Trofeo Triumph: Maserati Grecale Trofeo SUV 2024 Review

The Maserati Grecale Trofeo, recently launched in the UK, is a five-seater SUV with a seriously fabulous engine borrowed from the MC20 supercar. It combines everyday family driving with a refined opulent interior and sporting credentials to put a satisfied grin on any driver's face. We took it for a spin to Bath and around the surrounding Somerset countryside, putting it through its paces on and off-road to see if it hits the sweet spot for a luxury brand SUV.

The Trofeo comes equipped with the 3.0 L V6 twin turbo Nettuno engine, tuned down to 523 bhp with rear-wheel-biased all-wheel drive. It rockets from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds, quicker than most rivals, with a lustful top speed of 285 km/h or 177 mph. With those specs, we probably should have aimed for the Autobahn instead of Bath. But hey, where's the fun in that? Bath's got history; we've got horsepower.

It's also long at 4.86 meters and spacious, standing at a height of 1.66 meters. Fuel consumption is commendable for an SUV of this size at 25 mpg. One of the largest boots as well, boasting 470 L: you can pack the kitchen sink and even the twin Labradors.

Like the legendary MC20, the Nettuno engine employs pre-chamber combustion technology, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. It's controlled by an automatic ZF eight-speed transmission with paddle shifters, and there's an electronically controlled slip differential at the rear.

A testament to its tech-savvy design, the prop shaft is made of carbon fibre. Maserati focused on trimming weight at every stage to achieve the best power-to-weight ratio in its class. The platform draws heavily from the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, which speaks volumes about its quality. While the GT and Modena versions are hybrids, this one makes no such compromises.

The exterior exudes an imposing, yet sporty vibe, with the Trofeo exclusively styled with triple carbon fibre chevrons. The Trident badge adorns the aggressive Maserati front grille with panache. The front view of the Grecale is gorgeous, featuring a pleasing bonnet, but the side and rear could use a bit more pizzazz in the design department.

The interior is all spacious luxury with technology to match. An advanced cockpit experience awaits with a 6.5-inch rear touchscreen managing the 3-zone climate control system, complemented by a vivid 12.3-inch TFT Cluster. The centre console boasts dual angled displays, measuring 12.3 inches and 8.8 inches, seamlessly divided by the digital gear shifter. Enough screens to make NASA jealous.

For added convenience, drivers can opt for the optional head-up display, which showcases speed, speed limit, lane assist, and some navigation hints. Helpful tip: the heads-up display is activated with the three-line button on the left of the steering wheel.

The front dash sports an attractive dashboard clock that looks analogue, but it's actually an interactive voice-activated digital assistant equipped with a compass, g-meter, chronometer, and phone charger indicator. It also communicates with you through sound wave squiggles. Very cute.

The 21-speaker Sonus Faber sound system, renowned for its orchestral fidelity and sonorous subwoofer bass, is powerful enough to share your favourite tracks outside the car as well as inside. The speakers are razor-sharp, both to the touch and to the ears. And the cabin is well soundproofed providing a stress-free experience on even the roughest motorways.

Mobile phone connection is quick and reliable, as Maserati employs the same Android system used by other Stellantis brands. Controls for start/stop, drive mode, media, phone, cruise, and lane assist are all mounted on the steering wheel.

You sit high and feel mighty. The interior is plush and super luxurious, with handcrafted soft leather and contrast stitching of very high quality, complemented by textured carbon fibre and natural wood veneers. The centre dash features a lovely touch of carbon fibre surrounded by soft black matte leather.

Inside is spacious with plenty of headroom and legroom, both front and back. Imagine a Maserati lounge; you could happily live in this car. It's perfect for tall people.

Visibility is excellent; the windscreen is Herculean. The doors feature round buttons to open on the inside, and haptic sensors on the outside. There are two cup holders in the centre, and the recharge pad for the phone is conveniently located under the infotainment screen. The bottom screen displays cabin controls and music, while the top screen shows car settings, modes, satnav, media, CarPlay/Android, and apps.

Steel paddles provide a bit more control, though they'll rarely be used as most drivers will simply switch between drive modes: Off-road, Comfort, GT, Corsa, and Drag mode. The car raises and falls by 45 mm depending on the mode, though you can also choose the height manually. There's an optional heads-up display. Gone are the knobs; everything is controlled either on the steering wheel or the screen.

Drive modes are accessible via four buttons laterally positioned between the top and bottom infotainment screens. They're so discreet that I still find myself flailing about looking for them days into a drive, but that's probably due to my advancing old age rather than poor design. Seat and steering heating take a couple of minutes to warm up, not as fast as some.

Everything is haptic, so gloves can be frustrating. It was -4 degrees when we started our tour, but gloves weren’t needed when the car warmed up. And thank goodness for heated seats when it’s that cold; once going, they were blissful.

The visuals and symbols on the screen are beautifully illustrated and clear, leaving no room for confusion. This clarity is especially appreciated when your navigator is a Luddite with fat fingers. 

