(by Giannantonio Pettinelli) Maserati's road towards electric models, identified by the acronym Folgore, passed through the mild hybrid which first involved the Ghibli, then the Levante and then the Grecale, which was already born with electrified variants in the range.
We drove it in the 300 HP GT version, which combines an elegant look with Trident-proof handling.
The demeanor of the Grecale is that of a classy car, especially when it wears a livery with more subtle color accents.
Thanks to the many chromed details scattered throughout the bodywork: from those present in the grille, up to the rear frieze framed between the headlights, passing through the gills on the front wheel arches, and the contours of the side glass surfaces.
These are elements that stand out on a car body measuring 4.85 meters in length, and which combine well with the 20-inch wheels and the 4 rear exhausts capable of recalling the sporting nature of the brand.
The external elegance is reflected in a large passenger compartment, the result of a wheelbase of over 2.90 metres, which does not disdain a load compartment worthy of the name, with 535 useful litres, and does not give up the finishes expected of a Maserati.
Leather and other quality materials reign supreme, enveloping the driver and passenger in an exclusive atmosphere full of personality.
In the context, which we could also find on other models of the brand, the modernity offered by the 3 displays dedicated respectively to the instrumentation, the climate control and the multimedia system stands out.
The latter is particularly large, as it measures 12.3 inches, boasting the same dimensions as the instrument panel, and gives access to an infotainment system based on Android Automotive, which can be integrated with Amazon Alexa.
Not even the clock on the dashboard has remained the same, because it allows access to different information, such as the compass and lateral acceleration, through different graphics.
Always connected via an integrated SIM, the Grecale reports any unexpected events during the journey via the online navigation system.
Connecting your phone, even wirelessly, is a matter of moments, and with mirroring, even the most used apps are just a glance away.
Furthermore, to have great recording sound, you can opt for the 21-speaker Sonus Faber audio system.
On a dynamic level, the Grecale highlights the Maserati DNA, taking advantage of a platform that boasts refined solutions, such as the carbon driveshaft, and can count on adaptive suspensions, to adapt the ground clearance based on the dynamic situation.
With the rotor on the steering wheel you can select the driving modes, including the specific one for off-road, to make the most of a 300 HP and 450 Nm of torque powertrain which, despite the external proportions, is more than sufficient to guarantee a verve worthy of the brand stamped on the hood.
Thanks to a light hybrid power unit made up of a supercharged 2-litre 4-cylinder engine that works in synergy with a 48 Volt mild hybrid system and the e-Booster: an electric compressor that guarantees ideal boost at low revs.
To further increase safety and driving pleasure, there is permanent all-wheel drive with delivery of the predominant torque to the rear, and among the accessories there is also a limited slip differential, to offer enjoyable traction and greater incisiveness when cornering.
When traveling the car moves smoothly, and it is advisable to leave the 8-speed gearbox in automatic mode, while when cornering the call of the paddles behind the steering wheel is always very strong, due to the characteristics mentioned above.
The performance is sporty, with a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, and a top speed of 240 km/h.
Consumption is sensitive to the pressure exerted by the right foot on the accelerator and, on average, is around 10km/l.
The 48V mild hybrid Maserati Grecale GT has a price starting from 86,600 euros, but between accessories and specific packages, it varies based on the chosen configuration.
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