Maserati Grecale Trofeo 2024 Review

The 2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo isn’t cheap – and it has become more expensive since its arrival Down Under.

How much? At $189,500 before on-road costs (ORCs), the hyper SUV is now $24,500 more expensive than when it launched in 2023.

If performance isn’t your craving, you can choose between two lower-spec four-cylinder turbo-petrol variants. They are the $122,500 GT and $148,000 Modena (both prices exclude ORCs).

However, there is a cheaper way to get into the rapid Maserati – via Alfa Romeo. Okay, while there is some sharing of the Giorgio platform, the Italians aren’t identical. However, the slightly smaller Stelvio Quadrifoglio is significantly cheaper at $162,700 (before ORCs).

In the absence of BMW’s X3 M, the Maserati's competition comprises the hybridised Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance and the fully electric Porsche Macan Turbo.

The 2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo isn’t just about the need for speed, it’s also a decently appointed medium SUV. In terms of exterior design it is aesthetically pleasing, especially when painted in the test car’s Nero Tempesta Black hue.

Standard equipment includes 21-inch ‘Crio’ matte aluminium wheels with red brake callipers, LED head and tail lights, premium leather upholstery, carbon-fibre trim, heated 14-way adjustable electrically operated front seats with memory, tri-zone climate control, panoramic glass sunroof and a powered tailgate.

However, the test vehicle isn’t standard. It has a Climate Package which includes heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats and the Trident logo stitched to the headrests.

Comprised within the Tech Assistance Pack is the head-up display, IR Protection windshield and wireless charging pad. It also has a level-two ADAS Package, roof rails and an upgrade to the 21-speaker Sonus Faber premium sound system.

The Grecale Trofeo is covered by a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which isn’t as generous as most rivals offer. Servicing is scheduled for every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first).

Given the swanky, low-volume nature of the 2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo, it’s of little surprise that it hasn’t been subjected to ANCAP crash testing. Hence, it isn’t rated by the local body.

However, it isn’t lacking active safety equipment, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian protection, active cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention detection, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.

Other features include six airbags, dual ISOFIX points and three top-tether anchorages.

As part of the optionally fitted level-two ADAS package, the test vehicle also comes with traffic sign recognition, active driving assist and intersection traffic assist.

Gourmet food is an industry often associated with Italy. However, it’s fast becoming a nation known for its high-tech industries. The 2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo follows in the footsteps of its home country by being jam-packed with technology.

Headlining that technology suite in the Maserati is a 12.3-inch touch-screen that handles the infotainment. It’s joined by a secondary 8.8-inch display for the climate control and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as well as Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio and USB-C ports. It’s a shame that wireless charging and a head-up display aren’t standard at this price point.

If the mechanical soundtrack isn’t enticing enough for you, the optional 21-speaker Sonus Faber premium audio certainly should be. While it does offer high-fidelity tunes and the speaker shrouds ooze cool, the standard system is all the Italian orchestra you really need.

This is a supercar engine. No, let’s explain that in more detail – the ‘Nettuno’ powerplant found in the 2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo is the same unit used in the MC20 supercar. Yet, this is an SUV.

Okay, it isn’t quite endowed with the full-fat 463kW and 730Nm you get in the MC20. However, 390kW and 620Nm ain’t bad. And it is enough grunt to shift the 2027kg medium SUV to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds with launch control. That’s pub bragging rights right there – or should that be condescension in a boutique winery?

If you do venture to lavish locations you might be seen (or should that be heard?) as antisocial. The exhaust histrionics from the quad tailpipes are downright raucous. The whip cracks on full-throttle upshifts are as piercing as they are addictive. The aural experience in general is automotive hedonism.

And so is the straight-line performance. The Trofeo feels every bit as fast as its quoted figures. Either from a standstill or already in its stride, the jacked-up Maserati is alarmingly quick.

If you’re after frugal efficiency, you won’t be buying a two-tonne SUV with supercar propulsion. Consequently, the fact the 2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo gulps 11.5L/km (claimed) on average should pose no surprise.

However, flex your right foot and even that figure becomes a bit of a pipe dream. After a little more than a week with the hot Italian our average marker sat above 15L/100km.

As you’d expect, the Trofeo drinks 98 RON – no cheap Italian wine, here.

If this isn’t to your liking, then the upcoming Folgore might be of interest. It’s packed full of battery cells and dual e-motors with enough firepower to match the new Porsche Macan.

It’s safe to say that the 2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo isn’t just about pushing harder than a Mediterranean wind in a straight line. This medium SUV can also go around corners – very well. Grecale directly translates to ‘Greek wind’ in Italian. And you might feel you require the cold, northeast gust after going for an energetic drive.

