2023 MASERATI GRECALE
Compact luxury crossover offers powerful, edgy performance with plenty of style
Don't let the fact the 2023 Maserati Grecale — pronounced grehCAH-lei — shares its Giorgio platform with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio fool you. The Alfa is a decent ride in its own right; the Grecale is something else altogether.
Sophisticated style aside, Maserati's first compact luxury crossover has a longer wheelbase (up 83 millimetres compared to Stelvio) and a wider track, which is needed to accommodate the P255/40R21 front and P295/35R21 rear tires fitted to our tester. This gives it a bold, purposeful stance and tenacious driving characteristics. Maserati refers to it as “The Everyday Exceptional” crossover.
Beyond the modified platform, the powertrain choices are also very different. It starts with the GT, with a 2.0-litre turbo-four that works with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. In this case, the Belt Starter Generator (BSG) system not only charges the battery and starts the engine, it's used to supplement the low-end torque when pulling away. The result is 296 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque.
Next up is the mid-range Modena tested. It uses the same engine, but it has been tweaked so it now twists out 325 hp. The beauty is, as mentioned, the mild-hybrid setup bridges the gap between initial power request and the turbo getting up to speed, so it launches with more authority, romps through the mid-range, and makes a 5.5-second run to 100 kilometres an hour from zero. For most prospective customers, this will be the engine of choice, as it balances performance with decent fuel economy — 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres on the drive route.
The unspoken plus is that unlike so many boosted fours, this one actually produces a surprisingly snappy exhaust note — it's expected of a V6 or V8, but generally not from something with just four pots. Let's just say it barks and burbles delightfully.
The trump card is found in the Grecale Trofeo, with our tester being dressed in an arrest-me yellow shade. This beauty inherits a derivative of the Nettuno 3.0L twin-turbo V6 that's found in the MC20. In this case, it makes 523 hp and, more importantly, 457 lb-ft of torque. It takes just 3.8 seconds to eclipse 100 km/h, and has a top speed of 285 km/h.
What goes unsaid is the extra power (yes, an extra 198 hp will always wake you up) gives the Trofeo a civilized edginess to its drive. At just about any speed, breathing on the gas pedal produces an immediate response — nail it and it forces the riders back into the seats without haste. As is to be expected, the quad tailpipes elicit a wonderful siren that speaks to the power at play. Mercifully, the six-piston front Brembo brakes scrub off speed without fading.
All engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode and paddle shifters to drive all four wheels. The transmission slips through the gears seamlessly and it has the knack of gearing down to the right cog when heading into a corner under braking, so the Grecale has a balanced, agile feel.
The transmission works with a rear-based all-wheel-drive system. It's both proactive and predictive in the manner in which it delivers the power to the wheels. For example, when the ambient temperature is low, it's smart enough to recognize this and splits the power evenly (50-50) between the front and rear axles when pulling away. As speed builds, the power flowing forward is gradually fed back to the rear wheels to improve fuel economy. During a hard — and, at times, fast — run, it delivered its grip advantage in a totally seamless manner.
There are also different suspensions. It starts with the GT with steel springs, which work with mechanically active dampers. During normal driving, the shocks are compliant; however, a rapid body movement firms them instantly to bring better body control. The mid-range Modena swaps the mechanical shocks for true adaptive dampers with Normal and Sport settings. Finally, there's the full-on air suspension and adaptive dampers that's optional on the Modena and standard on Trofeo. This setup brings better control and comfort across the entire driving range.
With the air suspension at its normal ride height and the dampers in comfort, the Modena proved to be a true Grand Tourer, delivering a compliant, comfortable drive. However, the air springs change according to the drive mode selected (Comfort, GT, Sport, and Off-road, with the Trofeo also getting Corse) and the speed of the vehicle. There are two off-road modes with elevated ride heights, the normal ride height, and two “aero” modes that lower the suspension in stages. Yes, I asked who is going off-road in this thing, too!
On the drive, the Modena hunkered down and whistled through decreasing-radius bends with the sort of tenacity expected of a world-class sports car. The steering is nicely weighted, understeer is all but absent, and the grip provided by those monster tires proved to be a true test of this driver's nerve. The Trofeo delivers more of the same, but, again, it has that delightful edginess that makes it feel more alive.
This only tells half the story — a Maserati would not be a Maserati without a cabin befitting the marque. In this case, it starts with the sumptuous leather wrapping everything from the dash and door caps to the real wood accents and beautifully crafted wingback front seats. It's also bristling with the latest technology. Even the traditional analog clock has gone digital. While it still has hands, it can also do lap times.
For the driver there are three key screens. The push-button start and drive mode selector have been incorporated into the steering wheel for good measure and, of course, there's a full head-up display complete with navigation instructions.
The Android-powered Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) infotainment system works wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The bonus is found in the fabulous Sonus faber 3D sound system. The audio experience really has been taken to the next level. Move rearward and the stretch in the wheelbase shows up as generous amounts of legroom capable of accommodating someone in the 90th percentile in the outboard positions; and an equal helping of cargo space with a flat floor.
The Grecale is equal measures Grand Tourer and legitimate speed wagon. It is very fast and it handles tenaciously. It also has a beautifully crafted cabin.
The 2023 Maserati Grecale will begin arriving in Canada this fall, with the GT being priced at $75,200. The Modena Limited Edition with its optional air suspension and lengthy list of goodies commands $90,850 — it is available for order online now. Pricing for the Trofeo has yet to be announced.
In about a year, the Grecale Folgore, a fully electric model, will debut.