AutoTrader attended the local introduction of the Maserati Grecale recently. At the event, we got to get up close and personal and get a feel for what the new model will bring to the premium SUV market.
Most of the existing Italian automotive brands found their fame and reputation through the world of motorsport. For some, it remains a key focus in the brand’s identity. Maserati is one such brand that has an illustrious history in motorsport with iconic models from the 1954 Maserati 250F to the more recent 2004 Maserati MC12.
However, the Italian marque hasn’t only been focussing on sports cars over the years, in fact, they have built vehicles oriented towards families for quite some time. The 1964 Quattroporte comes to mind, a nameplate that has been with the brand for over half a century and still features in the current line-up.
In 2016, the marque’s first SUV went into production; the Levante. The model offers customers a variety of powertrains ranging from a frugal and spritely, 4-cylinder, petrol-hybrid all the way to a 3.8-litre, turbocharged V8 in the Trofeo derivative. Now though, Maserati is introducing its second SUV aimed at individuals or families that not only want the practicality but the quality, style and road presence associated with the Maserati brand.
Welcome the Grecale
The name Grecale follows a long tradition in the marque’s history of naming vehicles after the most famous winds in the world, such as the Mistral. Ghibli, Bora, Merak and Khamsin. In the case of the Grecale, it is named after the famed north-easterly Mediterranean wind. Likewise, the Grecale were developed using the five fundamentals that have existed within the brand for a very long time; visual longevity, unique by design, a balance of opposites, colours and innovative by nature.
Styling
Although in many areas the Grecale draws on inspiration found in the Levante, a variety of attributes from other models such as the MC20 can be seen. Upfront, the Grecale features a large grille in a similar shape to that of the Levante and is adorned by the Trident.
The headlamps, which are placed slightly higher up, offer a similar theme as found on the MC20, the latter being the first model to incorporate the brand’s latest design language. The A-pillar is sharp but follows a smooth flow into the familiar trapezoidal C pillar. Lower down, the 19-inch alloy wheels incorporate a Trident-inspired design.
Where some of the biggest changes to the design language happen on the interior. The Grecale offers customers a very premium space with soft-touch surfaces incorporating Saffiano leather and is contrasted by the burnished inserts on the door cards and on the central console.
Technology
What really stands out on the interior is how uncluttered the space is. This is due to Maserati incorporating touch screens for almost all infotainment and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning functions. In front of the pilot is a fully digital instrument cluster while centrally a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display features. Just below the infotainment screen sits a secondary 8.8-inch touchscreen where occupants can adjust the climate control settings.
Below the secondary screen sits a wireless charging pad for smartphone devices. On the multifunction steering wheel, there are plentiful buttons that adjust settings, such as the volume of the Sonus Faber sound system that comes as standard, as well as adjust the adaptive cruise control settings. Atop the dashboard is a familiar sight, the watch, however, this one differs from traditional units as it also is a digital screen that can be personalized to show different watch faces or even a compass.
Performance
Although for now there are four Gracale derivatives planned, namely the GT, Modena, Trofeo and the fully electric Folgore. While we have the performance figures of the former three, exact details around the Folgore will be shared at a later date. For now, lets take a look at the performance figures of the mild-hybrid and high-performance turbocharged V6.
| Maserati Grecale GT | Maserati Grecale Modena | Maserati Grecale Trofeo | |
| Engine | 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder, 48V mild-hybrid petrol | 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder, 48V mild-hybrid petrol | 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, V6 petrol |
| Power | 224 kW | 246 kW | 395 kW |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 450 Nm | 620 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.6 seconds | 5.3 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 240 km/h | 240 km/h | 285 km/h |
*Note that these figures were obtained from the official brochure for the Grecale line-up.
Price
The moment the Maserati name is mentioned, most of us might think that the Italian models will be far out of reach when it comes to affordability. However, with the Grecale, this is not so, in fact for the entry-point to the range, the GT, customers can expect to pay R 1 650 000 for the base specification, the Modena comes in at R 1 950 000 while the Trofeo with that powerful Nettuno V6 engine should retail for R 2 550 000.
Ryno FourieRyno started his career capturing press images of the latest and greatest vehicles which have subsequently adorned the covers and pages of prominent motoring titles locally and internationally. After a short stint as a photography lecturer, he once again joined the automotive industry as a sub-editor and photographer for a local publication, however, currently, you will find him spending most of his time in the studio creating written, video, and photography content as part of the AutoTrader content team.View News & Reviews
Keyword: Maserati Grecale (2023): The local reveal of the Maserati Grecale