Maserati launches its smaller SUV. Can the smaller Maserati tow? Need a Grecale towbar?

Maserati launches its smaller SUV.  Can the smaller Maserati tow? Need a Grecale towbar?

Car buyers are demanding SUVs, so no wonder Maserati has developed its 2nd SUV - the new Grecale compact luxury SUV.  Do you want a luxury crossover that's a bit different?

At 4.8-metres in length, the Grecale isn't actually all that much smaller than the Levante, sitting on a 50mm-extended version of the Georgio platform that underpins its cousin, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. It certainly looks a little larger than its arch-rival, the Porsche Macan. And all the usual Maserati cues are in place - trademark front grille, trio of air vents in the front wings, Trident badging and so on.

The Grecale’s 2901mm wheelbase is 83mm longer than that of the Stelvio, 94mm longer than that of the Macan, and 27mm longer than that of the Jaguar F-Pace.  The Grecale is not only vastly more spacious inside, particularly in terms of the rear seats, but it also has the most upscale interior ambience of the three. Yes, the Porsche's interior is beautifully finished and offers a wide choice of colour and trim options, but the Maserati cabin has a touch of Italian fashionista flair to it, even on the entry-level models.

The flush exterior door handles hide touch-sensitive buttons for access and once inside, you'll find yourself in a luxury cabin dripping with trademark Italian style.  The thick-rimmed three-spoke wheel with its huge silver paddle shifters make sure you know you are driving a Maserati.

The Grecale's elegant interior design incorporates some high-tech flourishes. Along with rich materials throughout the cabin, the dash includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and pair of touchscreens on the centre stack. The upper unit measures 12.3 inches and handles the infotainment system while the 8.8-inch lower screen contains HVAC and other controls. A three-zone climate system, as well as a head-up display, are optional. Passengers should have enough space to be comfortable as long as those in the back aren't too tall.

Equipment levels across the line-up include a standard leather trim and all of the usual executive niceties. There are some lovely touches too - like the way that the digital central analogue clock can also function as a Chronometer or a g-meter. There's also the usual remote access via a 'Maserati Connect' system, accessible via a smartphone app. Additional extras you can specify include air suspension, a Head-up display and a 3 zone climate control system with a 6.5-inch rear touchscreen. Many customers will also consider upgrading to the optional 21-speaker, 1285-watt Sonus faber audio system, which claims to offer a 360-degree music experience.

The Grecale's Google-based infotainment system primarily runs through a 12.3-inch touchscreen, but there's another 8.8-inch touchscreen below that controls other functions. Every model comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; a Wi-Fi hotspot is available with a subscription. The Grecale's infotainment system also works with voice-command services like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. 

The Grecale has a solid selection of powertrains. Every engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive
The most popular will be the 296-hp turbo-four. A 325-hp version of that engine is also available, and the top-of-the-line Trofeo offers maximum performance with a 523-hp twin-turbo V-6. An all-electric Maserati Grecale Folgore will join the lineup next year.

While the steel-sprung, four-cylinder Grecales offer three drive modes – Comfort, GT, and Sport – the air suspension, which is optional on the four-cylinder models, allows the addition of a two-stage Off-Road drive mode that raises the ride height 15mm or 30mm.

The Trofeo also gets a unique Corsa mode that sharpens throttle, transmission, and braking responses, dials back the traction and stability control, and activates launch control. Corsa also ups the damper rates from Sport to Hard.

With everything set in the default GT drive mode, all the Grecales feel more compliant than their Macan counterparts.
“We wanted the car to communicate its dynamics,” says Maserati validation engineer Frederico de Medio, who openly admits the Grecale’s chassis setup repudiates the German obsession with stiffness. “Too many cars today are too rigid.”

The Grecale has a decently sized boot - 535-litres in the 2.0-litre models and 570-litres in the top Tofeo.  Need more space or to take your bikes along.   The Grecale is a capable towcar too.  Why not fit a Maserati Grecale towbar.  Rated to tow a maximum of 2500kgs.

The Grecale certainly makes the performance part of the mid-sized SUV market more interesting and is a direct rival to the Macan.  This Maserati is aimed at a slightly different kind of customer. Someone who will love the aggressive looks, the Italianate interior and the glorious roar of the top V6 Trofeo variant. All of these things make the Grecale unique in its segment - the Maserati Grecale is more luxurious than an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, more charismatic than a Jaguar F-Pace, and more exotic than any of the Germans.

Need an Invisible Grecale towbar, we have you covered, start towing with you Maserati - order your Grecale towbar today.