The Maserati key fob comes with its own Faraday cage to prevent unscrupulous Maserati fans from nicking your beloved car. I love the idea of having my own Faraday cage, though don't leave it in the car, as you can lock yourself out. The indicator is quite loud and based on a metronome; I like the musical theme here. The engine sound continues this with mellifluous rumbling notes. The panoramic roof is enlightening, with twin glass panels for that convertible feel without the rain.

Performance is impressive, with 0-62 mph achievable in 3.8 secs in Track Mode. Acceleration in Comfort and GT mode is gentle, with swift gear changes and limited revs. The brakes have a bit too much travel and feel somewhat mushy. Switch to Sport or Corsa mode, and the response improves significantly, with the car dropping down 15 mm for enhanced handling and aerodynamics. Despite the highly impressive engine and acceleration, it leans more toward luxury SUV than sporty.

You'll likely stick to Comfort mode for everyday driving, prioritising fuel efficiency. However, Sport, GT, and Corsa modes ramp up pedal response, transmission speed, and stiffen the steering, all while unleashing a throaty, roaring soundtrack.

Conversely, the suspension leans towards the sporty side, so expect to feel the road, even in Comfort mode. It's one of the rare SUVs that maintains its sports credentials without sacrificing comfort. While you may experience a bit of vertical float on larger bumps, it handles most road surfaces admirably, keeping the wheels planted firmly on the ground.

So it's Comfort for everyday use, GT for touring, Sport for some performance fun, Corsa for maximum road handling, and finally, Drag Race when you absolutely have to impress Sandra Dee on a dried-up aqueduct. Zucco, eat your heart out.

Drag Race will even record your 0-60 mph and 0-100 mph times for you, along with the 0-1/8 and 0-1/4 mile sprints, plus your braking distance. That’s some serious boasting rights; just snap a picture of the screen after a spectacular performance and send it to your friends. Everything is recorded, from tyre pressure to oil levels, torque management at each wheel, turbo, and consumption history; you name it.

Launch mode is a blast, though you'll need your own private road to truly unleash its potential. You'll find yourself hitting the speed limit before feeling the G's. Corsa mode is only available in the Trofeo. Off-road capability is genuinely practical, with the ability to raise the height by another 30 mm. We tested it on deep ruts in a field near Bath, and it handled them with ease, demonstrating excellent power and control to keep the Trofeo steady and safe from rocks or other obstacles. It's definitely one for the Paris Dakar. Cross that desert in plush Maserati comfort and style.

I would have preferred softer tyres to handle the weight and power better, though I sympathise with the manufacturers who are pressured to provide harder-wearing tyres to reduce particulates.

Handling is luxurious rather than razor-sharp; the steering allows for some play, and there's a bit of sideways body roll around corners.

Passengers will adore this car; the acceleration is smooth and deceptive, with the needle effortlessly ticking over the miles. Just keep an eye on the speedometer to avoid trouble. 30 mph might feel painfully slow; overall, the car is heavy but powerful, gliding along like a tank until you put your foot down and unleash its ferocious power.

Inside, the Maserati seems to defy gravity, or rather, the g-force. You know you're accelerating; you can see the cars behind retreating in the rear-view mirror as if in reverse, but you don't feel it. You're just floating comfortably, perilously skirting the speed limit in seconds.

This places the Grecale firmly at the top end of the luxury sedan market, supplying infinite power and speed discreetly, so your passengers remain unaware that you're drag-racing the Porsche Macan next to you.

Technology in the Grecale is excellent; the active cruise control with lane assist takes all the stress out of long-distance touring. Simply press the cruise control and lane assist buttons on the steering wheel, then the Set+ at the desired speed, and it steers, accelerates, and brakes for you. Adjust the speed with the plus and minus tabs to suit the road and speed limit, and you're good to go. It's a godsend for fatigue on long drives and does wonders for your peace of mind and arrival time, thanks to its steady performance. It's like having your own personal chauffeur.

This is a plush family saloon for everyday driving, a true touring master, ideal for trips to the south of France or Tuscany. And Maserati is a brand on the rise; recent years have seen them release some excellent cars, with the fabulous MC20 supercar being a prime example. Their future plans are equally impressive, so keep an eye out for the Grecale Folgiore (Lightning), the all-electric Grecale coming soon.

I am, however, deeply unhappy with the metallic blue "Intenso" colour, which, while perfectly lovely, is not pink. Maserati launched an ultra-limited (just two) Barbie version as part of the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation program. It's staggeringly beautiful; a pink Maserati SUV with yellow Trofeo chevrons is a head-turner par excellence. For pity’s sake if you’re spending 100 K on this car, customise it.

The Maserati Grecale Trofeo has the soul of a supercar, if not the looks of a supermodel. But if beauty is only skin deep, and character a truer reflection of quality, then look deeper, as the interior is refined, high-quality, and fully luxurious. Add in V6 twin-turbo supercar performance to please the most avid petrol head and you have an SUV that challenges all comers.

Maserati Grecale Trofeo starts at £ 102,480

https://www.maserati.com/global/en/models/grecale