Maserati once again chose one of the North of England’s finest hotel for its latest drive day and I must say it was a delight to return to Grantley Hall. Not only was my hour’s drive to the venue an absolute delight, taking in some of the Dales’ finest scenery, the roads around Grantley offer some great opportunities to put a car through its paces.

And Maserati makes some exciting cars and seeing them lined up in bright sunshine as I arrived was a sight to warm a petrolhead’s heart.

With the Levante SUV no more, my main purpose was to drive the Grecale model, which now must fill the void.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The Maserati Grecale Modena is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 330 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. This mild-hybrid system delivers an impressive 0-62 mph sprint in just 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph. While the four-cylinder engine may lack the character of a six-cylinder, it compensates with responsive acceleration and respectable fuel efficiency of up to 32 mpg for the combined cycle. My drive was somewhat spirited, so I won’t comment on the accuracy of that figure.

Adaptive dampers, rear limited-slip differential, and optional air suspension enhance its handling, making it an agile companion on winding country roads heading towards Harrogate. Wind and road noise are minimal, so the Grecale should be a comfortable ride for long-distance travellers. However, its sporty suspension setup means bumps are more noticeable compared to rivals like the Audi Q5 Sportback or Mercedes GLC.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Grecale Modena exudes sophistication. The cabin is adorned with premium materials, including upgraded trim exclusive to this variant. The centrepiece of the interior is its trio of screens: one for navigation and media, a second for climate controls, and a digital instrument cluster offering customizable layouts. The seats provide excellent support and comfort, ideal for extended drives or leisurely journeys.

Design and Presence

The Grecale Modena strikes a balance between sporty elegance and understated luxury. Its design shares cues with Maserati’s flagship models like the MC20 supercar but remains more subdued than its Alfa Romeo Stelvio sibling. Larger wheels and distinctive styling elements give it road presence befitting its price tag of £71,480 (before options) —a significant step up from the base GT model.

Grantley Hall: A Perfect Backdrop

Grantley Hall complements the Maserati Grecale Modena’s luxurious appeal. This five-star hotel features 47 exquisitely designed rooms set amidst 37 acres of manicured gardens near Ripon. Guests can enjoy Michelin-starred dining at Shaun Rankin’s restaurant or relax in the Three Graces Spa—perfect for unwinding after an exhilarating drive through Yorkshire’s countryside.

Comparison with Rivals

While the Grecale Modena excels in interior quality and exclusivity, it faces stiff competition from rivals like the Porsche Macan S, Range Rover Sport and Audi Q5. The Porsche delivers sharper handling dynamics at a lower price point (£56,000), and the Audi appeals with its quality interior and undoubted badge appeal. Despite its merits, some critics argue that the Grecale’s pricing feels steep given its shared platform with Alfa Romeo Stelvio. In fact, you can spend over £100,000 on one if you go for the V6-powered Trofeo model.

Verdict

My day at Grantley Hall passed all too quickly, with the full range of Maserati’s cars at my disposal. There are therefore stories for another day.

Returning to the Grecale, the characterful SUV delivers great performance for spirited drives while maintaining comfort for longer journeys. Its interior craftsmanship aligns perfectly with Grantley Hall’s opulent offerings, making it an ideal choice for those seeking refinement both on and off the road.

However, potential buyers should weigh its premium price against competitors offering similar or superior performance at lower costs. For those who prioritize exclusivity and Italian flair over outright value or driving dynamics, the Grecale Modena remains an appealing option.



Fast Facts
Maserati Grecale Modena
Price £71,480
As tested £86,595
Grigio Lava paint
330hp and 450Nm torque
0-62mph in 5.6 seconds
Combined economy up to 32.1mpg
Emissions 202-211g/km CO2