Winds of Change

Maserati unveils its new Grecale SUV

Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy of Maserati

Following a tradition begun in 1963 with the Mistral, Maserati named its newest model, Grecale, after a wind, this time a northeasterly Mediterranean breeze. Reflecting Grecale’s position as the future of Maserati—it will become the first full-electric SUV in Maserati history— its global debut was entirely digital, and broadcast live on Maserati’s website this past March. Italian actors and Brand Ambassadors Matilda De Angelis and Alessandro Borghi were tapped to illuminate how the new model, developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena and produced at the Cassino plant, represents the everyday exceptional.

At 190.8 inches long and with a wheelbase of 114 inches, Grecale is a smaller sibling to the mid-size Levante SUV, accounting for nearly 60 percent of Maserati’s global sales. While the Grecale boasts a distinct design language, the shape of the low and imposing grill and the vertically oriented headlights call to mind the MC20. At the same time, the Giugiaro 3200 GT inspires the taillights. Carbon fiber highlight the technical components.

Notable among its many attributes is the extensive range of available engines: conventional internal combustion, hybrid, and, in a year’s time, full-electric. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard on all variants. Powering the GT is a four-cylinder mild-hybrid engine capable of delivering 300 hp. Modena offers a four-cylinder 330-hp mild-hybrid engine. The powerful Trofeo is equipped with a high-performance 3.0L 530-hp V6 based on the Nettuno engine fitted to the MC20. As a result, the Trofeo can make the 0-60 sprint in 3.8 seconds. Completing the range is the Grecale Folgore, the 100% electric version with 400V technology.

New to the Grecale is a 100% Maserati Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) system, offering 360° control over the car and clear distinction between the various DRIVE MODES: COMFORT, GT, SPORT, CORSA (Trofeo only), and OFF-ROAD. Maserati says VDCM “can be compared to a top-ranking orchestral conductor who can set precise targets and timing for all the major actuators in the vehicle, ensuring they are all aligned, reducing intervention times and increasing performance, driving pleasure and vehicle safety.”

The sportscar finish in the cabin is heavy on technology. Even the traditional Maserati clockface, positioned in the center of the dash, has been given a digital update and can transform into a veritable in-car concierge, courtesy of voice control. Touch-based technology is primarily controlled via a large 12.3” central screen, the largest ever seen in a Maserati. An 8.8-inch lower screen manages the climate system. The latest Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) multimedia system provides each customer with a simple, intuitive, and customizable user experience. MIA can be configured with multiple tab-based screens based on favorite or most commonly used functions to optimize quick access and enable operations with just one tap.

Audiophiles will appreciate the Sonus Faber 3D sound system. The standard Premium level includes 14 speakers, while the High Premium level offers 21 speakers on demand for a fully immersive listening experience. Engineers at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena worked directly with Italian artist Dardust to customize the “chimes” – the sound alerts received by the user.

Tremendous attention has been paid to the fit and finishes in the interior, available in three trim levels. With characteristics that include a Saffiano leather dashboard insert, and burnished inserts on the central console and door panel, the GT interior presents an environment that draws inspiration from interior design. Sporty and outdoor-oriented, the Modena interior features an embroidered and stitched graphic motif on the dashboard, panels, and seats. Available trim in this variant includes dark ash burl, an unusual, contemporary wood with a grey tone, and an open-pore finish. The Trofeo trim level is suited to sports enthusiasts. It focuses on high-performance materials, such as exposed, three-dimensional carbon fiber and perforated leather, paired with chevron motifs that emphasize the car’s dynamism.