The Q4 Permanent four-wheel drive system combines with the electronic limited-slip differential to offer tenacious grip. Shuffling torque between the front and rear axles, as well as across the back axle, the Grecale is more agile than you’d expect, given the two-tonne mass and higher centre of gravity.

Yet, it all works. The Trofeo turns in nicely, pivots and fires you out the other side of the corner with tenacity, harnessing all that the Nettuno powerplant has to offer. Get it right and there are fun moments of slight yaw from the rear to be had – even with the wide 295-section tyres. The trickery going on underneath to make it all possible is staggering.

It wouldn’t be a modern performance offering without various driving modes to tone down or amp up the experience – the Grecale Trofeo doesn’t disappoint. Sport is more than enough for the road, but you can switch the streeting wheel-mounted toggle to Corsa for reduced electronic intervention.

However, it isn’t all about flamboyance. The height adjustable ‘Skyhook’ adaptive air suspension builds in a wide breadth of ability. Tone down the tempo and switch into Comfort mode and the ride quality is truly cosseting. An SUV with this much overall agility shouldn’t soak up the road quite like the Maserati can.

Admittedly, Sport mode is just – and we mean just – compliant enough for Aussie roads. The harder setting found in Corsa should be reserved for the circuit. You can soften the suspension to Comfort mode while in Sport, but it introduces unwanted float.

We can’t leave unmentioned the column-mounted shift paddles for the eight-speed torque-converter automatic, either. They are gorgeous and pleasing to use. Their oversized, fixed nature means they’re always where you expect them and add to the experience of switching into manual mode.

The torque-converter automatic transmission itself is snappy, almost at dual-clutch levels, and it will even blip the throttle for you on hard down shifts. Only when you’re too eager to select a lower ratio will it deny the change. Left to its own devices the eight-speed auto is intuitive, but when you just want to relax it's smooth, too.

Where you most feel the kerb weight is when you’re quickly trying to arrest the alarming pace under brakes. Thankfully, the ventilated discs are more than up to snuff. However, while the Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres return decent purchase, they can get hot quite quickly.

It’s nitpicking, but the steering isn’t as natural or tactile as some rivals, either.

Overall, the Grecale Trofeo is both competent and entertaining, a performance SUV that will make you chortle. It’s just as at home on a tarmac mountain pass as it is arriving at valet parking.

Anyone planning to off-road their $200k performance SUV is one brave soul.

The 2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo does enjoy 227mm of ground clearance, but there’s just a can of goo and no spare tyre – not even a space-saver item.

It might be a better idea to subject the 21-inch alloys to light, dirt-road use at the most.

The cabin of the 2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo is a pleasing place to be. The ambience is on another level compared to the other Giorgio-based SUV.

Stitched leather covers myriad surfaces and the general aesthetic is attractive. Tasteful mood lighting bathes the cabin in soft illumination at night and the high-gloss carbon-fibre inlays are elegant.

Other manufacturers could also take note of the sports front seats – they’re supportive and comfortable at the same time.

Highlighting the tech shift is the digital timepiece, but the electronic door releases aren’t as successful. Especially when the manual function is right below it as a fail-safe.

A unique element is the arrangement of the gear selection, with buttons found within the centre console. While their position frees up valuable real estate for added practicality, they’re a bit of a faff to use.

Apart from that, general ergonomics are sound. Yes, it is over-reliant on touch-screens, but the separate screen for the climate controls isn’t too complicated and it’s quicker to respond than the main infotainment display. You can also toy with features like the digital clock, ambient lighting and air suspension levels.

Measuring 4859mm in length and riding on a 2901mm wheelbase, the Grecale is spacious in the rear, with legroom a standout. Even the headroom is decent, despite the panoramic sunroof. Amenities in the back include air vents, USB-A/USB-C ports, map pockets and a centre armrest.

Boot space is also generous at 570 litres, which increases with the 60/40-split rear pews folded (with handy releases located in the boot). The floor is flat and in general the large cargo capacity amps up the pragmatic side of what may be an SUV for the family.

It’s hard to ignore the fact the 2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo costs a lot of money. You’re looking at about $230k for the car tested.

If you have a penchant for performance, the Trofeo is the only Grecale to choose. It’s a totally different leather-clad beast. As an ownership proposition, the added comfort, luxury and ease of daily use will make it more attractive to own than some rivals.

Ultimately, for those who can afford the price of admission, it won’t disappoint.

After all, it’s all about excess. And if you’re going to go all out, the supercar-engined Maserati Grecale Trofeo does it in style.

2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo at a glance:
Price: $189,500 before on-road costs
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol
Output: 390kW/620Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 11.2L/100km (WLTP)
CO2: 254g/km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested

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