Maserati Grecale Drive Review: Everyday Exceptional?
Marked as an anomaly among daily-driven luxury SUVs by its manufacturer, the Maserati Grecale aims to impress. Having tested the Grecale Modena variant across approximately 170 km, we delved into whether it lives up to its name.
Design and Dimensions
Maserati, known for its aesthetically pleasing vehicles, ensures the Grecale embodies the brand’s design language with a subtle emphasis. While its silhouette aligns with competitors in the luxury SUV segment, the Grecale distinguishes itself through sophisticated styling.
The fascia showcases small, trapezoidal headlamps flanking the iconic Maserati grille. The dimensions of the grille correspond perfectly with the car’s size, allowing the trident badge to sit proudly. Air vents are positioned on either side of the grille. The hood features a slightly raised central section, and the fenders showcase a soft contour. Traditional triple vents adorn the fenders, with the variant badge placed right above them.
The Grecale offers seven exterior paint options, including the Metallic Nero Tempesta shade. The profile exhibits a sloping roofline and a soft shoulder line. The door handles integrate seamlessly with the body and include a button for unlocking. The Maserati logo is placed on the C-pillar. The rear features sleek taillamps that wrap around the sides, connected by a chrome element that also serves as a visual underline to the Maserati lettering. Quad exhausts and a rear diffuser complete the sporty look.
The Grecale Modena variant is 4847mm in length, 2163mm in width (including mirrors), and 1667mm in height. It has a 2901mm wheelbase and weighs 1895 kg.
Interior
The interior of the Grecale boasts exceptional attention to detail. The choice of materials used is well-suited, reflecting the luxury finish expected of a car of this caliber. These can also be customized.
Every surface, from the roof liner and door cards to the dashboard, feels soft to the touch, making the cabin an inviting space for anyone who appreciates fine details. The steering wheel, borrowed from the Maserati GranTurismo, is compact and comfortable. It features buttons for cruise control on the right and menu controls on the driver’s display on the left. Distinctive steering-mounted audio controls are cleverly concealed behind the wheel. On the left, three buttons control the volume (up, down, and mute). Buttons on the left change the previous or next tracks and the central button is used to pause.
Once in the driving seat, the seats and steering automatically adjust to the driver’s preferred position. Important information is displayed on the screen, while the head-up display projects the map and speed onto the windshield. The Grecale feels luxurious from every seat.
The center console serves as the control hub, featuring a dual-screen setup for infotainment and climate control. The two displays, measuring 12.3 inches and 8.8 inches, are separated by a set of control buttons. These buttons act as gear selectors, which is not the most convenient design for a car of this stature. Selecting between manual and drive is done with the same button; however, the paddle shifters are generously sized and robust. Another shifter is located under the accelerator pedal in the form of a clicky button, which allows for quick downshifts.
The rear seats provide ample space for two passengers, with a snug fit for three, adequate headroom with the sloping roofline and sufficient legroom.
Drive Review
Despite its nearly 2-ton weight, the Grecale doesn’t feel cumbersome. The Modena trim, with its 1995cc inline-4 mild hybrid powertrain (tuned for greater potency), generates 325 bhp and 450 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with an automatic transmission that responds quickly in manual mode.
The Grecale Modena offers Comfort, GT, and Sport driving modes but lacks the Corsa mode and launch control offered on the Trofeo trim. Still, the Modena does not need more power to weave through traffic or in larger gears. The engine delivers low-end torque and linear power throughout the rev range. The 0-100 sprint can be achieved in just about 5.3 seconds, and the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system provides a strong launch.
In GT mode, the Grecale has a dual character. It’s comfortable when cruising and sporty when the driver wants.
Braking is handled by four disc brakes, which enable the car to stop quickly. The car has anti-collision braking, which can detect objects and stop the car before a collision. This system successfully detected a camera and halted the car before impact.
The handling varies based on the selected mode, Comfort allows for a relaxed response from the throttle, transmission, and suspension, whereas GT and Sport modes make the responses stiffer. Sport mode makes the car feel eager and agile. The SUV feels planted even at high speeds and handles well for its size.
Verdict
The Maserati Grecale is ideal for those seeking a luxury SUV with Italian styling. Although features such as ventilated seats and a heads-up display could be standard, the Grecale provides an agreeable driving experience. This SUV provides an engaging driving experience, even without every optional extra.
