The allure of the open road is a constant inspiration at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis. Imagine a spontaneous drive from the bustling Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to the luxurious streets of Monaco, spanning approximately 620 miles across the stunning French landscape. What was intended as a leisurely weekend getaway quickly unraveled due to a series of travel mishaps, including a canceled flight from JFK and frustrating delays, transforming the trip into a race against time in a Maserati Grecale Trofeo.
The hope for a relaxed Top Gear auto journalist’s journey dissipated upon landing in Paris. With a tight schedule and unexpected detours, the new plan focused on reaching Monaco with minimal fuel stops while navigating the numerous speed cameras dotting the French highways. The vehicle chosen for this ambitious journey? The 2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo is a high-performance SUV that offers an enticing blend of speed and comfort. What was initially envisioned as a scenic adventure turned into a high-octane sprint across France.
Maserati Grecale Trofeo: A High-Performance SUV Ready for Adventure
This scenario felt reminiscent of an episode from Top Gear, albeit one not meticulously planned for excitement. After enduring 36 exhausting hours of airport delays, mediocre food, and fragmented sleep, I found the drive behind the wheel anything but leisurely. However, the opportunity to speed through picturesque French landscapes in a $125,000 Maserati added an exhilarating dimension to the challenge.
Equipped with impressive tools, the Grecale Trofeo was well-suited for this type of journey. Beneath its sleek exterior lies a formidable Nettuno twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers 523 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Even at 4,650 pounds, the Grecale can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a breathtaking 3.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 180 mph. However, with traffic enforcement in mind, the focus shifted to enjoying the grand touring aspect of the vehicle.
Inside, the Grecale Trofeo features a luxurious cabin designed for long-distance comfort. The six-level adjustable air suspension and adaptive dampers provide a plush ride, allowing drivers to switch between five driving modes: Comfort, GT, Sport, Off-Road, and Corsa. For this journey, GT mode proved to be the ideal choice, seamlessly combining power, comfort, and versatility.
Since 2019, Maserati has made significant strides in enhancing its vehicles, and the Grecale is no exception. A standout feature is the conveniently placed engine start button on the steering wheel, reminiscent of Alfa Romeo’s performance models. This thoughtful design fosters a strong connection between driver and machine. Additionally, the dual touchscreen system simplifies controls for climate, media, and navigation, ensuring intuitive interaction.
From Paris to Monaco: A Race Against Time on Scenic French Roads
The trip commenced early in the morning, heading southeast from Paris toward Dijon. As city lights faded in the rearview mirror, the serene French countryside welcomed the drive. The Grecale’s expertly designed headlights illuminated the path ahead, providing exceptional visibility during darker hours. Transitioning from multi-lane highways to narrower two-lane roads demanded greater focus, but the advanced lighting system enabled safe overtaking.
With fewer cars on the road, a sense of freedom took over, even while remaining cautious of wildlife warnings. The Grecale’s performance and safety features instilled confidence during the drive through the French countryside. After a couple of hours, the vehicle revealed its masterfully crafted design, with thoughtful ergonomics enhancing the overall experience.
Luxury Meets Power: Exploring the Grecale Trofeo’s Impressive Features
The Grecale’s adaptive cruise control and automatic headlights integrate seamlessly into the driving experience. The dual touchscreen system allowed for effortless navigation through entertainment and vehicle settings. Even without using Apple CarPlay, the system displays essential vehicle information with clarity.
The learning curve for advanced settings is minimal, keeping the overall experience fluid and engaging. Maserati designed the Grecale to prioritize user convenience, ensuring that even the most complex features were accessible without disrupting the driving rhythm.
As the journey continued, the Grecale’s EPA fuel efficiency ratings—18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and a combined 20 mpg—proved beneficial upon approaching the historic city of Dijon. Known for its rich history and culinary delights, the city served as a reminder of the cultural landmarks along the route, though time constraints limited exploration.
Navigating the French Countryside: Comfort, Speed, and Precision in Every Mile
Continuing south, Beaune emerged, celebrated for its medieval architecture and as the heart of the Burgundy wine region. While the schedule didn’t allow for indulgence in local wines, the allure of these towns highlighted the journey’s richness. The Grecale Trofeo effortlessly maintained its reputation as a grand tourer, providing a relaxing drive even during the late hours of the night.
Switching from Comfort to GT mode enhanced the driving experience. Subtle adjustments improved stability and aerodynamics, while sharper throttle response allowed for more refined acceleration. The transmission became more responsive, and the engine’s roar filled the cabin, transforming the journey into a symphonic experience.
With dawn breaking and visibility improving, the road stretched invitingly ahead. The accelerator presses deeper, aiming for the shimmering waters of the Côte d’Azur. The Grecale Trofeo’s impressive 523 horsepower beckoned, and the thrill of the journey was palpable. Maneuvering through the French landscape underscored that Maserati had crafted more than just a luxury SUV; they created a finely-tuned machine that balances comfort, performance, and elegance in every detail.
This drive across France in the Grecale Trofeo was more than just a means to an end; it celebrated the journey itself, showcasing Maserati’s remarkable capabilities and the beauty of the open road.
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