Maserati drops the Grecale, features V6, hybrid, and electric power
Maserati sets its sights on the mid-size SUV category, eyeing up the Porsche Macan, Range Rover Velar, BMW X3, Audi SQ5 and other premium performance SUVs. The Grecale is slightly larger than a Macan but smaller than a Cayenne. Maserati claims it is the most spacious and comfortable crossover SUV in its class measuring only 150mm shorter than the Levante.
Grecale, translated from Gregale (a north-easterly Mediterranean wind) follows a tradition of naming Maseratis after winds. Maserati expects the Grecale to play a major role in reviving and boosting sales of the Modena-based brand. It’s the second new model in five years from the brand following the MC20 supercar.
What trim levels are there?
The Grecale is available in three trims: GT, Modena, and Trofeo. The all-electric Folgore won’t arrive until 2023.
The top-spec Grecale Trofeo has a 3.0 V6 which is a detuned version of the Nettuno engine as found in the MC20, producing 390kW and 620Nm of torque. It has a 0-100 sprint time of 3.8sec which is assisted by launch control and an electronic limited-slip rear diff. The Trofeo gets an eight-speed automatic transmission and sits on 21-inch wheels. Fuel consumption is a claimed 11.2L/100km.
Sitting below the Trofeo model is the Modena, which produces 243kW and 450Nm of torque, enough to complete the 0-100km/h dash in 5.3seconds. Both the Modena and Trofeo have a wider rear wheel track of 34mm over the GT, with the Modena riding on 20-inch rims (the GT makes do with 19s).
The entry-level GT outputs 221kW but produces the same amount of torque as the Modena (450Nm). Maserati claims this model will hit the legal limit in 5.6sec. Both the GT and Modena are set up for performance over economy, yet fuel consumption is claimed to be as low as 8.7L/100km.
The GT and Modena both have 2.0 four-cylinder mild-hybrid engines with a belt starter-generator (based on the Ghibli system) to give the engine electrical assistance and both are mated to the same eight-speed auto as the Trofeo. A limited-edition PrimaSerie Launch Edition will be initially available with ‘exclusive content’ but don’t expect any cut-price entry-level model.
The 2023 electric Folgore is expected to employ two electric motors and to produce up to 500kW and 800Nm. It will feature a 105kWh battery and 400v electric system.
Design
The Grecale builds on design elements from the MC20, the front end of the Trofeo especially. Each trim level gets its own distinctive bumper design. The Grecale features the recently updated Maserati logo and trident badges, DRLs that resemble the trident barbs and rear lights with the boomerang design of the 3200 GT. Other traditional Maserati styling cues are there too, like the front wing portholes and C-pillar trident badge. Refreshingly, the electric Folgore does not have green or blue accents reminding you that it’s an EV. However, it does get bronze badges, a possible sign of things to come for all-electric Maseratis.
What’s it like inside
Inside is a mix of classic Maserati DNA combined with some new thinking. It gets a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch and 8.8-inch screen in the centre console. Using Maserati’s Intelligent Assistant (MIA) Multimedia system, it offers multiple user profiles and both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drive mode is selected by buttons that sit between the two aforementioned screens allowing for more storage and drink holders where the shifter would traditionally be. The wheel is adorned with plenty of buttons including the engine start/stop button and large paddles should you wish to shift gears yourself.
Other tech highlights include a Sonus Faber sound system, Maserati connect, heads-up display, ambient interior lighting, Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa support, and an additional screen in the rear for the tri-zone climate control. A first for Maserati is the digital clock sitting centre in the dash which can be configured to a compass or g-force meter. It also emits a signal when using the ‘Hey Maserati’ voice control. All trim levels get leather upholstery with perforated leather exclusive to the Trofeo model. Wood-look, aluminium and carbon inserts are also options.
The GT and Modena get 535 litres of boot space behind the rear seats. The Trofeo model gets slightly more at 570L due to the lack of a hybrid battery. Additional storage space can be found beneath the rear seats and boot floor.
Being part of the Stellantis group it is no surprise that the Grecale uses a modified version of the Giorgio platform which also features in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, despite this Maserati are very keen to point out that this is very much a Maserati. It features a longer wheelbase of 2901mm (Stelvio 2818mm), a wider track and increased stiffening with the option of air suspension.
Pricing is yet to be announced but expect the base GT model to start at around $114,000 NZD.
