Maserati Grecale gets its skates on in Sweden

The Maserati Grecale has been teased again ahead of its global reveal later this year, this time in Sweden where it has been undergoing strenuous winter testing to ensure the Porsche Macan-fighting mid-size luxury SUV is capable in all weather conditions.

With temperatures ranging from single digits down to -30 degrees Celsius, Maserati says it has been focusing on fine-tuning the Grecale’s cold-weather start-up and driveability, with particular emphasis being placed on the drive modes.

Traction, understeer and oversteer levels in the different drive modes and multiple wheel and tyre combinations have all been under the freezing Scandic microscope.

According to Maserati at least, the results are looking extremely promising with a spokesperson saying the “Grecale is the everyday exceptional even in freezing temperatures on expanses of snow as far as the eye can see”.

“Even in extreme conditions, the Grecale extols its exceptional soul on low grip handling tracks, completing high-performance laps on various circuits, from steering pads to more demanding routes featuring corners, slopes, long straights and drops, on snowy or icy surfaces.”

The production version of the Maserati Levante’s smaller sibling will have to be good given the calibre of vehicle it will be going up against when it eventually launches.

These potent rivals include the aforementioned Macan, as well as the BMW X3 and X4, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Jaguar E-PACE and Genesis GV70, as well as the looming Alfa Romeo Tonale with which it shares its architecture.

Despite the dynamic images and fresh red wrap, Maserati hasn’t actually revealed anything new about the Grecale, the global reveal of which has been pushed back on more than one occasion.

Power in high-end versions at least is expected to come courtesy of the brand’s new twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol V6 as seen in the Maserati MC20 supercar, albeit with the outputs dialled down.

A turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine will also be available, including a plug-in hybrid powertrain, while transmission duties are tipped to be catered for by an eight-speed automatic all-wheel drive will inevitably feature.

Originally due to be launched in 2020, the Grecale was later locked in for a November 16 (2021) reveal before it fell victim to the crippling semi-conductor shortage, like so many other new models.

The latest word from Maserati is that the Grecale will be revealed in “spring 2022” – our autumn.