The 2023 Maserati Grecale joins the fold as the Italian brand’s second-ever SUV, offering multiple powertrain options when it goes on sale later this year. The 2023 Grecale will be available with both ICE and hybrid options, while an all-electric “Folgore” version will join the range later on.
The Grecale takes aim at the likes of the Porsche Macan, Jaguar F-Pace, and BMW X3, sitting below the larger Levante in Italian marque’s line-up. It measures 4,859 mm (191 inches) long, 1,979 mm (78 inches) wide, and 1,659mm (65 inches) tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,901 mm (114 in).
The Grecale features Maserati’s VDCM (Vehicle Dynamic Control Module), an evolution from the MC20. The system predictively controls the vehicle’s dynamics (vertical, longitudinal, lateral), working in conjunction with the selectable drive modes to offer a more tailored driving experience. An eight-speed automatic gearbox from ZF and all-wheel drive are standard across the range too.
The 2.0-liter 4-Cylinder Models
The new 2023 Grecale will be available by the end of 2022 in four trim variants: The GT, Modena, and Trofeo, plus a limited “PrimaSerie” launch edition. The GT and Modena both feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain, in two different states of tune — the more powerful Modena offers 325 HP (330 PS), 30 extra horsepower to the GT’s 296 HP (300PS). Both produce the same peak torque figure of 450Nm (332 lb-ft) from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the hybrid Grecale features both a classic turbocharger and an electric compressor, as well as a belt-starter generator and a 48-volt battery.
According to Maserati, the 296 hp 2.0L GT hits 100km/h (62mph) in 5.6 seconds and 200km/h (124mph) in 23.7 seconds, while the the 325 hp Modena, does the same in a slightly quicker 5.3 seconds and 21.9 seconds respectively. Maserati says both models are capable of hitting a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). As for fuel economy on the combined European cycle, it’s between 8.7 and 9.3 l/100km (25.3 – 27.0 mpg US).
F1-Inspired Trofeo Edition With 3.0-liter V6
The Trofeo will be the top-tier performance-oriented Grecale variant, with 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) dispatched in 3.8 seconds, 124 mph (200km/h) in 13.8 seconds, and a top speed of 177 mph (285 km/h). The engine, a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 523 HP (530 PS) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft) of peak torque between 3000 – 5500 rpm, is said to be heavily inspired by Formula One and is a development of the Nettuno engine found in the MC20. Maserati says it returns a combined fuel consumption of 11.2 l/100km (21 mpg US).
The key differences include a wet-sump, as opposed to the MC20’s dry-sump, and cylinder deactivation, allowing the right bank of the V6 to be shut down completely. It retains the Maserati Twin Combustion (MTC) technology that made its debut on the Nettuno.
Both the Modena and Trofeo get a 34 mm wider rear track, while the latter gets more aggressive bodywork, with the grille shifted forward and a split exhaust system.
Stopping the Trofeo is a set of six-piston Brembo calipers up front, with four-piston units at the rear. A separate “Corsa” drive mode is available with the Trofeo, sharing up the throttle response and the transmission shift speeds. The traction control has also been tuned to allow more slip, in addition to launch control.
Air suspension is standard on the top-spec Trofeo and optional on the rest of the model range. The air-sprung versions come with adjustable height, with six preset modes, including a 30mm lift in off-road mode, and a 30mm drop in parking mode to aid entry and exit.
Honey, I Shrunk The Levante
Although it would be easy to write off the design of the Grecale as a Levante left in the dryer for longer than it should have, the overarching theme of the brand is applied throughout, making it instantly identifiable from the front end.
The main feature is the grille, with Maserati claiming that they sought to make it imposing, without being excessive (are you listening, BMW?). However, viewed in profile, the new Italian SUV becomes somewhat less distinctive. The soft lines become less distinctive, but things are redeemed by the traditional Maserati gills and the trident on the C-pillar.
Moving to the rear, the Grecale features slimmer “boomerang” taillights inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT. The sloping rear window is described as giving a “coupe effect” to the cabin, but in reality, the result is clean and measured, without crossing the streams of different body styles as evidenced by some rivals.
Modern Technology And Classy Styling: The Interior
The cabin of the Grecale looks to be a key area of progress for Maserati. Prior models, including the Levante, have fallen short when it comes to interior design, with the traditional layout looking more old-hat in the face of rival offerings from Audi and Mercedes.
The Levante, on the other hand, adopts a dual center-split screen, similar in concept to what was pioneered with the Range Rover Velar. The upper central screen is a 12.3-inch panel, complemented by an 8.8-inch unit below it, referred to as the “comfort panel.”
Related: Maserati Shows Off EV GranTurismo Folgore
The downside is that the new design sacrifices many physical buttons, prompting the driver to engage with touchscreen inputs for essential functions. Maserati claim there are four screens inside, but aside from the two central screens and the gauge cluster, you might be left wondering where number four is. That is until you realize, one of those is counted as the digital clock, also known as the digital smartwatch, which sits atop the dash. It’s a first for Maserati and can be used as a compass or G-force meter.
The Grecale comes with two new Sonus Faber sound systems, the highest-end option consisting of 21 speakers and 3D sound with an output of up to 1,200 W. There’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, running via Maserati’s Intelligent Assistant multimedia system. MIA itself is based around Andriod Auto and is said to offer a user experience similar to using that of a tablet.
All-Electric Grecale Folgore Launches Next Year
An all-electric Grecale Folgore (Lightning in Italian) is being readied for production next year. The first all-electric Maserati will feature 400V tech — which gives the car a handicap to competitors that have been confirmed to use the faster-charging 800V architecture such as the next Macan. Unlike other models from Stellantis the Grecale will not ride on a dedicated SLTA EV platform, and instead uses modified ICE-based underpinnings.
Although specific outputs haven’t been revealed just yet, the BEV Grecale will be fitted with a 105 kWh battery and will offer as much as 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. The Grecale Folgore will also feature a unique color palette for the rest of the line-up, created based on the Northern Lights.
Prices And Availablity
The Grecale GT, Moderna, and Trofeo will be offered as an MY22 model in Europe, with US Delivery dates and pricing expected to be announced shortly.
So, what do you think of the new Grecale? Has Maserati knocked it out of the park, or will it struggle up against the competition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
2023 Maserati Grecale Folgore
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2023 Maserati Grecale
