Following the success of Maserati's first SUV, the Levante, it looks like the Italian luxury carmaker wanted to up the ante with the arrival of its Macan-sized crossover known as the Grecale. Although this newcomer can irritate speedo boys aplenty because this is another crossover no speedo boy asked for, there's something about the Grecale.
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| 2023 Maserati Grecale |
Priced at 74,470 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Maserati Grecale compact crossover follows the same recipe as its big brother, the Levante, by delivering an all-around performance that suits drivers best, although speedo boys never asked for another luxury crossover because they had the MC20 on their wishlists at the moment. Still, there's something mysterious about Maserati's newest crossover with the fancy name.
Being the little brother of the Levante, the Grecale is smaller than the Levante, and although it features similar lines to its big brother, the Grecale's front view looks obviously similar to the MC20. Either way, it's hard to deny such looks fit for Maserati's baby crossover that's primed and ready to battle the Porsche Macan by a long shot.
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| 2023 Maserati Grecale interior |
On the interior, the Grecale features a minimalist dashboard that can terrify speedo boys behind the wheel because, you guessed, almost no buttons are present around. Similar to the Infiniti Q50, the Grecale has two touchscreens in the middle; one for controlling the sat-nav and the other for climate control. The digital analog clock adds a nice touch to the Grecale because it's more than just a clock that tells time, it can be a compass, a G-meter, and annoyingly a virtual assistant to ruin someone's day.
Asking about space, because of such a wheelbase, this five-seater crossover is roomier than the Macan as well as more spacious in the boot as well. Looks like practicality is the Grecale's trump card after all.
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| 2023 Maserati Grecale |
Under the hood, the Grecale is powered by a choice of a 2.0L mild-hybrid 4-cylinder engine for the GT and Modena or a 530PS 3.0L 6-cylinder engine inspired by the MC20's Nettuno engine, exclusive for the flagship Trofeo version. They're all mated to an 8-speed AT. The Trofeo is capable of hitting 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and flat out at 285kph, enough to clap the Porsche Macan GTS in a nutshell.
Of course, a fully-electric version of the Grecale is coming later next year and it's going to pack a lot of power from its electric powertrain.
Although questionable to take it for a picnic trip to Hannibal's, the Grecale's 4WD drivetrain is capable of handling through tarmac, gravel, or snow courtesy of various driving modes with the CORSA mode on the Trofeo variant giving it more sportscar-like dynamics on the track and the OFF-ROAD mode for, well, I just said it above. Whichever way you take it, the Grecale's dynamics can be almost as addictive as a sportscar but with the added mess to call it, as one famous TV painter would say happy accidents.
Speaking of accidents, the Grecale can prevent accidents on the road thanks to its wide array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, although too disturbing for speedo boys behind the wheel but who cares about such witchcraft?
Although this is just another sporty crossover no one asked for, the Grecale's dynamics and technology are almost addictive to indulge from the start to finish, and looks like jealousy will come to those who want to experience the Grecale someday. Love it or hate it, the Grecale is the Macan fighter we want to try.
Photo: Maserati