Maserati Grecale GT test: elegant, but with enough sportiness

I admit that I wanted to test the Maserati Grecale GT. This is one of the most interesting novelties of the Italian brand, which aims to gain presence among luxury SUVs with a model that is below the Levant in terms of size and price. On paper, things are promising, but now I can see what this SUV transmits.

At the moment, Maserati offers three versions of this model. The entry model is the GT, which is the one I will be driving. Of course, above is the Modena and the Trophy, which is the most performance. The latter mounts the V6 Nettuno engine, with 530 CV, which promises great performance.

Design and interior of the Grecale GT

Even so, I will be accompanied by the most modest version of this new SUV, which leaves nothing to be desired. Despite being the most basic configuration, the design of the Maserati Grecale GT continues to transmit that feeling of luxury typical of the Italian firm. It is true that the appearance is not as striking as that of the Levante and is more conventional, but it maintains the typical keys of the manufacturer.

For example, the large grill stands out clearly on the front, which is commanded by the brand’s trident. Likewise, the design of the fins is the usual one in the models identified with that trident, as well as the whole set is made up of lines that are not overloaded in any case.

In addition to this, something that catches my attention is the size of the car, which does not differ as much as I expected from its older brother. The Maserati Grecale is 4,846mm long, while the Levante is 5,020mm. Likewise, the differences are minor in terms of height and width.

However, what surprises me most in this SUV is not this, but its interior. When I open the door I find a clearly current interior with a pleasant layout. Although some firms are opting for extreme minimalism accompanied by a large screen, here I see everything better integrated.

First of all, I like the steering wheel. It is very similar to that of the Alfa Romeo Tonale -with which the Grecale shares a platform-, but it has a good touch and is ergonomic. It has several buttons, such as the start button and the driving mode selector. In addition, behind it is the digital instrumentation, with a good variety of graphics that are clearly read.

Also, in the central part there are two screens located in a single structure and separated by the gear selector buttons. In my case, I am more in favor of a more traditional lever, but that depends on taste. Finally, at the top is the classic dashboard clock, now digital and with several built-in functions.

For example, I can make this element become a compass, as well as an acceleration and brake indicator or a G-force meter. In short, technology is very present here, also in details such as the opening of the doors , which is done with a button. Now, there is also a built-in conventional shooter, just in case…

With this, it is clear that the Maserati Grecale is up to date with regard to interior technology, to the point where it suffers from a detail that I have already mentioned my disagreement with on several occasions: the excess of touch controls, especially in functions such as the air conditioning However, it is clear that it is what is most demanded in some cases.

Now, not everything in a car like this is reduced to technology. In a premium car there must be something more and here it is, with materials such as leather very present throughout the cabin. Along with this, the settings are also correct and, taking into account the good habitability of the interior of the Grecale GT, the sensations are good.

engine and performance

In this case, we are talking about the less performance version of this SUV, but that does not mean that the mechanical part disappoints. In this case, the engine is a four-cylinder microhybridized -which gives it the ECO label- with 300 HP of power. This force is handled by an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

In this way, power is transmitted to both axes in this and all versions of the Grecale. Thus, in this access version everything translates into a step from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h. In fact, these are data almost identical to those of the Modena version, with 330 CV.

Maserati Grecale GT test: what does it feel like to drive it?

With this, it seems that the car promises, but I decide to find out for sure and I set off. I start with a calm pace, trying to get used to the feel of the car, but I’m starting to feel good. The engine is heard, but not too much. In addition, the touch is pleasant, both in the pedals and in the direction.

For now, I move in the city, but what is expected here is being fulfilled. The response from the moment I press the accelerator pedal is immediate and I can move with enough agility, since the steering seems to be quite immediate. Of course, I will check that more thoroughly when I move to more twisty roads.

However, now it’s time to drive on the highway, where the automatic transmission helps to maintain low revs to travel with peace of mind. This is where I appreciate how the suspension adequately filters out bumps, even when selecting a sportier setting. In fact, I admit that I do not notice a major change in that regard.

Regarding the engine, on highways and highways the car moves with great ease, although around 2,000 rpm I notice it somewhat more limited. Still, that’s something I can fix by downshifting, without resulting in a lot of cabin noise. However, that does not mean that silence reigns, since the air is heard more at around 120 km/h.

Now, details aside, a Maserati is also usually defined by its good performance and this is something that I cannot verify on a road like this. For this reason, I take the following exit to go to more interesting routes, in which I can really discover what the dynamic behavior of this SUV is like.

Thus, I take the Maserati Grecale to twistier roads and my suspicions are soon confirmed: the steering is very communicative and helps the car move with agility, so that I almost feel that I am driving a smaller model. In fact, the suspension also plays a role in this, which is not so soft as to cause a large inclination of the body.

With this and with seats that, although they are not like those of a more performance sports car, grip well, I feel very happy behind the wheel. Yes, this version is more focused on daily use and comfort, but it is also capable of offering enough fun behind the wheel if necessary.

In this sense, I can also opt for GT and Sport modes, which add to Comfort. They don’t really provide a major variance, though it’s the Sport that I notice the most in terms of engine sound and response. Now, I think it’s the gear change itself that can really make the difference and I’m not disappointed here.

I select manual mode and start operating the big aluminum cams. Its touch is soft, but not excessively subtle and I am surprised by the speed when it comes to raising and lowering gears, since I do not perceive that delay that is present in other automatic cars. So I see myself taking corners with confidence and comfort, even if this is not the preferred terrain for this car.

In this way, it is clear to me that it is possible to have fun driving this car, even if it is not as extreme as the Trophy version. For greater sportiness, perhaps variations such as a harder suspension would be necessary, but here an exciting touch has been sought to combine with comfort. I would say that it is not badly compensated, honestly.

Price and rivals

The price of the Maserati Grecale GT starts at 81,050 euros in Spain at the moment, although the 530 CV Trophy version reaches 129,200 euros. Undoubtedly, we are talking about cars that are not within the reach of all budgets, but that are gaining popularity. After all, there are more and more premium SUVs on the market.

Even so, among the Grecale’s rivals the most obvious is the Porsche Macan. It starts at 74,765 euros in its 265 CV version and continues to be one of the kings of its segment. In the same way, models like the Volvo XC60 can compete with the Italian, with a price starting at 67,300 euros. Now, it does not have such a sporty approach.

Conclution

With this car, Maserati can have a hit on its hands. The Grecale has surprised me for good and can be a good purchase for anyone looking for a luxury SUV that also provides a good feeling behind the wheel. Is it as good as a Porsche Macan? In my opinion, no, but it is not far away.