Maserati’s modern sports SUV keeps tradition

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Wow, I’m thinking to myself when I take over the keys to this big new Maserati SUV Grecale. Levante’s little brother has always looked compact in pictures. Maybe it’s the light signature and the duckbill-like radiator grille. Both give Grecale a yo effect. But the small Masi SUV has an impressive length of 4.85 metres. And the rear view is also bulkier than the front.

When we hear that the SUV is powered by a four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a displacement of only two liters, the first thing that comes to mind is “Jöö”. What appears to be a break from tradition shows that electromobility is also reaching Maserati in homeopathic doses. That’s because the four-cylinder petrol engine is coupled to a mild hybrid module. The additional electrical power from the starter generator eliminates turbo lag and thus 450 Newton meters of torque force the Grecale from 2000 rpm.

The compact Masi SUV will not be a sprint star. But once it gains momentum, Grecale moves forward with ease and calm. Models with the Trident are also true Gran Turismos as SUVs – just with more ground clearance.

The cockpit surprises us positively. Experience has shown that digitization takes a little longer for traditional brands and is not convincing from the start. But Grecale has consistent digital instruments. Important information is clearly displayed. The operation is easy. The head-up display, introduced for the first time in Maserati, also helps here. Here, too, the presentation is successful.

Two screens stand out on the center console. The top navigation system, radio etc. functions as classic infotainment. In between, we select the driving level (P, R, N, D) on the classic buttons and then a smaller screen comes up. Air conditioning, seats and more can be adjusted here. Initial concerns are cleared with large and clear buttons and simple operation.

The reasonable performance of the 300 hp (221 kW) four-cylinder and all-wheel drive engines has consequences. The test consumption of 10.3 liters is no longer up to date. Almost 1.9 tons of curb weight is also significant in the literal sense of the word. The top version with the 530 hp V6 engine needs a little more than a liter. On the other hand, this is also a Maserati tradition. Trident models have always been among the thirsty vehicles.

Unfortunately, Italians from Modena also have an impressive tradition of awards. Grecale is no exception. Even with the four-cylinder mild hybrid it costs at least 88,450 francs.

The Grecale is the Italian alternative to the Porsche Macan or BMW X4 and breathes new life into the sports SUV segment. Especially with the more powerful V6 and the next electric version, the Folgore. But even with the four-cylinder engine we are fast on the road or just moving forward depending on our mood.

Old Maserati traditions have a future in the new SUV, and new ones are emerging. No element can show this better than the traditional clock on the dashboard. The classic analog clock has become a digital multifunctional component. It can display the time in analog form with only the hands, or stop lap times after switching to digital, display G-forces and even serve as a voice assistant.

Source: Blick