The sweltering heat of Ho Chi Minh City in late May 2026 fueled a yearning among travel enthusiasts for a secluded seaside retreat, where the waves mingled with cool breezes. After a week of work, despite our exhaustion, we couldn't resist the allure of exploring the "Grecale wind" on our journey from city to sea. Grecale? It sounds unfamiliar, but it's actually the Italian name for the wind that blows across the Mediterranean Sea. In 2022, when the Italian car manufacturer Maserati launched its all-new SUV, they affectionately named it Grecale. Since then, Maserati Grecale has begun its journey of creating unique, distinctly Italian experiences for car enthusiasts who love driving and exploring destinations around the world .
When Maserati unveiled its all-new SUV in 2022, they generously named the model Grecale.
Photo: Ba Hung
Having become too familiar and monotonous with names like Porsche Macan and Jaguar E-Pace, the compact luxury sports SUV segment in Vietnam received a breath of fresh air in 2023 when the Italian automaker officially launched the Maserati Grecale in Vietnam with three versions: GT, Modena, and Trofeo. By the end of 2025, this model will add an all-electric version, the Grecale Folgore.
Among them, the Grecale GT, priced at 3.8 billion VND, is considered the most accessible version for Vietnamese people who love the trident brand or want to own a Maserati. This is also the Grecale model that our test team had the opportunity to drive throughout our 400 km journey across various terrains from Ho Chi Minh City to the Ke Ga lighthouse in Tan Thanh commune (Ham Thuan Nam district, former Binh Thuan province), now Lam Dong province.
Maserati Grecale was launched in the Vietnamese market in 2023.
Photo: Ba Hung
The intersection of tradition and modernity
Italians have long been known for respecting traditional values while remaining very modern; their aesthetic sense is sophisticated, with elaborate and ornate details, yet minimalist and practical… This is once again demonstrated in the Maserati Grecale.
Throughout its development, the Italian automaker has created many different masterpieces. From the flagship Quattroporte sedan, the luxury Ghibli sedan, to the two-door GranTurismo sports car and the all-electric GranCabrio Folgore convertible. As customer tastes changed, they also created the Levante and Grecale… Each model has its own look and personality to suit different customer groups, but all retain traditional values and distinctive design features combined with modern fashion trends. The Grecale itself is no exception.
The Maserati Grecale boasts a balanced, harmonious overall design with a very unique appeal.
Photo: Ba Hung
The design remains simple, featuring a large, deeply recessed grille harmoniously combined with vertical bars and chrome trim, serving as a backdrop for the Italian automaker's signature trident logo. The body and rear of the car create a seamless, fluid feel, accented by prominent lines and chrome details… combined with a low-sloping coupe-style rear end and a spoiler, resulting in a powerful, sporty yet elegant appearance.
There are many differing opinions when discussing the design of this model, as everyone has different aesthetic tastes. However, after several encounters with the Maserati Grecale, one must admit that this luxury SUV possesses a balanced, harmonious overall design with a very unique appeal, like a charming and elegant gentleman; the more you look at it, the more captivated you become.
Driving a Maserati Grecale on a journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Ham Thuan Nam district, formerly Binh Thuan province, now Lam Dong province.
Photo: TH
However, the journey was still ahead, and as our cappuccinos were almost empty, we couldn't let our gaze linger on Grecale's style any longer. So, following the guide's announcement over the radio, we boarded the bus and set off!
Elaborate and ornate, yet minimalist and practical.
A gentle touch! The door handle features a simple design, perfectly suited for mechanical operation while ensuring aerodynamic efficiency on the Grecale. A small detail, but one that showcases the distinctive, refined Italian craftsmanship. And behind that lies a captivating interior.
Most details in the Grecale's interior, such as the seats, dashboard, door sills, and center console, are covered in premium full-grain leather. This is high-quality, full-grain natural leather, expertly crafted by Maserati's designers and seamlessly combined with meticulous, refined stitching to create an overall interior that is luxurious, sophisticated, and smooth from the very first glance and touch.
Most of the interior details in the Grecale, such as the seats, dashboard, door sills, and center console, are covered in premium full-grain leather.
Photo: Ba Hung
Upon sitting in the driver's seat, the first sensation Grecale provides is comfort and relaxation thanks to its thick seat cushions and supportive backrest. The Italian automaker further demonstrates its sophistication through the interior design, including the push-button start system on the steering wheel. The gear shift system has also been moved to horizontally arranged buttons on the dashboard to optimize interior space. It's a rather unusual design, highly ergonomic and safe, but… somewhat stiff and lacking in responsiveness during operation.
But that's not all; while large touchscreens housing most of the function controls are considered a modern design trend in the automotive industry, Maserati also demonstrates its foresight. However, instead of following the mold by draping large screens like tablets or TVs across the dashboard, the Italian automaker cleverly designed two central touchscreens, measuring 12.3 inches and 8.8 inches respectively, arranged like flip-book screens.
Maserati has cleverly designed two central touchscreen displays, measuring 12.3 inches and 8.8 inches respectively, arranged like a flip-book.
Photo: Ba Hung
Notably, while many car screens from various manufacturers are causing controversy due to cumbersome, time-consuming, and distracting operations, Maserati has done an excellent job of addressing this. Not only has the screen angle been optimized for user interaction and viewing, but the Italian automaker has also significantly improved sharpness, responsiveness, and ease of operation for various functions. Drivers don't need to spend excessive time observing the screen; a simple swipe allows them to perform tasks such as adjusting the air conditioning, fan speed, volume, and other connectivity and entertainment features. Furthermore, the steering wheel still features buttons for drivers to proactively control the entertainment system while maintaining safety.
Sporty yet incredibly comfortable.
After getting acquainted with the Maserati Grecale, we began driving this SUV along routes from the city center to the eastern gateway, merging onto the highway connecting Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh to Phan Thiet. The Grecale offers the driver three different driving modes: Comfort, GT, and Sport, along with the option to adjust the stiffness of the suspension via a rotary knob integrated on the steering wheel.
The Grecale has three different driving modes: Comfort, GT, and Sport, along with the option to adjust the stiffness of the suspension via a rotary knob integrated into the steering wheel.
Photo: Ba Hung
However, with its mild-hybrid engine consisting of a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve turbocharged gasoline engine supported by a 48-volt electrical system, producing a total output of up to 300 horsepower… the Comfort driving mode is best suited for the Grecale to showcase its smoothness, agility, and responsiveness when driving in the city. In this mode, the steering is light yet very precise, while providing a very responsive feel to changes in road surface. The chassis and suspension are appropriately configured to provide both the driver and passengers with a smooth ride.
Connect your phone to the infotainment screen via wireless Apple CarPlay, and the navigation system displays clearly. Choose your favorite music, increase the volume… the Grecale's interior transforms into a theater with melodious sounds emanating from the 14-speaker Sonus Faber sound system – a truly delightful experience. It's worth noting that this is a high-end Italian sound system, finely tuned to suit the Grecale's cabin, delivering a natural, refined, and emotionally rich sound.
The Grecale's fuel system is compatible with various types of gasoline, including E5 and E10 bioethanol.
Photo: Ba Hung
As the sun rose higher, we joined the highway towards Phan Thiet after refueling the Grecale with E10 gasoline, as the Grecale's fuel system is compatible with many types of gasoline, including E5 and E10 bioethanol, according to Maserati. Switching to GT driving mode, the Grecale began to show a difference, with a noticeable sound coming from the exhaust system and a more responsive throttle. Pressing the accelerator a little more, the engine responded immediately without any delay; we could still hear some feedback from the wheels and engine noise in the cabin, but it couldn't drown out the exhaust sound. For highway driving, GT is probably the most suitable driving mode to maintain smoothness while still being sporty.
If that's not exciting enough, switch to Sport mode. It's still the Grecale, but when Sport mode is activated, the SUV's "personality" instantly changes. From the very first press of the accelerator, the engine and transmission respond immediately, quickly yet smoothly, accompanied by a clearer sound from the Sport Exhaust system, with the active exhaust valves opening, releasing a powerful mechanical sound.
When Sport driving mode is activated, Grecale's "personality" changes immediately.
Photo: TH
Switching to manual mode, lightly flicking the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, the tachometer seems to dance, the exhaust rumble creates an exhilarating feeling. Holding the steering wheel, gently pressing the accelerator… in no time, the speedometer jumps to 70-80 km/h, then quickly surges to 120 km/h. The scenery on either side gradually fades with speed. The Grecale is like a beast unleashed, hurtling forward in an instant. The steering wheel feels heavier but incredibly responsive to every turn, the driver and the car become one, the suspension system is robust enough to ensure an impressive level of stability.
Operating in manual mode, Grecale looks like a beast unleashed, surging forward in an instant.
Photo: Ba Hung
However, everything needs limits. To avoid falling into extreme situations when the speed limit sign gradually appears, switching back to GT driving mode and gently applying the brakes is the best approach… Grecale suddenly became surprisingly "tame," its speed gradually decreasing after each brake application, restoring the familiar smoothness and comfort of this sporty SUV.
We arrived at the beach near the Ke Ga lighthouse as the sun was setting. The sea breeze mingled with the sound of the waves, creating a relaxing atmosphere after our exhilarating journey behind the wheel of the Grecale. With this SUV, Maserati demonstrates the art of perfectly harmonizing contrasting elements: tradition and modernity, sophistication and elegance combined with practical convenience, and above all, a sporty yet smooth and comfortable ride. All of this creates an SUV that is distinctly Italian and stands out from other models in its class.
The Grecale GT version, priced at 3.8 billion VND, is equipped with a number of high-end features, which are typically considered "optional" on some models in the same class.
Photo: Ba Hung
The Grecale is considered a strategic model for Maserati in Vietnam, offering the most accessible price point among the Italian automaker's lineup. The Grecale GT version, priced at 3.8 billion VND, already includes a number of high-end features typically considered "optional" on some models in the same class. Fairly speaking, this premium SUV isn't expensive, as buyers don't have to worry about adding individual accessories to avoid driving the price up to an unaffordable level.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tu-pho-ve-bien-cung-maserati-grecale-khac-biet-dam-chat-y-185260529152201107.htm
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