Competes with: Porsche Macan, Jaguar F-Pace, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC Class
Looks like: A smaller Maserati Levante
Powertrains: 296-horsepower four-cylinder (GT), 325-hp four-cylinder (Modena), 523-hp V-6 (Trofeo); eight-speed transmission; all-wheel drive; fully-electric model expected to arrive in fall 2023
Hits dealerships: Fall 2022
Maserati is doubling its SUV count with the debut of the 2023 Grecale. The compact SUV will join the larger Levante as the Italian brand’s second SUV when it arrives in the U.S. “Grecale” is the Italian name for a northeasterly Mediterranean wind, which carries on Maserati’s tradition of christening its vehicles with names based on other notable air gusts: Mistral, Ghibli, Bora, Merak, Khamsin and Levante.
The Grecale will launch with a choice of three trims and two engines, including a mild-hybrid four-cylinder and a twin-turbo V-6 in the performance-leaning Trofeo model. An all-electric model will follow the gas-powered variants, with an expected arrival in fall 2023; it will become the brand’s first pure EV.
Exterior
2023 Maserati Grecale | Manufacturer image
The Grecale’s exterior resembles the Levante, but the compact SUV is approximately 6 inches shorter and 7.5 inches wider than its stablemate. Maserati says the Grecale borrows some design elements from the new MC20 supercar, including a vertical aspect and distinct front end with a low-positioned grille that wears the brand’s classic trident badge. A trapezoidal theme is applied to the SUV’s rear, C-pillar and coupelike profile.
Each of the Grecale’s three trims will offer specific design elements, wheel sizes and paint colors at launch. The GT model features bronze exterior paint with body-color bumpers and side skirts; 19-inch alloy wheels come standard, and 20- or 21-inch wheels are available. The mid-tier Modena model wears a light gray-blue exterior paint with gloss-black badging, grille and window surrounds and gets standard 20-inch alloy wheels. The range-topping Trofeo trim features yellow paint, a unique sport exhaust and carbon-fiber elements on the front and rear bumpers and side skirts. The performance-oriented model rides on standard 21-inch alloy wheels.
Interior
2023 Maserati Grecale | Manufacturer image
According to Maserati, a minimalistic and tech-centered interior is common across all Grecale models. But just like the exterior, each of the three trims have different design themes. The base GT model gets warm interior colors in place of the standard black, along with contrast stitching, leather dashboard inserts and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Modena features standard black leather, gloss-black inserts and contemporary open-pore wood trim. Lastly, the Trodeo’s interior features black or two-tone perforated leather and exposed carbon fiber to showcase its sporty leanings.
The Grecale has a 114-inch wheelbase, which is approximately 4 inches shorter than the Levante. Maserati says the compact SUV still offers generous backseat space for passengers, along with power-folding rear seats, a cargo box under the floor and a flat loading floor to maximize cargo space and usability.
Powertrains and Performance
Shoppers will have two engine options at launch, followed by a fully-electrified model in 2023. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that makes 296 hp and 332 pounds-feet of torque in the GT; the same engine in the Modena model offers 325 hp. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 powers the Trofeo, providing 523 hp and 457 pounds-feet of torque. All available powertrains pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
The range-topping Trofeo gets a Maserati-estimated 0-60-mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph. Based on these figures, the Grecale is well positioned to compete with rivals like the 2022 Porsche Macan: The Macan’s sportiest GTS model gets 434 hp and has a 0-60 sprint of 4.1 seconds.
A standard air suspension comes in the Trofeo trim and is optional for the Modena. The user-selectable settings pair with the SUV’s five drive modes — Comfort, GT, Sport, Corsa (offered for Trofeo only) and Off-Road — to adjust the height of the air springs for various driving conditions and preferences.
An All-Electric Model to Arrive by 2023
A year after the arrival of the gas-powered SUV, Maserati will offer the Grecale Folgore — the brand’s first all-electric SUV. It will be powered by a 105-kilowatt-hour battery with 400-volt technology and is expected to produce up to 590 pounds-feet of torque. Maserati says the interior will feature sustainable materials, like recycled nylon recovered from ocean waste.
Customizable Technology
2023 Maserati Grecale | Manufacturer image
The Grecale’s technology is intended to look minimalistic with touch controls used throughout and few physical buttons. The Grecale brings Maserati’s largest available touchscreen, which measures 12.3 inches, and pairs it with a smaller 8.8-inch screen that houses additional controls and a new digital clock that serves as a driver interface, compass and G-force meter. The SUV also features a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and rear-passenger touchscreens that offer climate controls.
The Android Auto operating system provides up to five user profiles to customize music preferences and vehicle functions like climate and seating position. A head-up display will be available. A premium Sonus Faber sound system will be standard on all models with an available premium 21-speaker system.
Pricing and Release Date
The 2023 Maserati Grecale will arrive at dealerships in the fall, and the all-electric Grecale Folgore is expected to follow a year later. The Grecale will slot under the larger Levante SUV, which starts at $83,295 (including the destination fee) for the 2022 GT model. Pricing for the compact SUV will be announced closer to launch.
Related Video: Maserati Levante Review
Keyword: 2023 Maserati Grecale Breezes in With Up to 523 Horsepower, EV Model Is Next