Buying a high-performance sports car today is more confusing than ever. You enter a world of clinical, almost robotic German precision or the raw, sometimes intimidating theater of a track-focused supercar. At first glance, the new Maserati GranTurismo looks like a beautiful throwback to a more elegant era—but is this “Thoroughbred” actually the high-tech, everyday exotic it claims to be, or is it just another pretty face in a crowded market?
In this Maserati GranTurismo review: Touring Italian Style, we are peeling back the layers of a car that carries the weight of 75 years of heritage on its sculpted shoulders. Having personally analyzed over 100 vehicles in my 12-year career—from the most basic commuters to the most unhinged hypercars—I can tell you that Maserati has done something here that defies the current trend of “soulless” speed.
If you’re planning to buy this car, here’s what you must know: this isn’t just a 911 rival with a fancy badge. It’s a car that prioritizes “Grand Touring”—the almost forgotten art of crossing continents at high speed in absolute comfort—above all else. But here’s the catch—with the loss of the legendary Ferrari-derived V8 in favor of a modern V6 or an all-electric heart, has the Trident lost its roar? This is where things get interesting.
H2: Quick Overview: The Resurrection of an Icon
The Maserati GranTurismo has returned after a hiatus, and it hasn’t just been refreshed; it has been entirely re-engineered for the modern era. While it bears a striking resemblance to the iconic silhouette of its predecessor, the 2026 model is wider, longer, and packed with a digital architecture that the previous generation couldn’t even dream of.
In India, the GranTurismo sits in an elite niche, competing with the likes of the Porsche 911, Bentley Continental GT, and the Aston Martin Vantage. It is offered in three distinct flavors: the refined Modena, the hardcore Trofeo, and the silent-but-deadly Folgore EV. This isn’t just a car for a Sunday drive; it’s designed for those who want an “everyday exotic” that can actually fit four adults in a pinch.
H2: Exterior Design Analysis: Sculpted by the Wind
In my decade-plus of reviewing automobiles, I’ve found that true “presence” isn’t about massive wings or fake vents; it’s about proportions. The GranTurismo is a masterclass in Italian aesthetic balance.
H3: A Modern Interpretation of Heritage
- The Silhouette: Maserati has wisely kept the long hood, low-slung roofline, and the muscular rear haunches that made the original a classic.
- Aero-Evolution: The front grille is lower and more aggressive, featuring the iconic Trident badge, while the headlights have shifted to a vertical orientation, similar to the MC20 supercar.
- The “Cofango”: In a brilliant piece of engineering and design, the hood and fenders are integrated into a single massive piece (the Cofango), which minimizes shut lines and creates a seamless, liquid-metal look.
- Staggered Stance: It rides on 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear, giving it a perpetually “ready to pounce” stance.
H2: Interior Design & Comfort: Digital Zenith Meets Italian Leather
Step inside, and the Maserati GranTurismo review: Touring Italian Style experience shifts from “sculpture” to “cockpit.” Maserati had a reputation for lagging in the tech department, but those days are officially over.
H3: The Tri-Screen Revolution
- Digital Command Center: The dashboard is dominated by a tri-screen layout: a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central infotainment screen, and an 8.8-inch secondary display for climate and vehicle controls.
- The Digital Clock: Even the classic analog clock on the dash has gone digital, now capable of displaying a compass, a G-meter, or a stopwatch.
- Materials: The cabin is a sea of high-quality leather, open-pore wood, or carbon fiber, depending on your trim choice.
- Seating for Four: Unlike many “2+2” sports cars where the rear seats are glorified luggage racks, the GranTurismo actually offers enough headroom and legroom for four adults to travel in genuine comfort.
H2: Engine Specifications & Performance: From Nettuno to Folgore
The soul of any Maserati is its powertrain. While purists might mourn the V8, the new “Nettuno” V6 is a technical marvel that brings Formula 1 technology to the street.
H3: Technical Specifications Table
| Feature | Modena (Petrol) | Trofeo (Petrol) | Folgore (Electric) |
| Engine/Motor | 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 | 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 | 3 Electric Motors |
| Max Power | 490 hp | 550 hp | 761 hp |
| Max Torque | 600 Nm | 650 Nm | 1350 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.9 Seconds | 3.5 Seconds | 2.7 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 302 km/h | 320 km/h | 325 km/h |
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD | AWD |
H3: The Performance Reality
- The Nettuno V6: This 3.0-litre engine uses a twin-spark, pre-chamber combustion system derived from racing, making it incredibly responsive across the rev range.
