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For discerning luxury SUV enthusiasts who have experienced the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5, the search for a distinctive successor often leads to a familiar German trio. However, Maserati presents a compelling Italian alternative that breaks the mold. The Maserati Grecale arrives with aggressive styling, soulful performance, and a luxury ethos that is entirely its own. This is not just another SUV; it's a statement. Having already owned the GLE and X5, if you're seeking an machine that blends supercar-like exhilaration with everyday practicality, your search might just end here.
Let's delve into what makes the Maserati Grecale a standout contender in the luxury performance SUV segment.
Maserati Grecale at a Glance
For a quick overview, the Maserati Grecale is offered in three distinct variants in India, catering to different levels of performance desire and budget.
Variant Engine Power 0-100 kmph Price (Ex-Showroom)
GT 2.0L 4-Cylinder Mild Hybrid 300 bhp 5.6 seconds Starts from ~₹1.24 Crore
Modena 2.0L 4-Cylinder Mild Hybrid 330 bhp ~5.5 seconds (Est.) ~₹1.45 Crore
Trofeo 3.0L V6 Nettuno Engine 530 bhp 3.8 seconds ~₹1.94 Crore
Exterior Design:
Unmistakably Italian, Aggressively Styled
The Grecale makes a powerful first impression. Its front fascia is dominated by a bold grille that draws inspiration from Maserati's sports cars, immediately signaling its performance pedigree. The headlights, while less sharply angled, are thoughtfully designed to give the vehicle a commanding "big SUV" presence.
Adding to its muscular stance are the elegant 21-inch alloy wheels and a clean, classic rear end that features a full carbon fibre diffuser on the Trofeo variant. The quad exhausts are not just for show, hinting at the potent powerplant that lies within. Designed with aerodynamics in mind, the Grecale features flush door handles that pop out at the press of a button, enhancing both its sleek profile and efficiency.
Interior & Comfort:
A Blend of Sportiness and Space
Step inside, and the Grecale presents a cabin that is both premium and driver-focused.
· Driver-Centric Cockpit:
The interior is adorned with high-quality leather, suede on the pillars, and optional carbon fibre trim on the Trofeo. The thick, sporty steering wheel houses engine start-stop, audio controls, drive mode selector, and cruise control, putting everything at your fingertips.
· Tech-Savvy Dashboard:
A fully digital and customizable 12.3-inch instrument cluster is paired with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen for infotainment, running Maserati's Intelligent Assistant system. A third 8.8-inch screen lower down provides dedicated digital controls for the climate settings, reducing clutter and physical buttons.
· Classic Maserati Touch:
The iconic Maserati clock on the dashboard, now a digital smart clock, adds a touch of heritage and is customizable to display other information like a compass or a G-meter.
· Surprising Rear Space: Unlike many sporty SUVs, the Grecale offers a genuinely spacious second row with ample knee room and headroom for tall passengers. The rear bench comes with a central armrest, heated seats, and adjustable AC vents, though the large central tunnel makes it best for two adults.
With a boot space of 535-570 litres, the Grecale is practical enough for luggage for a long getaway.
Performance & Driving Dynamics:
The Heart of the Tridente
This is where the Grecale truly separates itself from the pack. It isn't just quick; it's characterful and engaging.
· The Accessible GT: The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder mild-hybrid engine in the GT and Modena variants is more than sufficient for Indian conditions, offering brisk acceleration (0-100 kmph in around 5.6 seconds) that makes daily driving a pleasure.
· The Beast Unleashed (Trofeo): The top-tier Trofeo variant is where the magic happens. Its 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno engine, derived from the MC20 supercar, produces 530 bhp and 620 Nm of torque, launching it from 0-100 kmph in a breathtaking 3.8 seconds. The engine revs freely and eagerly, with a sonorous exhaust note that is pure Italian symphony.
· Five Driving Modes: The Grecale adapts to your mood and the road with five distinct drive modes:
· Comfort: For quiet, relaxed cruising like a regular luxury car.
· GT: Ideal for highway cruising.
· Sport: Sharpens throttle response, tightens suspension, and enhances the engine note.
· Corsa: The race mode that transforms the car into a track-ready beast with maximum performance.
· Off-Road: Increases ride height and softens the suspension for confidence on bad or broken roads.
The steering feel is communicative and its weight changes intelligently with the driving mode, making you feel connected to the road.
Safety & Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The Grecale is equipped with a Level 2 ADAS suite, which performs commendably well on Indian roads. Key features include:
· Adaptive Cruise Control:
A highly useful feature for expressway driving, maintaining a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead.
· Automated Emergency Braking & Lane Keeping Assist: These systems work to prevent collisions and unintended lane departures.
· Blind-Spot Alert: The system is designed to be effective yet unobtrusive, avoiding constant, loud alerts in heavy city traffic for a calmer driving experience.
The SUV also comes with six airbags, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors with active braking.
The Verdict:
Who is the Grecale For?
The Maserati Grecale is a compelling proposition for the luxury SUV buyer looking to escape the ordinary.
Its key strengths are:
· Thrilling, Accessible Performance: From the efficient GT to the savage Trofeo, there's an engine for every performance level.
· Head-Turning Italian Design: It offers a level of exclusivity and flair that its German rivals often lack.
· Surprising Practicality: It combines sports car fun with a spacious, comfortable, and feature-rich interior suitable for daily use.
The only significant challenge is Maserati's limited dealership network in India, which currently spans only a few cities. However, for those who value a unique driving character and bold design above all, the Maserati Grecale is not just an alternative—it's an upgrade.
If you're ready to trade predictable German engineering for true Italian passion, the Grecale
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