Maserati Grecale Trofeo

Promising underpinnings fail to translate to a competitive driving experience for Maser’s mid-sized SUV

IT TOOK A WHILE FOR MASERATI TO jump on the SUV gravy train, launching the Levante in 2016 and then revealing the smaller Grecale in 2021. We drove a late pre-series-production Grecale on winter tyres in issue 305, but this is our first steer of an example as Maserati hopes a great number of people will buy it, and we’re driving it on UK roads to boot.

Should you divert your Porsche Macan deposit to your Maserati dealer, the underpinnings of your new performance SUV are favourable. The Grecale is based on a stretched version of Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio platform and in this Trofeo model there’s a lusty twin-turbocharged V6 based on the MC20’S but with a wet sump, new turbos and cylinder deactivation, yet still with the complex pre-chamber ignition system. It means 523bhp, 457lb ft and a sub four-second 0-62mph time for this – wait for it – 2027kg car. And it can feel every one of those kilos if you find yourself in the wrong drive mode.

There’s Comfort, GT, Sport and Corsa to choose from, with the default GT masking much of the Trofeo’s performance and character, so you need to select Sport or Corsa to find them both. The Grecale’s V6 lacks the fireworks of the MC20’S (I know, surprising right?) but when you get into the meat of its torque band from 3000rpm the delivery begins to match expectations, the willingness to rev encouraging you to chase the red line. It’s just a shame it lacks the aural drama of the MC20 motor, the natural, guttural growl replaced with a synthetic tone that’s borderline nondescript. The eight-speed auto ’box, complete with decent-sized paddles, punches through the upshifts to match the engine’s pace, but it’s not as quick to downshift and the short gearing can make for a busy powertrain when you’re pressing on, with pretty poor economy too – low to mid 20s mpg was our experience.

When you do lean on the Trofeo’s performance the chassis is there to support it, although it lacks the poise and directness of a Macan, Stelvio or F-pace. The active damping and air springs allow more body movement than the aforementioned too, and it can take a leap of faith to start to explore the Grecale’s full capabilities. When you do, there’s an initial push that settles into a secure balance that allows you to lean on the chassis harder still, the rear e-diff taking the load and a natural flow accompanying any movement that starts to bubble to the surface. Yet where a Stelvio Quadrifoglio or Macan GTS impresses with a hyperhatch feel and willingness to indulge, the Grecale lacks their overall agility; neither does it have the GT quality of an F-pace SVR.

A great deal of effort has clearly gone into the interior design and materials. The infotainment and central controls work well, and there’s a quality to the finish that raises it above both the Macan and Stelvio. Yet despite this, the Grecale’s biggest hurdle is its price: the Trofeo costs £95,860 and our test car with some options tipped in at £107,400 – a price it simply can’t carry off. While the performance SUV sector continues to dominate sales charts, and the Grecale is vastly improved over the larger Levante, Maserati still has a battle on its hands to match the establishment.

Engine V6, 3000cc, twin-turbo Power 523bhp @ 6500rpm Torque 457lb ft @ 3000-5500rpm Weight 2027kg (262bhp/ton) 0-62mph 3.8sec Top speed 177mph Basic price £95,860

+ Accomplished performance, high-quality materials and finish - Its price weighs heavy in such a competitive sector evo rating