As if the Porsche Macan and BMW X4 M didn’t have enough to worry about, along comes the 2023 Maserati Grecale, a small performance SUV offering a choice between two powerful turbocharged engines and an unlimited supply of Italian sexiness. The Grecale (named for a northeasterly Mediterranean wind) is an SUV meant for those who desire an exclusive ride not found in every third valet parking spot at their favorite upscale haunt.
2023 Maserati Grecale GT (starting at $63,500)
All-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode come standard on the Grecale GT, which also features a 296-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine teamed with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The system’s belt starter/generator and e-Booster supply power until the turbocharger gets up to speed, helping eliminate frustrating turbo lag. This combo enables the Grecale GT to sprint to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 149 mph.
In a nod to driving enthusiasts, the GT includes an advanced Drive Mode that works in conjunction with the Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM). Each setting not only regulates throttle, shift points, and steering feel, it exercises 360-degree control over the vehicle’s vertical, longitudinal, and lateral movements.
Drive modes for the GT include Sport, Comfort, GT, Race, and Off-Road.
The GT rides on 19-inch alloy wheels. Brembo brakes are standard.
Maserati will offer the GT in several unconventional colors, including a unique limited launch color called Bronzo Opaco.
Inside the GT, you’ll find an elegant and advanced cabin, black leather covering the seats and dash insert, and custom metalwork across the dash and door panels. Four digital screens control all internal functions, the two exceptions being the steering wheel controls and transmission selector buttons sandwiched between the infotainment and climate control screens.
You’ll find the first of four digital screens behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel with its prominent aluminum shift paddles. It’s a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster with a simulated tachometer and speedometer, and information screens for various functions.
Next is a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with access to navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
Below the infotainment screen is a smaller 8.8-inch touchscreen slightly angled upward for easier access. It operates the climate controls and various other features. Finally, there is a digital clock, another first for Maserati. It not only mimics the face of an analog clock, but it also reverts to a driver interface, emitting a response signal every time the driver speaks a command. The driver can also configure the clock screen as a compass or G-Force meter.
In a first for Maserati, the Grecale’s infotainment system also includes a voice-activated “Hey, Maserati” digital assistant responding to such requests as changing the temperature or finding your favorite radio station.
Audio reproduction comes courtesy of Italian high-end audio specialist Sonus faber, with a 14-speaker audio system.
Standard driver assists include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and low-speed automatic emergency braking.
Options for the GT include a leather interior in Chocolate, Greige, or Bold Black with contrasting stitching. A mechanical limited-slip differential and 20- or 21-inch wheels are some of the GT’s other attractive options.
With the $1,495 destination charge, the 2023 Maserati Grecale GT costs $64,995. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $1,168. See 2023 Maserati Grecale GT models for sale.
2023 Maserati Grecale GT includes:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged engine – Equipped with a mild-hybrid system, this engine produces impressive horsepower and torque for its size, plus gets an extra boost from the hybrid system to help with acceleration until the turbo spools up.
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster – This configurable instrument cluster offers various themes and displays, allowing the driver to decide on the most essential information.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – These allow mirroring of a smartphone to the car’s infotainment system, providing access to apps for music, navigation, messages, and more.
- Leather interior – Elegant Saffiano leather covers the seats, dash pad insert, and steering wheel.
2023 Maserati Grecale Modena (starting at $72,000, estimated)
The 2023 Maserati Grecale Modena starts at an estimated $72,000.
The Modena builds off the GT, using the same engine but upgraded to 325 horsepower and 5.0-second-flat 0 to 60 mph time. The Modena also has a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, a 1.34-inch wider rear wheel track, adaptive “Skyhook” dampers, and 20-inch wheels.
The Modena gains 12-way power front seats, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, plus upgraded interior leather and color choices, including Bold Dark Red and Ice. Active lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor join the driver assists.
The Modena’s unique launch color is called Grigio Cangiante, which means iridescent grey) and comes with special 20-inch wheels, gloss black covering the badging, front splitter, grille, window surrounds, and side skirt inserts.
There’s also a limited-edition Modena ($77,400) available for pre-ordering. Along with the standard Modena features, it includes 21-inch wheels, an exclusive color palette, and an adaptive air suspension.
Options include a rear-seat climate control system with touch-screen controls and a color head-up display.
With the $1,495 destination charge, the 2023 Maserati Grecale Modena has an estimated cost of around $73,495. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the estimated monthly payment comes to about $1,321. See 2023 Maserati Grecale Modena models for sale.
2023 Maserati Grecale Modena includes:
- Dual-pane sunroof – This opens the Grecale interior to more light and fresh air when desired.
- Wide rear track – Helps improve stability when cornering.
- Adaptive dampers – These adjust shock settings to adapt to road conditions, helping the Grecale maintain control over rough or uneven pavement.
- Limited edition model – With unique paint, wheels, and options, this limited-edition model is now ready for pre-ordering.
2023 Maserati Grecale Trofeo (starting at $100,000, estimated)
The 2023 Maserati Grecale Trofeo starts at an estimated $100,000.
The Trofeo is the high-performance Grecale variant and, as such, comes with a more powerful twin-turbocharged V6 plucked from the Maserati MC20 supercar. Although detuned for SUV use, it produces a healthy 523 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. Using the Trofeo’s added Corsa (track) launch mode, the Grecale can dash to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 177 mph.
Further Trofeo enhancements include 21-inch wheels, an adaptive air suspension, a limited-slip self-locking electronic rear differential, 6-piston Brembo front brakes, plus six adjustable settings for the air suspension tied to the Drive Mode system. Parking mode lowers the Grecale for easier entry and exit, while Off-Road mode raises the Grecale an additional inch above its normal setting.
The Trofeo gets perforated leather upholstery, 14-way heated power front seats, and a 21-speaker Sonus faber High Premium audio system with a 1,000-watt amplifier and a powered subwoofer.
The Trofeo’s exclusive launch color is a bright yellow called Giallo Modenese that mixes a yellow base with blue mica, a salute to the city of Modena and its two heraldic colors.
With the $1,495 destination charge, the 2023 Maserati Grecale Trofeo has an estimated cost of around $101,495. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the estimated monthly payment comes to about $1,824. See 2023 Maserati Grecale Trofeo models for sale.
2023 Maserati Grecale Trofeo includes:
- Twin-turbocharged V6 engine – A detuned version of the same engine found in the Maserati MC20 supercar, this impressive powerplant makes the Grecale a true Porsche slayer.
- Corsa mode – An additional mode added to the Drive Mode system includes launch control that makes the pedals more responsive to touch, tones down the traction control, and helps the Grecale sprint like, well, the wind.
- Sonus faber audio – With 21 strategically placed speakers backed by 1,000 watts, you can’t go wrong with this upgrade, although you might go deaf.
- Adaptive air suspension – Provides a smoother ride and better handling as it continually adjusts to varying road surfaces. The suspension also includes various ride heights tied to the Drive Mode system, including Park and Off-Road settings.
