After years of teasing, Maserati has finally taken the wraps off its mid-size SUV to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Known as the Grecale, the smaller sibling to the Levante will also go head-to-head with the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Mercedes ECQ and upcoming Porsche Macan EV with an all-electric model coming in 2023.
Reportedly based on the same underpinnings as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the Grecale is arguably the most important model for Maserati’s future. The arrival of the Levante has added much-needed sales for the Italian brand, but the mid-size SUV market is larger so there is more potential for growth with the Grecale.
While the all-electric Grecale Folgore won’t be revealed until next year, Maserati has confirmed a three model line-up for the initial launch – GT, Modena and Trofeo. The GT is powered by a 223kW four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assistance; the Modena gets a more powerful 246kW version of the same engine; while the range-topping Trofeo, gets the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 as the MC20 sports car, tuned to make 395kW.
The company claims the Grecale Trofeo will accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds and have a top speed of 285km/h.
Maserati hasn’t released official details of the Folgore powertrain, but did confirm it will have 400V technology. It’s tipped to feature a tri-motor set-up, with a pair of motors on the rear-axle and a single motor at the front.
Dimensionally, the Grecale is unsurprisingly similar to the Stelvio, measuring 4846mm long, 2163mm wide and 1670mm high with a 2901mm wheelbase.
The Grecale program was developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena but production will be done at the Cassino plant, where the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio are built.
According to the brand, the design of the new model “embraces Maserati’s new visual symbol” which aims to create a visually distinctive range amongst the new models (which includes the new MC20 and upcoming GranTurismo) albeit with a family resemblance.
The grille is set low in the front bumper and features the brand’s famous trident badge prominently. At the rear there’s a subtle nod to the famous ‘boomerang taillights’ of the 3200 GT sports car.
The interior is loaded with technology, with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, 8.8-inch digital dashboard and even the traditional clock has become a digital display. Premium materials will be used throughout the cabin including wood, leather and carbon fibre.
A new infotainment system, dubbed Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) will control the car’s internal systems, including the stereo. A 14-speaker Sonus faber audio system will be standard on European models, while the higher grades will feature a 21-speaker system.
No details of the Grecale’s Australian launch timing and pricing have been announced yet.
It has been a busy week for Maserati with the brand confirming that the 2023 GranTurismo will be its first production EV, by 2025 all models will have an electric option and by 2030 every model in the range will be entirely electric.
Keyword: 2022 Maserati Grecale revealed: Italian brand takes on BMW X3, Audi SQ5 and Tesla Model Y with new SUV