Maserati Grecale – Back to Basics

Maserati Grecale GT

€100,694

The threshold for the Maserati Grecale seems quite high with a starting price of just over a hundred thousand. Compared to its direct competitor, however, it is not so bad: the Porsche Macan with 265 hp 2.0 four-cylinder turbo is on the price list from €109,000. At Maserati you get the Grecale GT for the starting price, which has a 300 hp mild hybrid 2.0 four-cylinder turbo and four-wheel drive. Above that is the 330 hp Grecale Modena, also with four-cylinder, for €111,790. The top version in the Grecale range is the Grecale Trofeo and costs a minimum of €166,087. For that amount, however, you get a 530 hp 3.0 V6.

Four pipes

In any case, the Grecale GT does not look like a base model from the outside. At the front, the SUV has large air intakes in the front bumper that flank the imposing grille, while at the rear four exhaust pipes and a diffuser define the view. The Grecale is standard on 19-inch alloy wheels, for a larger wheel size you have to put at least €1,948 on the table. The white unilak, simply called ‘Bianco’, is the only ‘free’ color that Maserati offers. For metallic paint you have to put at least €1,113 on the table. In addition to the wheels and the exterior color, Maserati offers another option to flavor the exterior. For €484 you can choose from four other colors for the brake calipers.

Maserati Grecale

Maserati equips the Grecale with front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera with dynamic grid lines as standard. LED headlights and LED taillights are also standard, but they are not yet adaptive. In addition, keyless entry and electrically folding side mirrors are standard on the Grecale. You will have to pay an additional €205 for automatically dimming door mirrors. An electric tailgate costs exactly the same amount, which makes you wonder why the Italians have not mounted that option directly.

Screens with screens

In the interior of the Grecale there is really no analog clock to be seen. “But, isn’t there one on top of the dashboard?” No, that clock is also digital and contains multiple functions, such as a compass and chronometer. The Grecale comes standard with digital instruments and two central touchscreens. The large screen – just like the digital instruments – has a size of 12.3-inch and the smaller screen below it measures 8.8-inch. With that bottom screen you can, for example, operate the climate control. Maserati does not say a word about Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in the configurator and the brochure, but you can control various vehicle functions with your smartphone via Maserati Connect. Navigation is only an option of €1,524, which is no longer appropriate in this day and age.

Maserati Grecale

Where the lack of standard navigation is actually a mortal sin in this price range, the furniture of the Grecale is covered with black leather as standard. The moldings are made of a black type of wood. As an option, you can choose from five other interior colors and four types of moldings, so there is no shortage of personalization options. The front seats are standard ten-way electrically adjustable, but have no memory function and no seat heating. For the latter you have to put €508 on the table. When it comes to safety systems, Maserati also keeps the cards close. Only cruise control, Intelligent Speed ​​Assist and an automated emergency braking system are standard.

You can make a big cut for the other safety systems. For €2,795 you get the Driver Assistance Package Level 1 which includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot assistance, adaptive LED headlights and Lane Keeping Assist. For €6,001 you can also opt for the Driver Assistance Package Level 2 Plus, which, in addition to the previous options, also includes fatigue detection, Active Driving Assist, Intersection Collision Assist and the aforementioned navigation system.

No bargain

With the basic price of just over a ton in euros, the Grecale is not very expensive compared to its direct competitor, but you have to pay extra for many essential items in this segment. Then the Grecale is suddenly not such a sharp offer anymore, although Porsche can also do something with its option lists. For this starting price, however, you expect a richer standard equipment than Maserati offers.