Aussies are loopy for hi-po SUVs within the mid-size luxurious phase, with at least six heritage manufacturers within the combine however solely the made-in-Italy 2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo can boast a full-blown supercar engine beneath its bonnet and that oh-so-famous trident grille emblem.
Shoehorned deep into the engine bay is identical powerhouse 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6 engine from Maserati’s MC20 mid-engined supercar, however for a few adjustments higher fitted to daily-driver duties.
In the wickedly fast MC20 this engine makes use of a dry sump making 463kW at 7500rpm and 730Nm from 3000rpm to 5500rpm whereas within the Grecale Trofeo it’s detuned and will get a moist sump for a most output of 390kW at 6500rpm and 620Nm between 3000rpm and 5500rpm.
Nevertheless, its efficiency out of blocks is on par with a number of of its rivals, which is to say it’s rattling fast; however I’d recommend that’s not the one purpose some patrons will gravitate in the direction of Maserati’s providing over extra established high-performance nameplates.
Take the man within the my very own avenue, and full-disclosure, he’s received an previous GranTurismo parked in his storage beside his Benz work van. He’s had a Grecale Trofeo on order from the second he noticed it within the steel at an early reveal in Sydney, and easily received’t be swayed by me or anybody else that may have posed a couple of equally tasty high-powered choices to think about.
For some, the storied Maserati model with its iconic Trident badges and consummate luxurious fitouts elevate the top-shelf Grecale to a extra unique standing that tends to take a seat above its go-fast opponents, even the range-topping Porsche Macan GTS.
It’s not outright attractive just like the actually beautiful new-generation GranTurismo, however then not one of the luxurious go-fast SUVs actually are, given their high-riding, space-driven, daily-driver design necessities.
Nevertheless, the grille, aspect strakes and Trident badging is nearly the identical as on the GT, although I can’t assist suppose some gloss black cooling bonnet vents might need pointed extra instantly in the direction of its supercar powertrain and range-topping standing.
It’s received clean, inoffensive strains, and the exhaust observe, whereas not offensive, appears to incite a good few seems each time I climb behind the wheel of this family-friendly Maserati. You don’t get that type of consideration in your Mercedes-AMG GLC or Porsche Macan.
Compared with the entry-level four-pot Grecale GT, which lists for $114,900 plus on-roads, the Trofeo asks massive bucks from $175,000. And, whereas the majority of these {dollars} are for the Nettuno V6, in addition they purchase specialised {hardware} and software program designed to deal with further masses it generates.
For occasion, the Grecale Trofeo will get larger brakes, an digital rear differential and height-adjustable air suspension as normal fitment, versus price choices like on the four-cylinder variants.
Additionally, the less-powerful Grecales include three drive modes solely – Comfort, GT and Sport – however the Trofeo provides Corsa mode which sharpens up the throttle, transmission and braking responses, whereas on the identical time limiting traction and stability management for better driver enter.
There’s a noticeable improve in damper charges going from Sport to Hard, and also you higher consider it does precisely what it says – simply shy of rock arduous. Maserati’s air suspension additionally permits for a dual-stage Off Road drive mode that raises the experience peak by as much as 30mm in 15mm increments.
How a lot does the Maserati Grecale Trofeo price?
The range-topping Maserati Grecale Trofeo prices $174,900 excluding on-road prices, whereas stepping right down to the mid-spec Grecale Modena will lighten your pockets to the tune of $135,900. Entry-level is the Grecale GT from $114,900 – all costs are earlier than on-road prices.
There’s additionally a fourth and all-electric model known as the Folgore that’s resulting from arrive within the first half of 2024 with supercar ranges of efficiency, although, pricing received’t be introduced till nearer to launch.
Our check automobile was additionally fitted with the next choices:
- Metallic Paint – Grigio Lava: $2150
- Black brake calipers: $650
- Tech Assistance Pack: $3290.00
- Head-Up show
- IR Protection Windshield
- Wireless cellphone charging
- Sonus Faber 21-speaker sound system: $5950.00
Price as examined: $186,940 excluding on-road prices.
