Introduction
The Maserati Grecale is an SUV, one with a heavy emphasis on the Sport element of a three-word acronym currently dominating the automotive landscape. Available in three trim models, GT, Modena and Trofeo, each one comes up with a step up in power and price.
The car I tested was the mid-range Modena with a 330-bhp turbocharged four-cylinder engine boosted by a 48V hybrid system powering all four wheels of this, as-tested, £87,000 model.
Although the Grecale came out nearly a year ago we wanted to find out whether it could convince me, an SUV sceptic, that I’m wrong.
The reason for my scepticism is that I don’t see the point of spending billions on giving 4x4s big power and skinny tyres to make them handle like sports cars. If you want a fast family car, why not get an estate that’s lower and more aerodynamic?
Despite my lack of enthusiasm, one thing the Grecale did convince me of was its looks. Sporty in all the right places, but not overbearing or aggressive with a swooping roofline and elegant front end; as book covers go it definitely isn’t a bad one.
Performance and Handling
With 330bhp, 450Nm of torque and hybrid boost, and a 0-62 of 5.3 seconds the Grecale isn’t a slouch on paper or in reality. In practice, it pulls well up to motorway speeds or accelerating from a standstill.
The engine isn’t the most sonorous and doesn’t sound happy being pushed, but in a family car, the engine shouldn’t make its way into the cabin as much as it would in a sports car so this is literally a ‘moot’ point. On the motorway, it’s a very happy cruiser and the hybrid system helps the Grecale achieve over 30mpg.
Stopping nearly two tonnes of Grecale are four-piston fixed brakes at the front and floating MOCs at the rear. These become much in demand when one ventures onto slightly more interesting B-roads where things become less comfortable.
Sticking the car into its sportiest drive mode and suspension settings couldn’t mask the reality of a high-riding body shell and the laws of physics. The car felt nimble and changed direction very quickly, but on the day of our test – admittedly one with torrential rain – it felt slightly hyper when changing direction.
Interior and Practicality
Inside the Grecale excels. Comfortable leather seats, an easy-to-use display and massive ‘configurability’ make it a pleasant place to sit.
Nothing strikes you as out of the ordinary and what anomalies there are – such as how far you have to dig to find the tyre pressure readings – are easily worked around.
In the back, there’s space for two full-sized adults who, like the front row, have access to heated seats and USB cables for charging their phones.
The boot, at 535 litres, is a good size for a small SUV and deep enough for a substantial amount of luggage and probably a large dog.
Conclusion
Be in no doubt that the Grecale is a good car, but it is one which doesn’t suit being the S part of the SUV acronym.
This might sound strange given the pedigree of a badge that has brought us greats like the MC20, Bora, 250F, and 3200 GT, but it’s true. Maserati has done the logical thing by building its own SUV to satisfy demand for a type of car that is currently in vogue.
In doing so, it demonstrates that the best SUVs are the ones which have quite powerful engines, thick tyres, lots of tech, and big boots, but not those that can set a lap time or out-accelerate a Space X rocket.
If you’re reading this wondering where you can get those thick comfy tyres and powerful enough engines, worry not, you can also get them on the Grecale.
