Maserati Grecale V6 shifts the balance of power as the turbo four slips quietly out
Maserati decided to rethink the Grecale line up from the ground up, doing so in a distinctly Italian manner, quietly but with confidence. Until now, the petrol powered Grecale started life with a modest four cylinder turbo engine. That solution stepped aside, making room for a V6.
The Italian manufacturer first reshaped the Grecale petrol range in the United States. Previously, the GT and Modena versions relied on a 2.0 litre inline four, producing either 300 or 330 horsepower. Under the new strategy, every petrol powered Grecale now receives a 3.0 litre twin turbo V6, the same basic engine used in the flagship Trofeo.
In Trofeo form, the V6 delivers 530 horsepower. In the more affordable versions, Maserati reduced output to 390 horsepower. On paper, the gap looks substantial, yet acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour remains unchanged at 5.3 seconds. That figure exactly matches the performance of the former 330 horsepower four cylinder.
Top speed, however, increased noticeably. Instead of the previous 240 kilometres per hour, the V6 powered Grecale now reaches up to 257 kilometres per hour. That difference fits neatly with Maserati’s image, where maximum speed often matters as much as everyday usability.
The most intriguing detail lies in the pricing. In the United States, the V6 Grecale starts at 84,500 dollars, which converts to roughly 78,000 euros. That is precisely the price once attached to the Grecale Modena. In effect, Maserati removed its cheapest petrol version while leaving customers with the impression that nothing became more expensive.
The 2.0 litre four cylinder Grecale variants are very likely to disappear from the North American market with the next model year. Maserati has not yet confirmed whether Europe will follow the same path, but the logic points in that direction.
The fully electric Grecale Folgore remains part of the range. Earlier this autumn, Maserati upgraded it with a technical solution that allows the front electric motor to disengage when not needed. As a result, driving range increased by 80 kilometres, a meaningful gain rather than a cosmetic tweak for an electric crossover.
Rivals such as Porsche and BMW continue to rely on smaller engines, but Maserati is betting on emotion and the sound of six cylinders. The Grecale becomes less rational and more Maserati. In the luxury segment, that may prove a stronger argument than a few litres of fuel consumption or a theoretical price advantage.