Rival makes and fashions embody the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Anniversario ($175,200) BMW X3 M Competition ($178,000), Jaguar F-Pace SVR ($153,700 – discount), and Porsche Macan GTS: $143,200 – costs exclude on-road prices
2023 Maserati Grecale pricing:
- Maserati Grecale GT: $114,900
- Maserati Grecale Modena: $135,900
- Maserati Grecale Trofeo: $174,900
Prices exclude on-road prices
What is the Maserati Grecale Trofeo like on the within?
There’s nothing extra attractive that Rosso leather-based upholstery towards the Grigio Lava paintwork.
It stretches from prime to backside, not less than from the sprint to only beneath eye degree, and is each superbly luxurious, but equally supporting in all the appropriate locations.
That’s to not say its rivals don’t all feel and appear premium inside, however none supply the Italian aptitude or beautiful atmosphere of the Maserati – and that’s throughout all variants. There’s simply one thing extra particular about Grecale, whether or not that’s the standard of the disguise, the seamless mix of high-end supplies and even the embossed trident on the headrests.
Thankfully, Maserati additionally measures up within the tech division too, with at least 4 crystal-clear screens incorporating the complete spectrum of infotainment and driver configurability.
There’s a big driver’s show that provides loads of customisation by way of format and knowledge, but in addition going from one drive mode to a different can robotically change the show – particularly so in case you select ‘Corsa’ (race), which affords up a horizontal rev counter in addition to a supersized gear place indicator.
Forward of the centre console are successfully two touchscreens in a single, with the highest unit dedicated to infotainment akin to car settings, cellphone, navigation and audio controls; whereas the decrease show handles all issues local weather together with seat heating and cooling, in addition to a sliding quantity management.
There’s no gear shifter, not even a small one like Porsche has adopted. Instead, there’s a row of haptic buttons for the transmission modes, and whereas it positively frees up extra cupboard space, it’s additionally a bit annoying till you’re employed out the exact degree of finger stress required to activate it – let’s simply say you’ll want a agency contact.
If you could be bothered, there’s a fourth display screen mounted on the prime of the sprint that doubles as a basic Maserati analogue clock, but it surely will also be configured to show a few digital variations, in addition to exhibiting efficiency knowledge together with G-forces and brake masses. The factor is, I’ve already forgotten find out how to entry it.
I’m additionally a fan of Maserati’s comparatively compact leather-based steering wheel, full with begin/cease and drive mode dials. It’s completely Porsche-like in thickness in addition to incorporating an array of haptic buttons for cellphone, audio and adaptive cruise capabilities.
That luxurious atmosphere so prevalent up entrance can also be felt within the second row, because of that very same Rosso leather-based trim that wraps all the pieces from the map pockets to the air-con vents housing.
There’s loads of carbon-fibre trim bits, too, solely these are three-dimensional and with out lacquer – the real-deal if you’ll. The Sonus Faber speaker grilles are laser-cut steel, whereas the electrical door opener buttons are additionally knurled like every dial on the sprint – even the vent controls.
It’s the Grecale that wins the house race, too, given its prolonged dimensions and class-leading 2901mm wheelbase, making it 94mm longer than that of the Macan, 83mm longer than the Stelvio and even 27mm longer than the F-Pace.
All of that’s instantly apparent from the appreciable rear legroom alone, although it’s a bit tighter within the center seat given the transmission tunnel hump and decreased under-thigh help.
Nevertheless, there’s good air flow again there and rear-seat passengers additionally get entry to local weather management in addition to heated seats, dual-USB charging ports (bot -A and -C-type) and centre armrest with cupholders.
The 60/40 split-fold seats could be lowered utilizing levers in both the boot or from every outer seat, making issues simpler for weekend getaways when load house guidelines.
There’s good boot house too, with at least 570L behind the second row together with some underfloor storage within the Grecale Trofeo. No spare tyre although, as is the case with so many luxurious automobiles as of late, which merely present a can of goo to get you residence or to the closest tyre restore centre.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The Grecale Trofeo packs a detuned, wet-sump model of the Maserati MC20 supercar’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6 beneath its bonnet.
