2026 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo Review: Dancing with Monica Bellucci

Pros

• Timeless design
• Choice of powertrains
• Outstanding driving dynamics

Cons

• Reliability concerns
• Poor resale value
• High maintenance costs

The Origins of a Long Lineage

Like most Italian automakers, Maserati has built an enviable reputation for design. Over the decades, the company has worked with some of the greatest Italian coachbuilders, shaping metal into forms that are simultaneously exotic, elegant and sensual. Maserati coupes and convertibles have long followed that philosophy.

The story can be traced back to the late 1940s, more precisely to 1947, when Maserati brought its racing expertise to the road with the A6 1500. It marked the beginning of a long line of grand touring cars for the brand.

These cars became so desirable that celebrities flocked to the 3500 GT during the 1950s. Following some more difficult years, Maserati regained momentum with the 3200 GT, during an era that would eventually see Ferrari-sourced engines become an important part of the Maserati experience.

Then came 2007 and the first-generation Maserati GranTurismo, finally spelling out the meaning behind the GT philosophy. Two years later came the GranCabrio, its convertible counterpart.

Its proportions became a textbook example of front-engine grand touring design: a very long, plunging hood, an elongated four-passenger cabin pushed toward the rear axle and a short, sculpted trunk. It was exactly what a traditional GT was supposed to look like.

An Evolutionary Maserati Design

The current Maserati GranTurismo arrived for the 2023 model year while remaining faithful to the brand’s established design principles. The lines are once again sensual and flowing, although the headlights are now more vertically oriented. This design language is also reflected in other modern Maseratis, including the exotic MC20 and the Grecale SUV.

From the side, the sculpted fenders wrap tightly around the wheel arches. Interestingly, despite measuring 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear, the wheels almost appear small relative to the GranTurismo’s generous proportions.

Tradition is preserved through Maserati’s signature three side vents on the front fenders. The surprisingly high roofline provides a large glass area while also creating enough headroom for four occupants. The Neptune trident remains proudly displayed on the C-pillar.

At the rear, the pronounced haunches give the GranTurismo a muscular stance. Thin taillights visually widen the car, while carbon-fibre accents and four exhaust outlets complete the presentation.

It is difficult not to conclude that this Italian lady’s dress comes remarkably close to perfection.

Naturally, buyers can extensively personalize their GranTurismo. With the aesthetic changes introduced for 2027, Maserati is also adding the GranTurismo and GranCabrio to the list of vehicles eligible for the Fuoriserie personalization program, where customers can indulge virtually every creative desire.

A Welcoming, Digital Cabin

Inside, the GranTurismo adopts a modern, horizontal layout built around a low dashboard that provides excellent outward visibility.

To clean up the centre console, the traditional gear selector has been replaced by plastic P-R-N-D buttons. Our test vehicle had only accumulated a few thousand kilometres, yet some of those buttons were already showing visible scratches — not exactly what you expect at this price point.

The steering wheel retains several physical controls, including the engine start button and drive-mode selector. The Trofeo also receives large, fixed metal shift paddles. Their size can make manual gear changes somewhat awkward while cornering, although the cold feel of the metal adds an authentic mechanical touch.

Three main displays dominate the cabin: a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a lower 8.8-inch display primarily dedicated to climate and comfort functions.

The central infotainment system shares considerable hardware and interface DNA with other Stellantis products. Maserati has added its own visual touches, but the similarities remain obvious. At this price level, the GranTurismo deserves a more distinctive digital experience.

Maserati’s traditional dashboard clock remains positioned at the top of the centre stack, although it has now gone fully digital. This Smart Clock can display various types of information and offers several graphic themes.

Cabin comfort is difficult to fault. The seats provide an extensive range of adjustments, making it easy to find an ideal driving position.

Our test car also featured a spectacular interior combination, including $2,300 Rosso red leather and genuine Radica wood trim. The presentation is complemented by beautifully finished aluminum speaker grilles.

Performance apparently extends to the audio system as well. The Sonus faber surround-sound system uses 19 speakers and produces 1,195 watts.

Most importantly, despite its sporty silhouette, the GranTurismo remains a genuine four-seat coupe. The rear seats are usable for average-sized adults, and they become even more enjoyable in the GranCabrio — especially with the roof down.

Plenty of Power, But No More V8

The original GranTurismo used Ferrari-sourced engines, and much of the car’s reputation was built around their unmistakable soundtrack.

