Shereen Shabnam
Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars, immediately recognisable by their extraordinary personality and the new Maserati Grecale SUV is no different. We got our hands for a week on this “Everyday Exceptional” model and took it around the city and the suburbs and experienced pure joy during our long yet comfortable drives.
After driving the Trofeo in the past, this time we had the Modena and felt the impressive Grecale capability of striking the right balance between versatility, elegance, performance and innovation.
These must have features are combined with off-road capabilities and uncompromising driving pleasure and hence guarantee performance, comfort and safety, all at the same time. In fact, as an SUV, Grecale Modena has all the modern features and comforts most families and adventure seekers look for when they need a more spacious vehicle that can accommodate the needs of all family members be it sports equipment for the dad or ample shopping space for the mum.
The Grecale portfolio has a wide range of engines that range from conventional internal combustion, hybrid and soon the model will also have the first full-electric SUV in Maserati history. Three versions to look out for includes the GT, Modena and Trofeo.
Fans of SUV will delight in knowing that the GT is powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid engine capable of delivering 300 hp while the Modena, with a four-cylinder 330-hp mild hybrid engine. The powerful Trofeo is equipped with a high-performance 3.0L 530-hp petrol V6 and to complete the range, the Grecale Folgore is the 100% electric version with 400V technology.
During our drives, we enjoyed the spaciousness and comfort, and the Modena’s impressive set of “best-in-class” features, in particular the warm and modern interior space, driveability, handling, acceleration, sound quality and extensive use of premium materials such as wood, carbon fibre and leather.
The exterior design of the Grecale in the front features a low and imposing grille. The profile is notable for its contrast between purity and technique, with a highly fluid body featuring meandering, visual forms and its technical components highlighted by the use of carbon fibre.
Inside the cabin, the standout tech specs include the traditional Maserati clockface. Digital for the first time, it transforms into a veritable in-car concierge, courtesy of voice control. Everything becomes touch-based, with extreme aesthetic cleanliness.
We tried the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) Multimedia system, from the state-of-the-art infotainment and from Maserati Connect. The in-car sound is enhanced by an all-round sound experience, thanks to the immersive Sonus faber 3D sound system. The Sonus faber system, as standard at Premium level includes 14 speakers, or 21 speakers on demand at High Premium level.
Overall, we had an unforgettable driving experience due to the extraordinary handling provided by the new, 100% Maserati Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) system and the 360° control it offers over the car. We had the option of different drive modes – Comfort, GT, Sport, Corsa (Trofeo Only) and Off-Road with each mode providing an extraordinary driving experience aboard Grecale.
