Maserati Grecale, first drive: technology pushes heritage and design in the Tridente’s quest to future. The new era of the Modena-based brand started with the attention-grabbing MC20 supercar, but today a luxury car manufacturer needs to have a strong voice also in the SUV segment. It’s compulsory.
Sized similar to several other luxury crossovers, the Grecale focuses on sporty driving dynamics and sportscar heritage. The overall shape of the new Modena-made car is quite streamlined, and we appreciate it.
We really love the rear three-quarter view, which emphasizes around taillights that reminded us the beautiful 3200 GT.
Mild-hybrid Grecale GT and Modena are well-balanced, efficient and pleasurably fast. The much wilder Trofeo features a 530 hp version of the Nettuno twin-turbocharged V6 from the MC20. We test drove it — never exceeding the speed limits, of course — on the motorways around Milan and on some narrower countryside roads leading to the picturesque old borgo of Peschiera Borromeo.
The engine is so smooth and eager to rev that almost overshadows everything around. Quick shifts, power, torque and cool exhaust notes return a truly distinctive driving experience. The handling of the Grecale is good, steering wheel’s feedback is genuine. This happens when in Sport or Corsa drive mode; the Comfort and GT modes are more quiet, more “fuel saving-oriented” and certainly more useful during your usual daily commuting.
This delightful V6 is housed— and so the Grecale GT and Modena’s 4 cylinders — in a modified version of the Giorgio platform shared with Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. Maserati slightly stretched the wheelbase, in order to achieve more rear-seat legroom and cargo space.
Regarding the interior, quality of the materials and finishing is impressive, the perception of a minimalistic cabin design is strong; only few buttons are left, well-imagined, sorted and stunning to look at.
This Maserati truly offers up-to-date technology, easy to use and functional. Everything can be controlled with the dual-screen infotainment system. The 14 to 21-speaker Sonus Faber audio system goes beyond exceptional, and new digitalized watch also allows you to interact with your Maserati Intelligent Assistant.
At the temporary Maserati Studio set up for the preview, we also got the chance to have a closer look at two interesting Grecale.
One being the Folgore — the 100% electric version with 400V technology — the second being the stunning Grecale Fuoriserie Mission from Mars.
The dust of the Red Planet and its oxidised rocks cross-fertilise this one-off Grecale Mission from Mars: its special textured metallic paint took inspiration by mineral dust and metal erosion. The exterior comes in Galactic Orange, a Fuoriserie unique and multi-layered colour; its highly liquid base is reminiscent of molten metal, on top of an intense, futuristic and almost frosted orange-red resin.
Special Vortex wheels to complete. The raw surface is protected by a transparent topcoat of black ink. Conversely, the grey of the tires is made from a special blend dedicated to the planet Mars.
The badges are specific and the trident on the C-pillar merges into the bodywork, giving it a 2D aspect, in larger proportions than usual. The design of the Trident logo has been revisited with a glitch effect, both symbolising the rhythm of the waves and information incoming from outer space, and bringing to mind the feeling of movement at very high speed. The mirror effect is similar to a solar lens, here embedded in the dark orange of the bodywork.
After setting up your route, all you need to do is enjoy the journey, courtesy of Grecale’s best-in-class versatility and its interior: the seats act as the perfect pairing of a design inspired by the electric currents on Mars with astronauts’ spacesuits and the latest trends in fashion, bringing together craftsmanship and innovation.
Technology reigns in the cabin in terms of the upholstery too: the car’s interior uses transverse lasering with a contrasting multi-coloured welded backing, taping, silicone coatings, embossing and debossing on leather, and leverages automotive materials such as Alcantara and leather.
