For drivers looking to escape the ubiquitous presence of high-end German SUVs, the Maserati Grecale offers a tempting, stylish alternative. It succeeds in delivering a premium atmosphere and a striking design, but it struggles to find a consistent identity across its diverse powertrain lineup. While it excels in cabin luxury, it faces a steep uphill battle against the gold standard of its segment: the Porsche Macan.
The Strategic Shift: Why the Grecale Matters
Maserati is following a blueprint laid out by brands like Porsche: leveraging high-volume SUVs to fund the development of more traditional, exotic sports cars. The Grecale is a pivotal player in this strategy. By entering the highly competitive mid-size SUV market, Maserati aims to capture significant profits and build a broader customer base. However, to succeed, it must prove it can compete not just on prestige, but on driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Mixed Bag
The Grecale offers a wide spectrum of power, but the experience varies wildly depending on which engine you choose.
The Powertrain Spectrum
- The Entry-Level (MHEV 300 & Modena): These four-cylinder petrol engines are the most accessible. While the Modena offers a bit more punch (325bhp), both are relatively sensible and surprisingly frugal for their class.
- The Enthusiast’s Choice (Trofeo): This is the heart of the brand. Using a detuned version of the V6 from the MC20 supercar, the Trofeo delivers a massive 522bhp, hitting 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds. It is a genuine performance powerhouse.
- The Electric Route (Folgore): The dual-motor EV offers 550bhp, but it lacks the visceral thrill of the Trofeo and falls behind rivals like the Porsche Macan Electric in terms of both acceleration and charging speed.
On the Road
The driving experience is where the Grecale faces its toughest criticisms. While the steering feels light and agile initially, the car can feel “hyperactive” on motorways, requiring frequent corrections.
“The Grecale’s driving manner is one familiar to many modern Italian cars. This is defined by very light and very fast steering – a combination that initially makes the Grecale feel lighter and more agile than it actually is.” — Jordan Katsianis, News Editor
The ride quality also remains a sticking point. Even with the optional Skyhook air suspension, the Grecale can feel “fidgety” or “jiggly” over certain surfaces, lacking the composed, rock-solid stability found in a Porsche Macan.
Interior and Technology: Italian Luxury Meets Modernity
If there is one area where Maserati clearly triumphs, it is the cabin. The interior represents a significant leap forward from previous Maserati models.
Premium Craftsmanship
The cabin is a masterclass in tactile luxury. From the leather upholstery to the metal paddle shifters, every touchpoint feels expensive and well-built. The design manages to feel modern without losing the brand’s heritage, notably through the customizable digital clock at the top of the dashboard.
Interface and Usability
While the build quality is excellent, the technology is a blend of clever and cumbersome:
* Dual-Screen Setup: A primary infotainment screen is paired with a secondary panel for controls.
* The Friction Points: Moving climate controls to a separate screen is a neat organizational move, but placing essential functions like headlight controls there can be distracting. Furthermore, the push-button gear selector located between the two screens lacks the intuitive feel of physical hardware.
Ownership Costs: The Premium Price Tag
Owning a Maserati comes with high expectations and high costs.
- Purchase Price: Entry-level models start around £60,000, but prices escalate quickly. The Trofeo petrol variant climbs to £106,000, while the Folgore EV starts near £99,000.
- Running Costs: The four-cylinder models are reasonably economical, but the Trofeo is thirsty. Notably, all models are subject to the luxury car tax, adding an extra £440 to annual VED bills from year two onwards.
- Insurance and Depreciation: Expect to be in the highest insurance bracket (Group 50). While depreciation is better than many luxury cars, it still trails slightly behind the more stable resale values of Porsche.
Summary Verdict
The Maserati Grecale is a beautifully crafted, highly stylish SUV that brings Italian flair to a crowded market. While it offers incredible performance in its Trofeo trim and a stunning interior, its inconsistent ride quality and complex tech mean it hasn’t quite unseated the Porsche Macan as the segment leader.
Final Thought: The Grecale is a perfect choice for those prioritizing design and cabin luxury, provided they are willing to overlook a less-than-perfect driving composure.
