The 2023 Maserati Grecale GT SUV is a mild hybrid luxury SUV that goes head to head with the Porsche Macan and Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Also available in Modena and Primaserie trim, the car produces 291 bhp and 450Nm of torque through its 2.0 litre turbocharged engine and 8 speed automatic gearbox, delivering positive throttle response and an engaging drive, enhanced by the full aluminium paddle shifters. The car also features a Sonus Faber sound system, generous rear legroom, a drag style climate control system, and comfortable ride quality through its well tuned suspension.
A Good Balance of Performance & Luxury
While many in Singapore might be more familiar with Maseratis like the GranTurismo and the Quattroporte, Maserati has been steadily growing their SUV presence in Singapore with the Levante, and now the smaller Grecale. Packaged with a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbocharged engine mated to an 8 speed automatic gearbox in its base GT form, the Grecale is good for 291 bhp and 450Nm of torque. These are figures that will propel the GT from 0-100km/h in just 5.6 seconds - an extremely respectable figure considering the price bracket that the Grecale GT sits in - and impressive considering that the Grecale GT doesn't feel like its decked out to be an all out performance SUV.
You see, unlike other SUVs in this speed range, the Grecale GT has retained a softer, classier image, and opts for traditional chrome trim details as opposed to the more popular blacked out setup we find with many cars today. The 19 inch standard wheels, though not small by any measure, are considered to be quite conservative by today's standards. As a result, what you get is a car that actually looks rather classy and sophisticated, along with a very capable drivetrain, comfortable ride quality, and a distinctly Italian interior in the best way possible.
Exotic but Competitively Priced
This may come as a a bit of a surprise, but the Grecale GT actually sits in the same ballpark price as many of its more mainstream competitors like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and the Lexus RX. They are all similarly priced, and while the RX is a slightly larger car, the Grecale is easily comparable with the X3 and GLC, possibly even being a smidge larger in terms of rear passenger legroom. It is also an interior that has a greater sense of occasion, giving you the feeling that you are riding in something just a tad bit more premium and special.
With swathes of Italian leather lining the interior, a stitched dashboard, along with that nifty infotainment unit that allows you to slide your finger across the screen to adjust the temperature and fan speed, the Grecale GT is a car that excites the senses and is comparatively more exotic than its more mainstream rivals. Typically, an exotic car comes at a premium over its mainstream alternatives, but in the case of the Greacale GT, that isn't true.
Performs Remarkably Well
Aside from being exotically Italian, it's key to note that the Grecale is no flower vase. In fact, its very quick for a 2.0 litre vehicle, and will comfortable outrun a similarly spec'ed 2.0 Porsche Macan base by 0.8 seconds to 100km/h. The fact that it is also a significantly larger and more spacious car than the Macan makes this even more impressive. The Grecale GT also sounds better, producing one of the better soundtracks we've ever heard from a 2.0 litre engine to date. The 8 speed automatic is also quick shifting and is comparable to some of the best transmissions we've seen on the market, within the same segment.
If road conditions start to get less straightforward for you, you're in good hands as well, as the Grecale GT handles itself with plenty of poise, displaying an assuredly firm stance through corners with minimal body roll and a sharp steering dynamic. That said, the suspension setup is also forgiving over harsher surfaces, and is actually a rather comfortable car to ride in - perhaps in part due to its more conservative standard wheel size. Either way, what you get is a well rounded performer that strikes a very good balance between performance and comfort.
Who will it Appeal to?
If you're in the market for a well rounded premium luxury SUV that drives well, goes relatively quick, sounds great, is still comfortable and spacious for the rest of your family, and you want something interesting and exotic that your neighbour wont have, then the Grecale GT is a great car to consider.
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