Maserati Grecale to be offered in GT, Modena and Trofeo variants.
22 Nov 2023 | 3927 Views | By Saptarshi Mondal, Autocar India
Maserati is gearing up to launch the Grecale SUV in India early next year, with bookings set to commence by the end of 2023. Globally unveiled in March 2022, the Grecale is Maserati’s entry-level SUV that comes in three variants globally – GT, Modena and Trofeo. The Grecale also ...
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Maserati is gearing up to launch the Grecale SUV in India early next year, with bookings set to commence by the end of 2023. Globally unveiled in March 2022, the Grecale is Maserati’s entry-level SUV that comes in three variants globally – GT, Modena and Trofeo. The Grecale also has an electric sibling in the Folgore, and while that’s bound for India too, it will arrive much later in Q1 2025.
Maserati, however, will be looking to position the Grecale as an exclusive vehicle in India. It will be imported from Italy – possibly in just double digits – and will be priced above its arch rival, the Porsche Macan. So, we expect the GT, Modena and Trofeo variants of the Grecale to cost more than the corresponding standard, S and GTS variants of the Macan, respectively. For reference, the latter is priced between Rs 88 lakh-1.53 crore, ex-showroom, India.
The brand has previously also talked about expanding its network in India by launching new products, and that’s something it's desperately in need of. While the growth will be focused on exclusivity, there will be new workshops and service centres coming up in metro cities, alongside an expanded dealer network in the South.
The Grecale will be offered with three engine choices: the entry-level GT and mid-rung Modena get a twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine in different states of tune, while the top-spec Trofeo variant gets a retuned version of the 3.0-litre Nettuno V6 first used by the MC20 supercar.
The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine makes 300hp and 450Nm in the base GT variant, which gives it a 0-100kph sprint time of 5.6 seconds. In the Modena, the same engine is tuned to make 330hp and 450Nm of torque, for a 0-100kph time of 5.3 seconds. Meanwhile, the V6 engine in the Trofeo variant produces 530hp and 620Nm, which shaves the 0-100kph sprint time to just 3.8 seconds. The V6 engine can also deactivate the right cylinder bank at a cruise for reduced consumption.
All engines come coupled with an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, sending power to both axles. A self-locking, limited-slip differential is fitted as standard on the Modena and Trofeo, but it's available as an option on the GT. The SUV can also be specced with optional air suspension.
As for its design, the Grecale is a close match to the larger Levante, but the influence of the new MC20 is also evident in its low and imposing grille and its hunkered-down stance. The rear end, meanwhile, is characterised by the new boomerang-shaped tail-light design and a new-look exhaust. The performance-minded Trofeo variant is marked out by a wider rear track over the GT and Modena, as well as bespoke bumpers and chrome detailing on the front grille.
On the inside, the dashboard represents a radical departure from older Maserati models as it incorporates a new, four-screen setup that allows for a minimalist design. A digital driver's display, a 12.3-inch central infotainment screen, an 8.8-inch touchpad for the climate control and a new digital clock mounted prominently at the top of the dashboard are all standard kit. Some physical controls, however, have been retained on the steering wheel, and the AC vents are integrated in a seamless, continuous band on the dashboard.
The Grecale is not the only new Maserati on cards for India. Following it will be the ICE-powered GranTurismo in the second quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, the all-electric Folgore variants of the GranTurismo and Grecale will arrive in 2025.
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