SUVs are big business for every car manufacturer, and the Maserati Grecale is the second such model from the Italian firm, following in the wheel tracks of the larger Levante. The new Grecale is designed with big sales numbers in mind, as the sports car maker attempts to secure its future.
"The Everyday Exceptional"
The new Grecale shares its platform with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, but it has been significantly redeveloped for the new model. Maserati uses the tagline "The Everyday Exceptional" to describe the car, as it attempts to offer 'the right balance between sportiness and elegance'.
At launch, the Grecale engine range will comprise a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit with mild-hybrid technology and either 300hp or 330hp, depending on model, while a twin-turbo V6 with 530hp will also be offered. At a later date, the all-electric Grecale Folgore will be Maserati's first EV, and will come with a 105kWh battery and an electric drive system making 800Nm of torque.
Sports car influence
The Maserati Grecale measures 4,846mm long, 1,948mm wide and 1,670mm tall, so is slightly larger than a Porsche Macan or Alfa Stelvio, while the car's styling draws inspiration from the recently launched Maserati MC20 mid-engined sports car. There's a large grille with Maserati's familiar trident badge in the middle, while the headlights are separate and set high on each corner of the bonnet.
There's Maserati's trademark triple portholes on the front wings, taillights inspired by the 3200 GT coupe and the car's curves are emphasised by a variety of exclusive paint colours. The entry point to the Grecale range is the GT, while Modena and Trofeo versions pump up the visuals with bigger bumpers, chunkier styling and larger wheels.
Hybrid engines
Each trim has its own engine, and the four-cylinder turbocharged units feature 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. This includes a belt starter generator that charges a battery in the boot, while power from the battery assists the engine under light loads, or provides extra power in Sport mode.
The Grecale GT comes with a 300hp version of the four-cylinder engine, which also has 450Nm of torque and is good for a 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds. Power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a four-wheel-drive system, while Brembo brakes bring the car to a halt.
Move to the Grecale Modena and the four-cylinder turbo is bumped up to 330hp (although maximum torque remains at 450Nm) while there's a wider rear track, the four-wheel-drive system incorporates a limited-slip rear differential and adaptive dampers are included, too. This model sprints from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
At the top of the range is the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo Grecale Trofeo. This model has 530hp and 620Nm of torque, and is capable of 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 285km/h. It also comes with an eight-speed gearbox and four-wheel drive, while an electronic locking rear differential is added, as well as six-piston Brembo brakes and air suspension (the latter is available as an option on the other models).
All models of Grecale feature a Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM). This is an evolution of the electronic control system seen in the MC20 sports car, and has been developed by Maserati to manage the car's electronic sub-systems to deliver an entertaining drive. There are five drive modes - Comfort, GT, Sport, Corsa (Trofeo model only) and Off-Road - and these see the VDCM adjust settings according to which mode is chosen.
Upmarket image
As well as sports car performance, Maserati is giving the Grecale a stylish look inside by turning to the world of Italian interior design. The GT model features full leather trim, while saddle stitching and laser-cut metal speaker grilles add to the classy looks.
The Grecale Modena adds embroidered motifs, grey open-pore ash wood inserts and the option of red or light-coloured leather, while the Trofeo adds perforated leather, carbon fibre trim and high-contrast stitching throughout. To go with these interior themes, Maserati is offering a wide range of exterior colours, including vivid Giallo Corse yellow and Bronzo Opaco - a silky finish designed to highlight the Grecale's lines.
Technology inside includes a 12.3-inch infotainment system with an ultra-HD display that uses an Android Auto operating system. There is voice control via 'hey Maserati' commands and there's the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth, as well as the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility.
As is Maserati tradition, the Grecale's dashboard features a clock, but it's now digital rather than analogue. It's used to operate the voice control system and can also be turned into a compass or G-meter, too.