In the MC20 this engine produces 463kW at 7500rpm and 730Nm. In the Grecale Trofeo it makes a nonetheless spectacular 390kW at 6500rpm and 620Nm between 3000rpm and 5500rpm. Maserati claims the Grecale Trofeo will hit 100km/h in 3.8 seconds on the way in which to a prime pace of 285km/h.
Rivals to Grecale which additionally declare the identical 3.8-second 0-100km/h dash time, embody the outgoing Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S, BMW X3 M Competition and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. The Macan GTS claims a time of 4.3 seconds, whereas the F-Pace wants 4.0 seconds to finish the identical standing-start sprint.
The Grecale solely will get a 64L gas tank, and gas consumption is a claimed 11.2L/100km on the mixed cycle, whereas round city solely, it’s nearer to 17.4L/100km.
At occasions when feathering the throttle to and from work I noticed low 10’s, however the second you begin having a bit enjoyable in Corsa and also you’re not going to see any much less 18L/100km, and admittedly, I used to be anticipating worse. But all of it is determined by driving fashion and site visitors situations.
How does the Maserati Grecale Trofeo drive?
The left-hand button on the steering requires a agency press to fireplace up the Nettuno V6 beneath the bonnet, however even within the default GT mode, it sounds unique at coronary heart.
There’s a Comfort mode that soaks up a lot of the bumps, however in order for you extra noise then Sport dials up the exhaust decibels, however by no means to an offensive degree. Even in its most aggressive ‘Corsa’ setting, which emits a couple of well-chosen pops and crackles on carry off, it’s nonetheless much more effectively behaved in comparison with the present V8-powered AMG GLC 63 S.
The steering wheel-mounted drive mode dial makes it straightforward to change backwards and forwards between modes, and to sincere I spent a great deal of my time behind the wheel of the Grecale Trofeo in Corsa – not only for the louder noise, however for the sharper throttle, transmission and brake pedal really feel you get with it.
Best you reserve it for smoother sections of street although, as a result of it additionally places the dampers into ‘rock-hard’ mode, which is ok even over coarse-chip surfaces, however bone-jarring over sharper-edged imperfections on its 21-inch alloys shod with low-profile Bridgestone Potenza rubber.
Unless you’re driving on Sydney’s worst roads – and there are a couple of of these – GT is effectively calibrated for the every day drive, together with the occasional punch of the throttle throughout fast lane adjustments and the like.
Dialling up Sport additionally provides you a extra boisterous observe, however merely with a press of the secondary button within the centre of the drive mode dial you may simply change between the ‘arduous’ and ‘smooth’ damper settings.
There’s an preliminary tip-in of the physique however then it settles properly. It’s effectively balanced and feels gentle on its toes no matter which mode you’re in. Only in Sport it’s instantly prepped for some correctly spirited driving, but nonetheless affords an appropriate degree of compliance within the damper charges.
It’s solely in Corsa do you begin to really feel a few of its Supercar DNA. It’s extraordinarily speedy from wherever within the rev vary and will get off the mark in typical supercar trend. But it’s the sharper steering and cat-like entrance finish response that you just’ll marvel at most – it feels track-capable on this setting.
Having stated that, even in Comfort you may give it the beans and its character adjustments immediately together with the exhaust observe. In quick, it comes alive as soon as the revs construct.
Interestingly, the Nettuno engine by no means actually feels or sounds overworked, even while you’re correctly pushing. Around city, it’s more than pleased to take a seat in fifth all-day lengthy; however as quickly as you dab your proper foot on the throttle it’ll drop three gears and – increase.
Mind, it’s not as explosive because the untamed model within the MC20 – which I fee as one of many quickest mid-engine supercars I’ve ever pushed – however there’s additionally a great deal of flexibility within the Grecale with its detuned motor.
The identical goes for Trofeo’s eight-speed computerized, which understandably, by no means feels as responsive because the MC20’s eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. You discover it extra when peddling alongside manually.
