Photo: Maserati
Maserati today unveiled a brand new compact luxury SUV that will slot below the Levante and likely become its bestseller. Also named after a Mediterranean wind, the Grecale promises to bring a good dose of fresh air to the Maserati lineup.
Three models will be available at launch including GT, Modena and Trofeo. In 2023, a Grecale Folgore (“lightning” in Italian) will arrive as Maserati’s first fully electric vehicle.
The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 48V mild hybrid technology. Output is rated at 296 horsepower (GT) or 325 horsepower (Modena), while peak torque is 332 pound-feet in both cases. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system complete the powertrain.
Photo: Maserati
Exclusive to the Trofeo is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine derived from the MC20 supercar. This one generates 523 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque, allowing 0-100 km/h sprints in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 285 km/h. It’s a good thing Brembo brakes are included here.
Maserati says drivers can expect a unique sound experience and exhilarating handling. Up to five drive modes can be selected including Comfort, GT, Sport, Corsa (Trofeo only) and Off-Road. An adaptive air suspension is optional on the Grecale GT and Modena but standard on the Trofeo.
Photo: Maserati
When looking at the exterior, you can see some inspiration from the aforementioned MC20, starting with the low and imposing front grille. The boomerang-shaped taillights, meanwhile, are reminiscent of those on the old Maserati 3200 GT. Each trim level has specific body colour choices with the Giallo Corse (yellow) reserved for the sporty Grecale Trofeo. By the way, the vehicle stands 4.85 metres long (with a wheelbase of 2.9 metres), 1.67 metres tall and 2.16 metres wide.
Inside, the driver-centric, clutter-free layout is all about screens. Powered by the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) multimedia system, the 12.3-inch centre touchscreen is the largest ever in a Maserati and comes with a secondary 8.8-inch screen below for extra controls. Maserati’s famous watch is now all-digital, just like the 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and a head-up display is available. In the rear, occupants have a 6.5-inch touchscreen for climate controls.
Photo: Maserati
A Sonus 3D sound system with 14 or 21 speakers is another highlight. You should also know that Maserati claims best-in-class interior space with its new compact SUV.
Online reservations are already open for the limited-edition launch model, which is based on the Grecale Modena and priced from $90,850 in Canada. Deliveries of the 2023 Maserati Grecale will start this fall. A year later, the battery-powered Grecale Folgore will follow. Maserati is aiming directly at the Porsche Macan, which will add an electric variant of its own for 2024.
Keyword: 2023 Maserati Grecale Debuts as New Porsche Macan Rival