grecale is a medium-large size SUV with which Maserati aims to enter a new segment. It is placed under the no longer young Levante which thus risks being cannibalized by the newcomer who, to tell the truth, is not really compact with its 4.85 meters in length and 2 in width. The car, built in Cassino, is based on the Giorgio platform, that of Alfa Romeo Stelvio, but has been revised and modified in depth (first and foremost the suspension). The wheelbase, for example, is about ten cm longer for a total of 2.9 meters, a flagship value that increases the roominess (the house claims to accommodate a 99 percentile in the front and rear seats). Indeed, getting on board in a short test drive the feeling of space is evident. And the trunk is also travel-proof: 570 liters. In short, Grecale points to the upper segment (the E one, even though it belongs to the D). The focus is mainly on the Porsche Macan, but in general all the premium suvs of the German passport.
The style is pleasant, not very noisy and, even with some déjà-vu, conquers the eye. Available in three versions: Gt, Modena and Trofeo, different for the engine (all petrol) and the level of performance. GT and Modena (the latter is the subject of our test) adopt a 4-cylinder biturbo mild hybrid line of just two liters that delivers, respectively, 300 and 330 horsepower with a maximum torque of 450 Nm constant between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm ( and the push behind the wheel feels good). The Trofeo, on the other hand, boasts the 3-liter V6 with 530 hp and 620 Nm starting at 3,000 rpm. It is practically a domesticated version of the Neptune engine of the super sporty 630 horsepower MC20.
Trofeo is a zero-hundred supersuv in 3.8 seconds and 285 km / h. GT and Modena, however, are performance cars (0-100 in 5.6 and 5.3 seconds) but keep an eye on consumption and emissions. The two versions, especially the GT, are also suitable for corporate fleets, obviously the top ones, because there is so much luxury on board. The interiors exhibit leather furnishings and very neat finishes (with the discordant note of the unpleasant sound of arrows). The kinship with the popular (so to speak) Alfa Romeo Stelvio is invisible and at the wheel the Modena offers a good mix of comfort and driving pleasure with high-level handling thanks to the electronically controlled suspension (optional but super recommended). The car changes character according to the driving modes: Comfort, GT, Sport and Off-road and, only on Trofeo, Corsa. The steering is flawless for precision and “communication” with the driver. Exciting, and to be enjoyed until the electric era takes over, the exhaust sound (which is not the thrilling voice of the Trofeo V6) but, to be that of a turbocharged four-cylinder, it is satisfying.
Sound plays a key role in Grecale, also in support of the Italian spirit. In fact, as standard, there is an audio system (in two versions) made by Sonus Faber, the noble Vicenza hi-end brand. It is an original choice that contrasts, in a refined way, the proposals of competitors (with the various Bose, B&O, Meridian or Burmester). In the new Trident SUV, technology is therefore central, starting with the Adas (Level 2).