The Maserati Grecale is ready to blow away the competition in Malaysia, from RM 598k

Naza Italia will be hoping the Maserati Grecale will bring some strong winds of change for the Italian marque here in Malaysia following its launch. The carmaker’s second SUV, the compact executive SUV is named after a strong north-east Mediterranean wind that will blow you away with its performance.

Positioned below the larger Levante, the Grecale sits atop the Giorgio platform that’s also shared with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. It has its crosshairs trained firmly on the Porsche Macan but is a little larger in all dimensions.

Also Read: The Maserati Grecale is coming to Malaysia to challenge the Porsche Macan; Up to 530 PS/620 Nm

Plenty of design cues drew inspiration from its MC20 sports car sibling, such as the front end’s protruding nose and grille. The base GT variant that will be the sole option here gets chrome vertical bars on the grille.

Recessed door handles hide push-button operation for the door opening while the triple vents on the front fenders ahead of the door and trident emblems on the C-pillars maintains their signature design cues.

One of the most noticeable upgrades is to the clock atop the dash. However, while Maseratis of the past housed a classic analogue piece, the Grecale uses a digital clock that carries additional functions such as a G-force meter, compass and displaying a visual acknowledgement for the voice command system.

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

Taking up most of the dashboard’s acreage are the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen that in turn sits above an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Both screens on the dash are the front for the woefully acronymised Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) infotainment.

Redemption lays with the system being built on Google’s Android Automotive OS that offers an array of connectivity options as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It’s able to connect two smartphones via Bluetooth and interfaces with the Maserati Connect telematics. Rear occupants get a touchscreen for their side of the triple-zone climate control.

Sonus faber designed and set up the speaker system so you can be assured of crisp music. A 14- or 21-speaker configuration are among the plethora of options.

It wouldn’t be a Maserati if it was slow, would it. Helping it live up to its fiery name is the sole powertrain option for Malaysia that’s a mild hybrid. A 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivers a generous 300 PS and 450 Nm of torque while the 48-volt mild hybrid system comprises a belt starter generator (BSG), battery, eBooster and DC/DC converter.

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

The system functions by having the BSG serve as an alternator that charges the battery in the boot. This in turn powers the eBooster electric compressor that fills up the torque gaps as the turbo spools up.

All-wheel drive is standard and an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters sits between the engine and wheels.

It’ll sweep the century sprint time in 5.6-seconds and top out at 240 kph. Those figures place it right about on par with the Porsche Macan T in terms of performance.

Handling is the work of a front double wishbone and rear multi-link setup. There’s no fancy damping here unless you drop more money on the optional adaptive Skyhook system and air suspension. Stopping power is courtesy of four-rotor calipers clamping down on brake rotors measuring 350 mm at the front while a single caliper setup bites onto 330 mm discs at the rear.

Borrowing more than just the MC20’s clothes, the Grecale also runs on the Vehicle Dynamic Control Module driving-related system that’s based on the Chassis Domain Control Module from the former. The system basically governs all controls related to vehicle dynamics.

The Grecale can be had here in 3 shades, Blu Intenso (metallic blue), Bianco Astro (metallic grey) and Bianco (white solid).

Pricing starts for the Grecale GT starts at RM598,000 but watch that number grow if you start to tick those option boxes. It comes with a 3-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.