This week we are reviewing the 2023 Maserati Grecale Modena. Our vehicle was assembled at the Cassino Plant in Piedimonte San Germano, Italy, with an MSRP of CAD $109,350.00.
The Grecale is a renaissance within Maserati; the brand needed a wind of fresh air to keep it relevant. The MC20 is precisely that. However, it's meant as Maserati's halo vehicle rather than a golden goose for producing other unique automobiles. I'll make a parallel between Porsche and the Macan; for them, it's a money maker to give us other great vehicles. If you thought the similarities stop there, they don't. The Macan clearly inspired the Grecale. Is it a bad thing? During our test, we questioned ourselves several times if that vehicle wasn't better than the Macan. It is certainly a more enjoyable experience with much less chance of encountering one on every street corner.
Fun Factor: 10
Under the hood of the Grecale Modena, you will find a 2.0L MultiAir turbo inline-4 making 325 hp thanks to its mild-hybrid system, that's 29 hp more than the base GT model. If you want something more powerful, you must step up to the Grecale Trofeo with 523 hp, which becomes a monster on four wheels with its in-house Nettuno engine. We are also supposed to see a fully electric version called the Folgore, and it should have a 105 kWh battery to give it a decent range. Overall, being behind the wheel of the Grecale will bring much enjoyment, starting with the exhaust note; the precise and optimized satisfying shifts made us all smiles. The Modena accelerates from a still stand in 5.0 seconds, while the Trofeo brings this down to 3.6 seconds.
Can it Family: 7
Many high-performance vehicles sacrifice rear seating space, but this vehicle is an exception. The second row of the Grecale provides ample space, which is a notable advantage over its direct competitor, the Macan. The Macan has a small opening and minimal space in the second row. There is space for three as long as they're kids; however, two adults will have plenty of room. Additionally, it comes with a considerable trunk which will be practical for the family golf trip or road trip. Interior-wise, the materials feel elevated and match the vehicle's price tag, which hasn't always been the case with Maserati. The red seats enhance the interior and provide excellent support. They offer a comfortable spot to cover long distances and are perfect for spending hours on the road.
Fuel-Friendly: 5
The Grecale has an announced fuel economy of 9.4L/100km combined, with 8.0L/100km on the highway and 10.6L/100km in the city. We achieved a fuel economy of 14.9L/100km over a 500km distance, far off the announced numbers; however, only a few people will drive the Grecale smoothly.
HWY-warrior: 9
The cluster screen measures 13.3 inches and is enhanced by a heads-up display. The soft chimes that alert you when a vehicle is in your blind spot were a nice break from the usual startling ones. Although the semi-autonomous driving feature was available, maintaining a grip on the wheel was necessary. After only five seconds, the system would alert us to put our hands back on the steering wheel. The vehicle demonstrated its impressive ability to anticipate and react to other cars cutting in front of us when driving in traffic, seamlessly slowing down without any abrupt movements. The Greacle's smooth driving experience is partially due to its MHEV (Mild-hybrid) system. This system enhances fuel efficiency and acts as an e-booster, ensuring that the turbocharge is always ready and minimizing turbo lag.
Karaoke Friendly: 7
The Grecale boasts two screens for managing the infotainment system - a 12-inch main screen and an 8.8-inch screen for climate controls. While the system is responsive, it does have some unique quirks, such as the placement of certain sub-menus. Additionally, the controls for the side mirrors are positioned in a less convenient location, which is a growing trend among manufacturers. If a micro adjustment is required, you will need to move forward and potentially take your eyes away from the road. The 14-Speaker Sonus Faber Audio sounded great, and the system was adjusted for urban and EDM music giving us a rich baseline.
Baby-friendly: 7
You'll find three anchor ports behind each of the 3 back seats. As for the ISOFIX ports, you will find them on the outer two seats hidden between the bench, a strange departure from other vehicles that are based on the same platform. With the additional space the Grecale offers, rear-facing seats will not take away space from passengers in front, which is rare in this segment. Booster seats fit well, but the belt buckle is tightly situated between them, making it difficult for children to buckle themselves in. Additionally, when using taller car seats, the inward position of the headrest may require its removal.
City Cruising: 5
Handling is precise, and the suspension takes road imperfection well, even with the optional 21-inch tires. Again here, the MHEV system helps to make a smooth transition from a still stand to get the Grecale to speed. We wish for the hybrid system in urban areas to perform better and to decrease the fuel economy even more. We have to wait for the Folgore to have a greener performance option.
Why would we buy the Maserati Grecale, or what we liked about it?
What more could you ask for than Italian styling and driving flair? But this vehicle has more to offer than just that - it boasts a spacious interior that outdoes its competitors and a stunning exhaust sound. Maserati put in the work to make this car a winner.
Why would we not buy the Maserati Grecale, or what did we not like about it?
As a boutique manufacturer, pricing is higher than competitors, and options can be expensive. Reliability is the 2-second question since Maserati hasn't always had the best. We do hope that with this renaissance, reliability is on their side. We have spoken to some owners, and they have not reported any issues thus far.
Maserati has lent us this vehicle for one week as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with Maserati, Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the car referred to above.