- AWD Dominance: For the first time, the GranTurismo is strictly All-Wheel Drive, ensuring that all that Italian power actually gets translated into forward motion on India’s often unpredictable roads.
- The Folgore Surge: The electric Folgore variant doesn’t just accelerate; it teleports. With 761 hp and a massive 1350 Nm of torque, it is the most powerful road-going Maserati ever built.
H2: Mileage / Fuel Efficiency: The Practicality of an Exotic
In the Indian context, even a Maserati owner asks, “Kitna degi?” though usually with a bit more discretion.
- Petrol Efficiency: The 3.0L V6 models (Modena and Trofeo) claim a respectable mileage of around 9.5 kmpl to 9.8 kmpl under standard testing conditions.
- Real-World Expectations: In heavy city traffic, expect this to drop to roughly 6-7 kmpl, while on open highways, you might actually see close to 10-11 kmpl if you’re disciplined with the throttle.
- Electric Range: The Folgore EV boasts a range of roughly 450 km on a full charge, which is more than enough for a weekend run from Mumbai to Lonavala and back.
H2: Features & Technology: The Electronic Symphony
In my 12 years of examining high-end automotive cabins, I’ve seen technology that feels like an afterthought and technology that feels like an extension of the driver. The 2026 GranTurismo firmly belongs in the latter category. In this Maserati GranTurismo review: Touring Italian Style, the brand has finally replaced its aging hardware with a digital architecture that is actually worthy of the Trident badge.
- Sonus Faber Audio: Standard models come with a 12-speaker Sonus Faber system, but for the true audiophile, there is an optional 19-speaker high-premium version that delivers 1,195 watts of Italian acoustic perfection.
- Intelligent Assistant: The Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) is powered by Android Automotive OS, featuring ultra-responsive touchscreens and a voice assistant that actually understands natural language.
- Digital Heritage: The classic round clock on the dashboard is now a digital “smart” dial. It can morph into a compass, a G-force meter, or even a visualizer for the voice assistant.
- Connected Services: With the Maserati Connect app, you can check your car’s “health,” monitor its location, or even start the climate control from your phone—essential for cooling the cabin before stepping into the Indian summer heat.
H2: Safety Features: High-Speed Guardian
When you’re piloting a vehicle capable of over 300 km/h, safety isn’t just a list of features—it’s your ultimate insurance policy. Maserati has bundled its most advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) into the new GranTurismo.
- Active Safety: Standard features include Automated Emergency Braking and front and rear parking sensors to prevent those expensive low-speed “scuffs”.
- Vision Suite: A 360-degree Surround View Camera is optional and highly recommended for navigating tight parking spaces in cities like Mumbai or Delhi.
- Adaptive Cruise: The car features Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, along with Lane Keeping Assist, making those long inter-city highway runs significantly less taxing.
- Lighting Tech: Full LED Matrix headlights automatically adjust their beam to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic while maintaining maximum illumination on the road ahead.
H2: Ride Quality & Real-World Driving: The Magic Carpet at 200 km/h
How does an Italian exotic handle the unique challenges of Indian roads? This is where the Maserati GranTurismo review: Touring Italian Style gets interesting. Unlike mid-engined supercars that fear every pebble, the GranTurismo was born for the open road.
- Standard Air Suspension: Every GranTurismo comes equipped with air springs and electronic damping. In “Comfort” mode, it soaks up minor road imperfections with a level of poise that will shock anyone used to the stiff ride of a Porsche 911.
- The “Nettuno” Character: The twin-turbo V6 is refined at low speeds but becomes a snarling beast as you move into “Sport” or “Corsa” modes. The throttle response is sharpened, and the exhaust valves open to provide that signature Maserati bark.
- AWD Confidence: The new full-time All-Wheel Drive system is rear-biased. It retains the car’s playful character while ensuring you have maximum grip on dusty or rain-slicked Indian tarmac.
- City Maneuverability: While it is a long car (nearly 5 meters), the steering is light and accurate at low speeds. Direct to the reader—be mindful of the massive 20.3-foot turning radius when navigating narrow city lanes.
