Maserati is enjoying something of a resurgence. This could well be attributed to the launch of its first SUV, called the Levante, which would have given much-needed sales impetus to the brand’s ageing line-up. Today the company has debuted its second-ever SUV, called the Maserati Grecale.

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New to the party

The Maserati Grecale is aimed to be a money-spinner for the brand. The newcomer will play in the lucrative ‘entry-level’ premium SUV sub-segment. This space is currently occupied by the Porsche Macan, Land Rover Evoque, Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X4. Grecale is the name of a north-easterly Mediterranean wind, in case you are wondering.

The Grecale measures 4 846 mm in length, 1 979 mm in width, and 1 670 mm in height. Entry level versions have a rear wheel track of 1 948 mm, whereas hotter Modena and Trofeo derivatives have an additional 34 mm. All three have a wheelbase of 2 901 mm.

Read about Maserati’s MC20 supercar at this link.

Quattro gusti

Four flavours make up the Maserati Grecale range: GT, Modena and Trofeo. The first three are derivatives of the range. There is a further PrimaSerie, which is a launch model that is fitted with specific items and will be available for a limited time. A fully electric version called the Forgole will be added to the line-up in about a year. 

The entry-level GT is powered by a 2,0-litre turbocharged engine with mild-hybrid technology in which peak power is rated at 220kW/450 N.m. The Modena variant uses a similar engine but power is lifted to 242 kW without any increase in torque. Both versions have a top speed of 240 km/h.

Leading the range is Trofeo derivative (as pictured above) with a twin-turbocharged 3,0-litre V6. It has 390 kW with peak torque of 620 N.m. Maserati says the Grecale Trofeo can sprint from rest to 100 km/h in 3,8 seconds. It has a quoted top speed of 285 km/h. All engines are fitted with eight-speed automatic transmissions. Torque is sent to an all-wheel-drive system.

All-new inside

One of the areas of critique of Maserati models is that the cabins feel somewhat dated when compared to their main rivals. However, this issue seems to have been addressed in the Grecale. The appearance is modern and high-tech. There is a digital display ahead of the driver and the pair of touchscreens on the centre console. The instrument cluster and upper touchscreen both measure 12,3 inches each. The lower touchscreen is responsible for controlling the climate settings. 

Our local sources tell us that the Maserati Grecale will come to SA before the year ends. In the meanwhile, you can learn more about the new SUV in the video below.