Maserati injects Italian flair into the luxury SUV segment with the new 2023 Grecale.
Italian for “Greek wind,” the Grecale carries on Maserati’s tradition of naming its vehicles aft er famous winds of the world, which kicked off in 1963 with the Mistral sports coupe. The new Grecale enters a field of premium SUVs aimed squarely at Porsche’s Macan. The new Grecale is both smaller and less expensive than Maserati’s first SUV, the Levante, which launched in 2016. Three trims form the backbone of the Grecale lineup, from the fuel-efficient four-cylinder GT model to the extra-spicy Grecale Trofeo, with its 523-horsepower V-6 engine. Plus, late in 2023, Maserati also plans to launch an all-electric Grecale dubbed the Folgore—which translates to “lightning,” of course. No matter which flavor you choose, the Grecale is a standout with stylish Italian design and stunning craft smanship.
Under the Hood Maserati is known for its exhilarating performance, and the Grecale delivers on this promise with aplomb. The range-topping Grecale Trofeo comes with Maserati’s twin-turbocharged V-6, which makes 523 horsepower and 457 foot-pounds of torque. Nail the pedal to the floor and the Grecale Trofeo jumps off the line, screaming from zero to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 177 mph.
Italian E?lan The Grecale is pure Maserati through and through. The front end features a low grille with Maserati’s signature Trident front and center. From the side, Maserati’s three side air vents leave no one to question this SUV’s Italian heritage. In back, the Grecale’s boomerang rear taillights and carbon-fiber rear diffuser complete the look.
Steering With Style Inspired by Ferrari steering wheels, the Grecale’s engine start/stop button is located on the steering wheel, along with a knob to adjust the drive mode selector. Behind the wheel are the F1-race-inspired aluminum paddle shifters.
Watch the Clock The new Grecale introduces Maserati’s first digital clock, which can do more than just tell time. A chronometer, G-force meter, compass and a variety of different watch faces are just some of the many displays that can be selected. The clock also functions as a digital concierge of sorts, responding to your voice commands to adjust everything from the interior climate control to inputting a new destination.
Seriously Advanced Infotainment In addition to the 12.3-inch instrument cluster, there are also two touch screens in the center stack, one devoted to navigation, audio and vehicle settings and the other, a smaller 8.8-inch touch screen, to climate settings. The screens respond to inputs quickly and clean up the interior nicely, freeing up space for ample storage up front. You will also notice that there is no traditional gear selector in the Grecale; instead, there are buttons located between the two screens to select your preferred gear.
World-Class Craftsmanship The attention to detail and Italian craftsmanship are unmatched in this segment. The leather feels like it came from an Italian handbag, while the colorful contrast stitching used throughout the interior is the icing on the cake.
Room to Move The Grecale offers a surprisingly roomy rear seat for best-in-class rear legroom. There are even rear climate controls available for rear seat passengers. The Grecale also has a generously sized cargo area, offering 1.7 cubic feet more cargo than the competition.
Photography by: PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRAND
