Why the 2024 Maserati Gran Turismo is a Heart-stopper but a Wallet-Buster

The rational mind can be quite a spoil-sport. It jumps in to remind you of things like “Ice cream isn't a reasonable breakfast” and “An F1 driver isn't a viable career choice.” And occasionally, it surfaces to say, “The 2024 Maserati Gran Turismo looks phenomenal, sure, but $220,000?”

It’s a buzzkill, really—this logic—denying me the simple joy of indulging in a DQ Blizzard before noon or confidently telling you that Maserati's four-seat sports car is worth every penny of its nearly quarter-million-dollar price tag. We know how poorly Maseratis hold their value, making that initial fortune spent on owning one feel more extravagant than extravagant.

And it’s a pity because just look at it. The Gran Turismo is one of the most emotionally rewarding and delightful cars on the road today, masterfully straddling the line between grand tourer and pure sports car. I could see myself cruising in this every day, feeling like royalty—even if starting out as an oligarch seems like the prerequisite to swallow its eventual depreciation hit.

The Basics

The Maserati Gran Turismo has undergone a revolutionary transformation for the first time since 2008. Drawing from a familiar but fresh design ethos, it boasts a sleek exterior comprising aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber—a veritable armor for its recognizable curves. Underneath the beautiful skin lies the Giorgio Sport platform, an extended version of the chassis that underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio.

Two powertrains are on offer: the Modena and Trofeo trims equip a 542-horsepower, 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6 borrowed from the MC20 supercar, paired with an eight-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the electric Folgore variant employs two electric motors generating a total of 751 hp. All versions of the Gran Turismo feature rear-biased all-wheel drive. This review hones in on the gas-powered Trofeo model for a closer look.

Maserati’s Nettuno engine is a work of art, integrating Ferrari's F154 V8 and Alfa's 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6. What sets it apart is its unique passive pre-chamber ignition tech, with a spark plug in each cylinder's pre-chamber to speed up the combustion process and boost efficiency. This innovative approach enables a 15% increase in the engine's compression ratio, laying claim to being the only production car engine utilizing this technology. For a deep dive, Engineering Explained has you covered. Speaking in CliffNotes: More rapid explosions, more power.

Driving the Maserati Gran Turismo

The first sensation one encounters in the Gran Turismo is its steering. Razor-sharp with a fast ratio, it delivers a lightness reminiscent of stepping out of a Giulia Quadrifoglio or even a Ferrari. This precision imbues the substantial coupe with a nimbleness that's rare among heavyweight competitors like the modern BMW M car.

Then comes the engine. For anyone claiming turbocharged V6s lack soul, I present the Nettuno V6. Although it lacks the mellifluous symphony of the F136 V8s of yore, its character is electrifying, filled with pops, gurgles, and crackles as it ramps up to its 6,500-rpm power peak. The torque peaks at 479 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm, making for exhilarating midrange acceleration. Throttle off, and you’re treated to wastegate flutter and overrun crackles. It feels like a supercar engine ensconced in a grand tourer—and that is utterly captivating. Additionally, I was pleased to see almost 26 mpg on a well-mannered highway jaunt.

With its dynamic underpinnings and all-wheel drive, the Gran Turismo is a backroad terror. The front end finds mechanical grip easily, and the car's weight is managed with astonishing finesse. Powering through corners is effortless thanks to the electronic diffs playing their part, allowing early throttle application without loss of composure. The vehicle's agility increases with driving aggression, yet it left me far from its edge capabilities merely on public roads.

A true grand tourer, Maserati’s adaptive air suspension smooths out highway rides, keeping everything comfortably luxurious. In GT mode, the throttle and steering ease up, but the car still responds eagerly to rapid bursts of acceleration thanks to quick-shifting transmission.

However, navigating urban landscapes reveals its flaws. Even in Comfort mode, the ride feels firmly sprung, and a low front end demands caution over every driveway apron. The colossal 21-inch wheels don’t make city driving any easier, imposing a level of anxiety about curbing a Pirelli or bending a rim.

The substantial brakes, combined with a brake-by-wire system, excel in high-speed scenarios but feel awkward in stop-and-go city traffic, making smooth stopping a challenge. While the Gran Turismo favors sporty dynamics and highway cruising, many owners in places like Beverly Hills and the Hamptons will still care about easier city maneuverability.

The Highs and Lows

So, let’s recap the Gran Turismo’s strengths. It boasts exceptional looks, an evocative sound, and a feel of exotic grandeur. It’s dynamically outstanding while still being surprisingly livable as a daily driver—almost.

But now, to address some drawbacks. The leather-trimmed seats, the striking digital center clock, and aluminum shift paddles are wonderful. Sadly, the two-touchscreen center console is not, with its bottom screen awkwardly angled and sunlight-reflective. Worse, it’s the sole means to adjust HVAC settings. The four piano-black plastic buttons for gear selection are shockingly tacky, feeling out of place in such an expensive car.

Other parts of the interior lack premium refinement. The material inside the interior door pull, for instance, has that synthetic feel akin to a mouse pad. Considering this vehicle's $200,000-plus price tag, it’s unacceptable.

Maserati Gran Turismo Features, Options, and Competition

The Gran Turismo Modena, the entry-level variant, starts at $159,995, featuring a detuned Nettuno engine with 483 horsepower. Step up to the Trofeo trim with 542 hp, and the base price jumps to $191,995. However, options can quickly escalate this price. Add items like $4,500 blue paint, a $4,000 Sonus Faber hi-fi sound system, a $2,500 carbon fiber rear spoiler, and other high-end options, pushing the price to $220K.

Maserati offers ample customization options: varied leather hues, bold exterior colors, and contrasting stitching. Interestingly, the clock can turn into a g-meter and throttle position indicator—an amusing detail for scaring passengers. The head unit features a reskinned version of Stellantis’ Uconnect 5, which is intuitive, while the digital instrument cluster changes based on the driving mode.

Direct competitors are scarce in the four-seat GT segment. The Bentley Continental GT V8 S and BMW M8 Competition come to mind. The Bentley, though heavier, excels in craftsmanship, while the BMW starts $60,000 cheaper. Even performance two-seaters like the Mercedes-AMG GT and Aston Martin Vantage offer stiff competition at a similar price but with more power.

Value and Verdict

The Gran Turismo’s toughest competition might come from within its own Stellantis family. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, priced around $80,000, shares the same basic chassis, carries a similar powertrain minus the pre-chamber tech, weighs 300 pounds less, and offers more practicality with its four doors and adult-sized rear seats. It's a strong testament to the Alfa and an unfortunate commentary on the Maserati that for nearly three times the cost, the Gran Turismo struggles to truly differentiate itself.

So, who is the Gran Turismo really for? It’s hard to see enthusiasts choosing it over the likes of Aston Martin or Porsche, while luxury seekers will gravitate towards Bentley. Even those with a keen eye for value will likely lean toward the $60,000-cheaper BMW.

If it came in at $120,000 or even $160,000, I might throw caution to the wind and recommend this car purely on its emotional and dynamic appeal. But for $220,000? My prudent rational side just can’t justify it.