While zipping through a sequence of tight bends, shifting down gears and relishing in the cry of the turbocharged V6, it dawned on me how much I had grown to adore this vehicle during the brief time I had it. I’ve had the privilege of driving the Trofeo (the top-tier) variants of Maserati’s Quattroporte, Levante, and Ghibli, and though I greatly appreciated them, the Modena iteration of the new GranTurismo surpasses them all. I’m so impressed by it that I eagerly anticipate the day when I can experience the GranTurismo Trofeo model.
What captivates me about it? Firstly, simply admire its appearance. It’s absolutely STUNNING. The design is exquisitely harmonious. It boasts curves in all the correct spots, and these curves are flawlessly molded in metal sheets. The fender vents are the most alluring among any Maserati’s. The aggressive and contemporary front valence has a touch of classic. The front fenders exhibit superior curves compared to most supermodels. The rear fenders seamlessly blend into the rear greenhouse and the rear valence. The previous GranTurismo was thrilling; the new GranTurismo is a piece of art.
Beneath the hood lies Maserati’s potent new twin-turbo V6 – the Nettuno. Initially introduced in the MC20, this version is scaled down to a “mere” 438 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque, yet one would never discern. Press on the throttle, and the GranTurismo jets off like an F22 on full afterburners, leaving every other vehicle around you in its path. The eight-speed paddle-shift transmission injects a bit of engaging thrill into the process, and the AWD guarantees that ALL of the power is transformed into speed.
The Modena model offers three driving modes: Comfort, GT, and Sport. Comfort is exactly what it sounds like, providing a softly-suspended ride and relaxed responses to commands. GT elevates the experience, maintaining a comfortable ride but with a tad more sporty influence. Sport tightens things up and enhances the car’s responsiveness. GT serves as the default setting and represents a good everyday choice. In essence, that encapsulates the car’s purpose. The GranTurismo leaves you with the realization that it’s an everyday supercar – designed for leisurely city drives but equipped with phenomenal performance awaiting utilization when the roads beckon for excitement.
The brakes feature massive discs and calipers. They do an exceptional job of slowing down the vehicle to manageable speeds when necessary. They may feel a bit aggressive at low speeds, but this just serves as a reminder that they are engineered for more assertive braking, and getting accustomed to it is not arduous. The wheels concealed behind them are remarkable works of art. They are among the most intricate wheels I have ever beheld. Clad in Pirelli’s premium PZero tires, they provide exceptional grip no matter how vigorously you push through a sweeping turn.
The steering is highly precise and instinctive. There are no dead zones in the steering; it goes where you intend it to. It appears to anticipate your intentions and steer in accordance. Personally, the wheel could be slightly thicker, but it should be satisfactory for both male and female drivers.
As you swing the extended doors ajar, you can almost sense the interior beckoning you inside. And that’s essentially all you’ll hear because the GranTurismo is impeccably quiet during driving. Minimal tire and wind noise is audible. Only the revving of the engine produces a distinct sound. The seats are upholstered in exquisite and luxurious leather. The design on the seat bottoms somewhat mirrors the wheel design outside, a nice detail. They come equipped with heating and ventilation as expected, featuring subtle side supports that don’t impede entry or exit but effectively keep your upper body in place during spirited driving. Once ensconced in the driver’s seat, you’ll find it challenging to step out, at least until you relish one more spirited drive. Front seat passengers enjoy ample legroom and headroom. However, the back seats… are essentially an afterthought. With an average-height American driver in the front, backseat passengers have around an inch of legroom. These rear seats are more likely to accommodate bags, coats, or even a pair of corgis.
Most controls are integrated within the dual-screen center stack infotainment system. Any adjustment is just a few taps away. Behind the steering wheel are Maserati’s exquisite cast aluminum paddle shifters, shifting the transmission with a racetrack-like immediacy that turns gear shifting into a joyful experience as you weave through traffic. Alternatively, maintain the revs at a level that allows the Nettuno engine to produce the most exquisitely captivating Italian car sounds you’ve ever encountered. Driving in this style is far more enjoyable than leaving it in automatic mode and tolerating the droning bass notes as it strives to reach the highest gear in pursuit of “efficiency.”
Regarding fuel efficiency, the GranTurismo boasts a city rating of 18 mpg and a highway rating of 27 mpg. Whether these ratings are accurate or not, I cannot attest to, as I was preoccupied indulging in the throttle for personal satisfaction and unbridled amusement.
The GranTurismo kicks off at around $150,000. Our examined car carried a price tag of $200,000. Undoubtedly worth it. It constitutes a comprehensive and adept offering.
If you seek a stunning luxury vehicle that serves as an exceptional daily driver and delivers substantial driving performance, your search ends with the GranTurismo. It performs admirably on all fronts and exudes sophistication in every aspect.
Performance: 9
Handling: 9
Design: 10
Interior: 9
Infotainment: 9
Sound: 9
Fun: 10
Overall: 9