In the MC20 it’s like rifle fireplace as you bang up and down the gear ratios, with every shift accompanied by a critical thump within the again.
In the Grecale Trofeo, its finest to let the transmission do its personal factor in both Sport or Corsa. You’ll positively really feel every shift, but it surely’s in no way brutal.
In reality, if left within the default GT drive mode, you’ll barely discover the gear shifts when pottering across the burbs till you actually should lean on it, then it rapidly adjustments its tune and will get extra vocal.
Measuring 360mm up entrance with six-piston calipers (and 350mm rear), the Trofeo’s brakes aren’t huge however its stopping energy and pedal really feel is sure-footed and confidence inspiring.
What do you get?
Grecale GT highlights:
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- 14-speaker Sonus Faber premium sound system
- 8.8-inch decrease show
- Leather upholstery with distinction stitching
- Maglia Milano inside trim
- Electrically adjustable steering column
- DAB+ digital radio
- Aluminium door sills
- Dual-zone local weather management with humidity sensor
- Powered tailgate with kick sensor
- Front, rear parking sensors
- Reversing digicam
- Wearable key
Grecale Modena provides:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Mechanical rear limited-slip differential
- Active shocks
Grecale Trofeo provides:
- Electronic rear limited-slip differential
- Air suspension
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Brembo brakes
- Corsa drive mode
ADAS Package L2 ($7050) provides:
- Intelligent Speed Assist
- Speed limiter
- Traffic signal recognition
- Active Driving Assist
- Intersection Collision Assist
I’d argue, with adaptive cruise management together with Stop/Go as a part of the usual Driver Assist L1 Pack – it doesn’t make a complete lot of sense to drop one other $7000.
Available colors for Grecale embody:
- Rosso Granturismo – Fuoriserie
- Grigio Cangiante – Fuoriserie
- Giallo Corse
- Grigio Lava
- Grigio Lava opaco
- Blu Intenso
- Blu Nobile
- Nero Tempesta
- Bianco
- Bianco Astro
Maserati additionally affords customisation of exterior and inside trim colors by means of its bespoke Fuoriserie program.
Is the Maserati Grecale Trofeo protected?
The Maserati Grecale has but to be rated by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Standard security gear contains:
- AEB incl. Pedestrian, Cyclist detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Active Lane Management
- Blind Spot Assist
- Lane Keep Assist + Warning
- Drowsy Driver Detection
Optional lively security options embody:
- Intelligent Speed Assist
- Traffic signal recognition
- Intersection collision Assist
- Active Driving Assist
- “an extension of the Active Highway Assist. Different from Highway Assist which operates on restricted entry freeways solely, this new system is supported on each street situation. The driver continues to be required to remain in management”
How a lot does the Maserati Grecale Trofeo price to run?
Maserati covers all its fashions with a three-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, which is identical as what Porsche affords for its vary, however lower than Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz – all of which supply five-years.
The Grecale requires servicing each 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first.
Service pack pricing (3 years):
- Grecale MHEV: $3175
- Grecale Trofeo: $3361
CarExpert’s Take on the Maserati Grecale Trofeo
It’s not fairly the costliest within the phase – each the Benz and BMW go-fast household haulers price extra, however I’d argue the Maserati Grecale Trofeo is by far probably the most unique, if not probably the most luxurious of the bunch.
It additionally affords a real high-performance various to the Porsche Macan GTS, however with the added big-ticket bragging rights of a real supercar engine sitting beneath its bonnet.
Mind, whereas the Grecale by no means feels fairly as planted, nor as completely compliant because the Macan by way of damping precision, it’s the dealing with – particularly on turn-in – that’s extra deft within the Maserati.
It’s not potential to completely exploit the Grecale’s breadth of efficiency on public roads, however even placing it by means of some actually twisty stuff at first rate clip, it’s the Italian that additionally feels lighter on its toes.
It’s additionally received class-leading inside house in addition, additional enhanced by a surprising mix of high-end supplies together with Maserati’s newest know-how, although not at all times probably the most intuitive, nor with the quickest response charges – I’m speaking about these push-button transmission controls.
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