2022 Maserati Grecale previewed in Malaysia, Macan competitor with up to 530 PS/620 Nm

Three months after its global debut, Naza Italia unveiled the 2022 Maserati Grecale in Malaysia as the Italian Trident’s second SUV model. Slotting below the Maserati Levante, the Grecale is available here with three engine variants.

The first is the Grecale GT which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder mild-hybrid engine (MHEV) that produces 300 PS/450 Nm. Top speed for the base Grecale is 240 km/h.

Next on the line is the Grecale Modena which is also powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged MHEV unit as the GT but power is increased to 330 PS while retaining the same torque figures. Top speed for the Modena is also 240 km/h.

If you wanted a familiar performance which is what the Trident is famous for, then the Grecale Trofeo is the one for you. Equipped with a high-performance 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that is based on the Nettuno engine fitted to the MC20 supercar. With 530 PS and 620 Nm at your disposal, the Trofeo has a top speed of 285 km/h with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds.

Also read: Maserati MC20 supercar unveiled - 3.0L V6 twin-turbo, 630 PS/730 Nm

All Grecale variants are paired to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with power sent to all 4 wheels. Enhancing the handling of the SUV is the Maserati Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) system which gives drivers a choice of up to 5 drive modes:

• Comfort
• GT
• Sport
• Corsa (Trofeo only)
• Off-road

The Grecale will also be the first fully electric (EV) Maserati but that will only be unveiled within a year’s time. That said, the Grecale also represents a new beginning for Maserati as it is going to be a liveable one too.

Built at the Cassino plant in Italy, the Grecale’s design is largely inspired by the MC20 and embraces a new visual symbol for Maserati. The low and imposing grille up front as well as the boomerang taillights which are inspired by the 3200 GT blends both old and new designs.

But it’s the future that the Grecale would like to position itself in with the interior showing off more tech than any Maserati before this.

The traditional Maserati clockface is now digital and transforms into an in-car concierge via voice control.

The Italians have also embraced screens on its littlest SUV with a 12.3-inch screen in the middle (the largest ever fitted on a Maserati), an 8.8-inch display for extra controls below that, and a third screen in the rear for climate control.

Infotainment is managed from the Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system or MIA for short while the in-car sound is provided by the Sonus faber audio system which comes with either 14 or 21 speakers depending on the variant.

There are three launch colours for the respective variants, namely Bronzo Opaco on the GT, Grigio Cangiante on the Modena, and Giallo Corse on the Trofeo which is seen here.

That said, prices for the Maserati Grecale are yet to be announced and the model shown is in left-hand drive while the infotainment is in Italian by default. Expect prices to be close to the Porsche Macan which starts from RM 433k.

Also read: 2022 Porsche Macan facelift launched in Malaysia – Up to 440 PS/550 Nm, from RM 433k