Maserati Grecale GT: SUV to chase Porsche Macan and BMW X4

Created: 12/29/2021, 3:09 PM

From: Simon Mones

With the new Maserati Grecale, the Italians will poach in the future in the area of ​​the Porsche Macan and BMW X4.

The Italian prototype has many surprises in store.

Modena (Italy) - Maserati has so far not been able to work under five meters in length and 330 hp. It's good for the ego, but it doesn't really fill up your coffers. Of course, larger cars have more margins, but unfortunately also fewer units. That is why Maserati boss Davide Grasso is relying on an additional and, above all, smaller series, as reported by 24auto.de. Her name is Grecale and, as Maserati likes to do, it is named after a Mediterranean wind. In the opinion of the former Nike manager, this should make money. For the bell to ring properly, it has to be an SUV, of course. And of course, a fully electric drive is also necessary for long-term business.

But we are not that far yet.

The delay is not due to rash promises by the Italians or too many espresso breaks.

Even Corona is not to blame, at least directly, for the fact that the Grecale does not debut these days as originally planned.

It is simply the lack of chips that has now also reached luxury manufacturers despite comparatively small quantities.

It is so serious that Maserati sees the risk of presenting a finished car as too great, but then not being able to produce and sell it.

(Maserati crushes Corvette C8 on car transporter: "That hurts")

The Maserati Grecale is still hiding under the camouflage film.

© Lorenzo Marcinno / Maserati

Maserati Grecale GT: SUV to chase Porsche Macan and BMW X4

The problem hits the new Grecale all the harder because it is supposed to embody a new generation of digitization - and it has to be in order to be able to hold its own against the BMW X4, Porsche Macan or Mercedes GLC Coupé. This applies above all to infotainment and convenience solutions as well as contemporary controls and assistance systems. All manufacturers complain that chips for head-up displays, for example, are in short supply. For the first time, it will also be available in a Maserati. (Maserati on sale: why this country is desperate for its luxury fleet)

However, waiting for better times at Maserati is not wasted.

More than 250 test vehicles are still on the road around the world to collect data for the final touches.

The car was also given to a handful of journalists to test it on and off-road.

First insight: The Grecale is Maserati's small SUV, but still almost as big as the Levante.

With a length of 4.85 meters it is only 15 centimeters shorter than its big brother, the wheelbase of 2.90 meters is only ten centimeters shorter.

(Maserati Levante Hybrid in the test: Power SUV with reduced dynamics)

The Maserati Grecale offers plenty of storage space.

© Maserati

Nevertheless, the Grecale looks more agile and dynamic.

On the one hand, it lacks a few centimeters in height compared to the Levante, on the other hand, its roofline drops earlier and more harmoniously.

The Maserati engineers point out that the trunk is still large and usable.

Its volume of 535 liters to the top of the backrest will be enough for most drivers.

The seat sample in the interior also makes it clear: it doesn't get any narrower than in the Levante.

(Maserati Ghibli Trofeo in the test: This is what distinguishes the Italian from the BMW M5)

Maserati Grecale GT: Noble materials in the interior

A lot is still covered in the interior, but the next-level claim of the Grecale interior is clearly visible.

More and larger displays, but fewer buttons and switches.

Anything that works somehow should be controlled via touchscreens or finally via functioning voice control.

(Maserati Ghibli evades: cat healthy, sports sedan broken)

Despite all the digitization: The Grecale wouldn't be a Maserati if the interior didn't also have classic brand virtues.

Leather, carbon and precious woods are the materials that are commonly expected there - and you will find them more abundantly in the new SUV than in the German competition.

(Maserati MC20: a lot of power, little weight - but the bolide has its price)

In another point, however, the Italians break radically with a tradition: the famous analog clock in the center console is only vaguely preserved.

In truth, it is a smartwatch that makes a decisive contribution to driver-vehicle communication and is a multifunctional display.

(Maserati Ghibli Hybrid: Only a four-cylinder in the luxury class - can that go well?)

Maserati Grecale GT: downsizing instead of a roaring V8 engine

Nevertheless, the Maserati Grecale is not a completely new development.

He uses the platform of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

That's not bad at first, after all, the Stelvio has done more than just respectably so far.

Maserati insisted that the engines should be more independent.

Sure, diesel is dead with the brand with the trident and the fully electric version will only follow after the official market launch next year.

So the current focus is on gasoline engines.

An eight-cylinder engine would theoretically have room, but it is highly unlikely - after all, the Maserati V8 engines come from Ferrari, and this cooperation is coming to an end.

In addition, the downsizing trend does not stop at Maserati.

The Maserati Grecale comes without a V8 engine.

© Lorenzo Marcinno / Maserati

So in the future it will be about six, but depending on the segment mainly about four cylinders. With a displacement of 2.0 liters and 48-volt mild hybridization, including a belt starter generator, these four form the future entry into the Grecale world. Maserati promises 300 hp, 30 less than the Levante's entry-level model. The sound takes some getting used to for Maserati standards - a bit snotty, but sporty. But a top speed of 240 km / h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.6 seconds are remarkable values ​​for the all-wheel drive SUV. It is amazing how the mild hybrid system gives the engine the punch it needs: the e-booster drives the turbocharger at low speeds so that it lacks the typical sluggish turbo lag. However, one must hold on tothat the German competition is poorly positioned in this performance class.

In accordance with German customs and thus a difference to the Levante, the decision that air suspension for the Grecale GT is only an option.

But it is always a win to bring to light the true dynamic characteristics of the Maserati SUV.

Activating the sport mode via the controller on the steering wheel, even the 300 PS Grecale clearly shows what the Maserati brothers did for a living 100 years ago: with racing cars.

* 24auto.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA