The Maserati Grecale Arrives in Canada

• This new SUV targets the same public as the Porsche Macan

• Three versions will be available to choose from: GT, Modena, and Trofeo

• Starting prices will range from $75,000 to $130,000

Maserati is expanding its horizons in Canada with the launch of its first compact luxury SUV, the Grecale, which will be delivered to its first customers in the country this fall.

With the Grecale, the Italian brand is entering one of the most popular and competitive premium segments.

To do so, the manufacturer is directly targeting one of the leaders of this category: the Porsche Macan.

This is evident not only in the format of the Grecale, which is slightly larger than the German SUV in all dimensions but also in its character, which prioritizes luxury as well as performance.

Indeed, the Grecale is offered in three versions, each with a different engine and some aesthetic changes.

Both the entry-level GT and the Modena are powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine backed by a mild hybrid system that develops 296 horsepower under the hood of the GT and 325 horsepower under the hood of the Modena.

The Grecale Trofeo is powered by the same twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine found in the MC-20 mid-engine sports car.

In the SUV, it develops 523 horsepower, which is enough to propel the Grecale Trofeo to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

All versions come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system that is rear-biased in order to give a sportier driving experience which is closer to that of other Maserati models.

In addition to its more powerful engine, the Grecale Trofeo gets a revised air suspension with lower ground clearance and adaptive dampers. The latter is also available in the other two models.

Inside, the Grecale has a very modern look thanks to its three screens that group the majority of the controls and free up a lot of space in the center console.

This console houses a 12.3-inch screen that is used to adjust the infotainment system, driving parameters, and the apps of the system that is designed by Android.

Just below it, an 8,8-inch screen controls the air conditioning system, the front seats, and the headlights. Between the two screens are the buttons for the gear selector.

At the top of the dashboard is a small round screen that replaces the usual analog clock. In keeping with tradition, a digital version of this clock can be displayed, as well as a stopwatch, a compass, and a G-force sensor.

In terms of equipment, Maserati has also followed the Porsche model by offering a wide range of options to personalize the Grecale, including 360-degree cameras, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a more comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems.

For this reason, most buyers will shell out about $15,000 more than the starting price, which is $75,000 for the GT, $85,000 for the Modena and $130,000 for the Trofeo.

Maserati believes that this model will become its best-selling vehicle in Canada, and the initial enthusiasm for the Grecale seems to confirm this, as 270 orders have already been collected in the province of Quebec alone.