Since its debut in 2007, the Maserati GranTurismo has captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts in the market for a high-end grand tourer. Fast forward seventeen years, and Maserati has unveiled a completely reimagined version of this iconic model. Among the new lineup is the GranCabrio — the convertible version that I recently had the pleasure of testing.
Much like a polygamous relationship where each element seeks attention, achieving harmony between sportiness, luxury, and comfort is a delicate balancing act. Yet, the new GranCabrio manages to strike a harmonious blend of these often competing elements. Sure, it may not be as razor-sharp as its powertrain-sharing sibling, the MC20, nor as plush as the Quattroporte, but that’s the point.
Maserati delivered a GT with a sporty feel and spared no expense when it comes to materials and craftsmanship. In fact, the interior build quality is so refined that it even surpasses some of the German flagship sedans — quite a pleasant surprise!
Before telling you more about its features, it’s worth savouring the design. The GranCabrio I drove was finished in a breathtaking “GranTurismo Red” paint job, an optional extra that commands an eye-watering €33.000 price tag. And no, that’s not a typo—€33.000 for the “fuoriserie” paint from Maserati’s bespoke line. If you would really like your new GranCabrio to be red, be prepared to explain to your teenager why that new Golf you promised her isn’t happening, because this is the only red option available. Whether it’s worth the splurge is up to you, but I can tell you I spent several minutes simply admiring its exquisite lines and even passersby couldn’t resist a compliment.
Stepping inside, the allure doesn’t stop. Beyond the trio of screens (instrument cluster, infotainment, and climate controls), everything is beautifully arranged. The only letdown? The gear selector, which appears to have been borrowed straight from the Fiat 500e (Maserati’s sister company). While this choice clears up space in the centre console, offering some extra storage, the buttons require a firm push to engage gears, which can be frustrating during tight maneuvers.
It’s also not the most emotionally charged way to kick off your drive. However, that’s the only annoying element in an otherwise sensible interior. Everything looks good and feels good, and Maserati didn’t skimp on leather either; it covers nearly every surface, including the seatbelt buckles, both front and rear. Despite not being a fan of screens, I have to admit that the very reactive operating system makes everything easy to use, from the infotainment to the second screen right below reserved uniquely to climate control and other gadgets such as the activation of the neck warmer, which comes as a standard feature.
On the subject of standard features, the GranCabrio comes packed with an impressive list of them. Heated seats and steering wheel, double-glazed windows, automatic high-beam dimming, a lift system, adaptive cruise control with Level 2 assisted driving, keyless entry, fully electric seats adjustable in every conceivable way, adjustable air suspension, carbon fibre exterior trim, and more are all included.
Given its starting price of €235.000, this level of equipment is expected, placing the GranCabrio on the higher end of the price range for cars in this segment. For comparison, the BMW M850i Xdrive Cabrio starts at just under €160.000, while the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabrio starts at €200.000. Both rivals offer very similar power outputs: the BMW delivers 530 hp, and the Porsche 911 boasts 541 hp, which is strikingly close to the GranCabrio’s 542 hp. Granted, a few options on the Porsche can easily push the price up to match the GranCabrio’s, but the model I tested, with some optional extras, was priced at €285.000. And not considering the lavish paint job, the options alone added about €17.000- amongst these, the award-winning 16 speakers Sonus Faber sound system.
One thing you can’t opt for, however, are carbon-ceramic disc brakes, which brings me to the driving experience. Now, if you’re not as much of a maniac behind the wheel as I am, the standard steel brakes, featuring Brembo’s 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston calipers in the rear, are more than adequate. They handle everyday driving brilliantly, but if you really push the car to its limits, they can overheat and due to the brake-by-wire system, you won’t feel the brakes becoming spongy as they heat up. Thankfully, a message will pop up on the gauge cluster warning you about the rising brake temperatures and suggesting you ease off.
That being said, 99 % of Maserati drivers will likely never encounter this. After all, the GranCabrio is a grand tourer and not a hardcore supercar, but with its level of performance, I have to admit I got a bit carried away. After all, much like with people, pushing a car to its limits can reveal its true colours and having done just that, allows me to fully describe the experience to you with precision.
And what an experience it is… Even though it’s a convertible, which is an extra 100 kg heavier than the GranTurismo, the handling remains superb. You’ll find yourself approaching every corner with complete confidence in the car’s ability to manage it effortlessly. Much of the credit goes to Maserati’s clever all-wheel-drive system, paired with a well-engineered chassis that practically eliminates oversteer or understeer in dry conditions.
As a convertible, there’s naturally a touch less rigidity compared to a coupe, and even in Corsa mode, you may notice a slight hint of body roll, likely due to the air suspension. But this minor flex doesn’t compromise the car’s handling; it still feels like it’s glued to the road, gripping with remarkable precision.
Credit for the excellent driveability goes largely to the engine being mounted entirely behind the front axle, allowing the GranCabrio to achieve near to perfect 51/49 weight distribution. Maserati engineers have further optimized this balance by aligning the transmission with the engine, reducing overhang weight improving both handling and agility. But what is hiding under the hood?
At the heart of it all lies Maserati’s advanced Nettuno engine, a 3.0-liter twin turbo V6 that incorporates Formula 1 inspired technology, namely a pre-combustion chamber, to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. The 4 different drive modes (Comfort, GT, Sport and Corsa) allow for a personalised driving experience and the ZF gearbox behaves accordingly, delivering seamless gear changes in Comfort mode and progressively more aggressive, satisfying shifts up to small kicks in Corsa mode, just as you’d expect.
Another standout feature is the minimal turbo lag, with peak torque of 650 Nm kicking in at just 3.000 RPM. However, even with all electronic aids turned off, the car’s power is occasionally tempered by the system to ensure the all-wheel-drive setup operates at its best, keeping the driving experience sharp and controlled.
Ultimately, this creates a driving experience that’s both exhilarating and forgiving — an ideal combination given the GranCabrio’s grand touring nature and the diverse clientele it caters to.
Whether you’re cruising in style or seeking performance thrills, this car delivers on all fronts.
Engine: Twin Turbo V6 90o
Power: 542 hp
Torque: 650 Nm
Top Speed: 316 Km/h
0–100 Km/h: 3,6s
Traction: All Wheel Drive
Weight: 1.895 Kg
Starting Price: €235.800
