Maserati. The name itself conjures images of roaring engines, sleek Italian design, and a legacy of performance. However, for some, including seasoned automotive critics, the reality of driving a Maserati has often fallen short of the dream. There’s a history of beautiful cars that didn’t always deliver on driving dynamics. Entering the SUV market, particularly with a four-cylinder engine, the initial expectation for the 2023 Maserati Grecale might have been lukewarm at best. Could this new SUV defy expectations and truly embody the Maserati spirit?
The Grecale enters a crowded luxury SUV segment, sharing its platform with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. While the Stelvio boasts its own Italian flair, the Grecale aims for a more refined and technologically advanced approach. Stepping inside, the Grecale’s interior is a departure from the sometimes overly stylized Italian car cabins of the past. It’s a modern, well-equipped space, packed with information displays and connectivity features essential for today’s drivers. Maserati has clearly focused on meeting market expectations in terms of technology and features.
Maserati believes the entry-level Grecale GT will appeal to a smaller segment of UK buyers, anticipating the Modena and Trofeo trims to be more popular.
Maserati Grecale GT side view on road
Underneath the Grecale’s skin lies a familiar architecture, borrowing the multi-link axles from the Stelvio. The engine lineup includes a four-cylinder petrol engine, tuned by Maserati, and the potent V6 Nettuno engine reserved for the top-tier Trofeo model. While Maserati touts the Nettuno as “100% Maserati,” its similarities in design and components to engines within the broader Stellantis family raise eyebrows. The V6 shares bore and stroke dimensions with Ferrari engines, hinting at shared engineering DNA.
For most buyers, the choice will likely come down to the GT, Modena, or Trofeo trims. The Trofeo, with its impressive 523bhp V6, breaches the £100,000 price point, positioning the GT and Modena as more accessible options. The GT, starting at £61,570 with 296bhp, serves as the entry point, while the Modena, at £67,180, adds a slight power bump (30bhp), active dampers, a limited-slip differential, and subtle cosmetic enhancements. Maserati anticipates the Modena to be the volume seller, capturing 70% of UK sales, with the Trofeo and GT trailing behind.
Initial impressions of the Modena, equipped with optional air suspension, revealed a surprisingly strong and tuneful powertrain. The four-cylinder engine proved responsive throughout the rev range, and the standard automatic transmission negated the need for a dual-clutch system. However, the ride and handling of the Modena left something to be desired, particularly when considering the Maserati badge. While competent in corners, a disconnect from the chassis and steering was evident. On undulating roads, body control felt lacking, requiring a switch to sport damping, which further compromised the already firm ride. The Modena, while not a poor SUV, didn’t quite live up to expectations.
Stepping up to the Trofeo predictably improved the driving experience. The significant price premium translates to a more refined and engaging vehicle. The Trofeo delivers exhilarating speed and a more composed chassis, offering a modestly entertaining driving experience. With the Porsche Macan Turbo no longer in production, the Trofeo potentially fills a gap in the high-performance luxury SUV market.
The biggest surprise, however, came from the base GT model. Stripped of the Modena’s active dampers, limited-slip differential, and air springs, the GT initially seemed like the least desirable option. Yet, driving the GT revealed a completely different character. Immediately, the connection to the road and the car’s reactions became apparent. The missing 30 horsepower compared to the Modena were imperceptible in real-world driving. In fact, the GT felt just as quick, and arguably offered a more comfortable ride, especially at lower speeds, thanks to the simpler, passive suspension setup.
The revelation of the Grecale GT suggests that this base model represents the purest expression of Maserati’s original development intentions. The Modena and Trofeo, while offering more features and power, might be considered derivatives built upon the foundation of the GT. The 2023 Maserati Grecale GT serves as a potent reminder that more isn’t always better. In this instance, less complexity translates to a more engaging and surprisingly excellent driving experience, proving that Maserati can still deliver unexpected delights.