Times have changed, however, and reducing engine displacement has become an industry-wide priority. Maserati therefore developed the Nettuno — Italian for Neptune — a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6.

It produces 483 horsepower in the Modena and 542 horsepower in the 2026 GranTurismo Trofeo tested here. For 2027, output increases even further to 582 horsepower.

There is certainly no shortage of performance.

The experience becomes increasingly intense as you cycle through the GT, Sport and Corsa driving modes. Each setting progressively unleashes more of the Nettuno engine’s personality.

Enthusiastic drivers will naturally gravitate toward Corsa mode, which reduces the intervention of several electronic systems and allows the driver to establish a more direct connection with the car.

With 479 lb-ft of torque, acceleration is ferocious, with the GranTurismo Trofeo capable of completing the sprint in roughly 3.5 seconds. The transmission responds quickly and adapts convincingly to each driving mode, while the steering-wheel-mounted paddles provide immediate manual control.

As carefully engineered as the V6 soundtrack may be, there is no escaping the fact that it lacks the distinctive voice of an Italian V8.

That is slightly disappointing.

Then you start driving.

A True Grand Tourer

The 2026 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo is a superb interpretation of what a grand touring car should be.

With a quarter-turn of the drive-mode selector on the right side of the steering wheel, the GranTurismo can transition from a comfortable long-distance cruiser into an increasingly sharp sports car.

Much of the magic comes from the steering calibration. It is surgical in its precision while remaining remarkably communicative.

The adaptive suspension deserves similar praise. It strikes an impressive balance between comfort and firmness, changing its character meaningfully according to the selected drive mode.

The braking system is equally powerful, as expected from a car with this level of performance.

Ultimately, the GranTurismo delivers a remarkably high level of driving enjoyment. It remains faithful to its predecessors by combining genuine sports-car performance with long-distance comfort — the very definition of a GT.

Model	Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo	Mercedes-AMG GT 63	Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS
Engine position	Front	Front	Rear
Engine	3.0L. Twin-Turbo V6	4.0L. Twin turbo V8	3.6L. Turbo H6 + Hyb
Power	542 hp	577 hp	532 hp
Torque	479 lb-ft	590 lb-pi	449 lb-ft
Transmission	Auto 8	Auto 9	Auto 8 PDK
Drive train	AWD	AWD	AWD
0-100 km/h	3.5 sec	3.2 sec	3.0 sec
Seats	4	2+2	2+2
Pricing	From $220,480	From $229,138	From $201,600

Reliability and Ownership Costs Remain Questions

Reliability remains difficult to assess because the current GranTurismo is still relatively young and sold in comparatively small numbers.

So far, its first years on the market have been associated more with electronic and software-related issues than major mechanical failures.

At this stage, the Nettuno engine itself has not emerged as a significant source of problems, although the relatively small number of vehicles on the road means long-term conclusions should be treated cautiously.

YTUBE

Maserati’s broader reliability reputation over previous generations also remains difficult to ignore.

Maintenance costs are high, although that is hardly unusual in this segment. Depreciation is another major consideration, as previous GranTurismo models have historically suffered substantial losses in resale value.

From a financial perspective, leasing or keeping the vehicle for a very long time may therefore make more sense than conventional short-term ownership.

Conclusion: Italian Grand Touring at Its Finest

The 2026 Maserati GranTurismo is a compelling interpretation of the traditional grand touring car. It checks virtually every box expected of the segment: dramatic styling, strong performance, a luxurious cabin, four usable seats and the ability to cover long distances in comfort before transforming into something much sharper when the road becomes interesting.

Unsurprisingly, this experience does not come cheaply.

In Canada, the 2026 Maserati GranTurismo Modena starts at $180,450, rising to $184,000 for 2027. The GranTurismo Trofeo tested here carries a starting price of $220,480, a figure that remains unchanged for 2027.

Those looking for even more power can turn to the all-electric GranTurismo Folgore. With 751 horsepower, it is priced at $222,000 for 2026. Interestingly, Maserati will dramatically reposition the Folgore for 2027, dropping its Canadian price to $175,000.

The GranTurismo Trofeo may have traded the operatic voice of its old Ferrari-derived V8 for a twin-turbocharged V6, but its personality remains unmistakably Italian.

Elegant, sensual, powerful and just a little temperamental.

Rather like Monica Bellucci.