It is one of the most elegant SUV type cars of the moment. And this version, the Grecale GT, is the entry model to the range. It is elegant, impeccably designed and also benefits from the ECO environmental label. And it's a Maserati.
It is not as sporty as its range siblings, Modena (330 HP and 101,550 euros) or Trofeo (530 HP and 136,350 euros), but it has plenty of power for daily and weekend family use and shows excellent balance in all the aspects.
The Grecale, let us remember, is an SUV 4.85 meters long, somewhat less than the Levante, with very good habitability and a large trunk capacity of 535 liters for traveling in complete comfort.
On the other hand, within the brand's electrification plans, Maserati will soon market the Grecale Folgore, the 100% electric version with 557 HP and 500 km of autonomy (123,700 euros).
The Grecale attracts attention for its careful design and its considered proportions. It is very elegant, especially seen from the front with the iconic grille with the classic trident in the center.
Everything seems studied to provide an air of natural beauty, without stridency or stylistic complications. Something that is always appreciated. The aesthetic success deserves, therefore, all the praise.
We highlight the three openings on the side of the body, below the GT logo, the quad exhaust outlet or the latest generation headlights with adaptive matrix LED technology.
This test version also has an attractive Bianco Lunare paint designed to show off, even more so, the shapes of this Italian SUV.
The exterior assembly is completed by 20-inch Etere forged wheels, with a spoke design that replicates the trident, accompanied by eye-catching yellow brake calipers. And the tires in size 255/45 R20 are Pirelli Winter 2, especially suitable for winter and cold climates. With heat, obviously, they degrade more quickly.
A Maserati has to be luxurious and the Grecale GT is. But it is also technological. Thus, inside, the driver has a 12.3-inch central touch screen and another 8.8-inch screen just below for climate controls.
Interior finish, materials used and fits are exquisite. And it has leather, aluminum and even wood on the center console. And the pillars and roof are upholstered in Alcantara. The feeling is of high quality, by touch and also by design, which is still functional.
The steering wheel has a sporty design and a suggestive presence. With the two large gear shift paddles located behind, we find two circular buttons on each side: one to start or stop the engine and the other to select the three driving modes: Comfort, GT and Sport.
Another tasteful detail is the traditional clock at the top of the dashboard. In this case digital, but with an elegant analog design.
What is peculiar is that there is no lever or selector for the automatic transmission and instead there are 4 buttons, P, N, R and D/M, located just above the climate control screen.
The problem is that they are not very visible and you have to press with determination. After the initial confusion, you get used to it.
It should be noted that the multimedia system offers modern menus that are quick and intuitive to operate, more so than other models from this automotive group. It has the classic, wireless connection for the two operating systems Android Auto and Appel CarPlay.
The Grecale GT has the simplest engine in the range, a 2.0 four-cylinder gasoline engine with turbo and the support of a mini light hybridization system with a 48-volt battery, which allows it to offer a power of 300 HP and 450 Nm. of torque, in addition to the DGT ECO label.
All combined with an effective eight-speed automatic transmission and mechanical all-wheel drive with electronic management that guarantee perfect management of the available potential.
It is an engine that pushes very well from low revs and that is supported by a well-stepped transmission and that we can use in either normal automatic, Sport automatic or manual mode using the large and functional paddles on the steering wheel. The performance, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h of only 5.6 seconds, is really good. In fact, is more needed? Probably not.
Agile in curves
On the road it is a fairly agile SUV, more so than the Levante, and it surprises with quick and certainly precise reactions. There are notable differences between the different Comfort, GT and Sport driving modes, especially with the latter, more spirited and sporty.
It brakes effectively and the steering is one that makes cornering easier due to its precision. The pneumatic suspension (optional), with two positions, allows the Grecale to be effective in curves without the occupants being harmed by the hardness of the assembly.
And driving on the highway or highway, with the Comfort program, it is a really comfortable car. Another virtue is the excellent insulation of the cabin. And the trips, whether the driver alone or with the family, are a real pleasure. It is a car that does not tire you no matter how long the journey is.
The Grecale GT has a base price in our market of 87,350 euros. The standard equipment is very complete, but it can be completed with optional packages from the brand.
The test unit, for example, includes 20-inch Etere wheels, yellow brake calipers, wood on the dashboard and doors, adaptive Matrix LED headlights, 360º view camera or Head-up Display.
And special mention deserves the effective adaptive suspension, the limited slip differential and the performance braking system. The truth is that security shines at a high level.
In short, the Grecale GT is a good way to enter the Maserati universe, where luxury and sportiness are always successfully combined.