H2: Price & Variants: The 2026 India Breakdown
The GranTurismo has officially arrived on Indian shores for 2026. It is a premium investment, positioned as a more exclusive alternative to the German mainstream.
Maserati GranTurismo India Price Table (April 2026)
| Variant | Engine | Ex-Showroom Price (Est.) | On-Road (Mumbai Est.) |
| GranTurismo Modena | 490 hp V6 Petrol | ₹ 2.57 Crore | ₹ 3.23 Crore |
| GranTurismo Trofeo | 550 hp V6 Petrol | ₹ 2.74 Crore | ₹ 3.44 Crore |
| GranTurismo Folgore | 761 hp Electric | ₹ 2.90 Crore | ₹ 3.10 Crore* |
*Electric vehicle pricing often benefits from lower registration taxes in several Indian states.
H2: Competitor Comparison: The Elite Grand Tourers
| Feature | Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo | Porsche 911 Turbo | Bentley Continental GT |
| Engine | 3.0L V6 Turbo | 3.8L Flat-6 Turbo | 4.0L V8 / 6.0L W12 |
| Max Power | 550 hp | 572 hp | 542 – 650 hp |
| Seating | Genuine 4-Seater | 2+2 (Cramped) | Genuine 4-Seater |
| Starting Price | ₹ 2.74 Crore | ₹ 3.35 Crore | ₹ 4.50 Crore+ |
H2: Pros and Cons: The Unfiltered Truth
Pros:
- Stunning Design: Arguably the most beautiful car currently on sale in India.
- Usable 4-Seater: One of the few exotic coupes that can actually accommodate four adults.
- Versatile Ride: Standard air suspension makes it surprisingly comfortable for Indian road conditions.
- F1-Derived Tech: The Nettuno V6 engine is a masterpiece of modern engineering.
Cons:
- Large Footprint: At nearly 5 meters long, it can be a handful in heavy city traffic.
- Loss of V8 Soundtrack: While the V6 sounds great, it lacks the deep, soul-stirring rumble of the old V8.
- Expensive Options: Maserati’s “Ad Personam” customization can easily add the price of a luxury SUV to the final bill.
- Limited Service Network: Owning an exotic in India requires a commitment to travel for specialized service.
H2: Who should buy this vehicle?
You should buy the Maserati GranTurismo if you are looking for a car that blends supercar performance with the elegance of a high-end fashion statement. It is for the person who finds the Porsche 911 too common and the Bentley too formal. If you plan to drive your exotic car for long weekend trips with friends or family, there is simply no better tool for the job.
H2: Who should avoid it?
Avoid this car if you are looking for a track-day weapon. While the Trofeo is fast, it is still a large grand tourer. If your priority is shaving tenths off a lap time, a mid-engined supercar or a dedicated track car will be more rewarding. Similarly, if you live in a city with particularly narrow roads and frequent roadworks, the GranTurismo’s length and wide turning circle might lead to more stress than enjoyment.
H2: Expert Verdict: The Ultimate Italian Tourer
The Maserati GranTurismo review: Touring Italian Style concludes that Maserati has successfully reinvented its most important icon.
By refusing to sacrifice comfort for raw speed, they have created a car that is perfectly suited for the maturing Indian luxury market. It is a car that celebrates the journey as much as the destination. In 2026, the GranTurismo stands as a beautiful reminder that “Italian Style” isn’t just about how a car looks—it’s about how it makes you feel when the road opens up before you.
H2: FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1: Can the GranTurismo handle Indian speed breakers?
Yes, better than most. The standard air suspension allows you to raise the ride height, which is a life-saver for navigating those “mountainous” speed breakers we often encounter.
Q2: Is the rear seat actually usable for adults?
Surprisingly, yes. Unlike a Porsche 911, two adults of average height can sit in the back comfortably for shorter journeys.
Q3: How fast is the electric Folgore version?
It is the fastest Maserati ever built, hitting 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds—that’s faster than most Ferraris.
Q4: Is it reliable for everyday use?
The new 3.0L Nettuno engine has been extensively tested, and the digital architecture is far more robust than previous generations. However, as with any exotic, meticulous maintenance is key.
Q5: Which variant is best for India?
The Modena offers the best balance of comfort and luxury for our roads, but the Trofeo is the one to get if you want that extra edge of performance and prestige.