2024 Maserati GranTurismo Modena Review

In Malaysia's luxury sports car market, two-door models that combine daily practicality and brand prestige have always had a niche yet stable demand. The 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Modena enters this niche market with its 3.0T V6 engine, all-wheel drive system, and 2+2 seating configuration. Its core selling points lie in the Maserati brand's heritage and relatively "affordable" pricing (compared to track-oriented models like the MC20), while retaining luxurious features and performance capabilities. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether this car can strike a balance between daily commuting and occasional driving pleasure, and whether it is worth the potential buyers' investment in its brand and product strength.

In terms of appearance, the GranTurismo Modena continues Maserati's classic two-door coupe silhouette. With a body length of 4959mm and a wheelbase of 2929mm, the overall proportions are elongated and low, and the height of 1353mm enhances its sporty posture. The front features a family-style vertical slatted grille, paired with sharp LED headlamp clusters on both sides, resulting in high recognizability. Two muscular lines on the hood extend from the grille to the A-pillars, adding a sense of power. The side profile of the car boasts smooth lines, with a waistline running from the fender to the taillights, outlining the car's layering. The 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, paired with 265/30 ZR20 and 295/30 ZR21 tires, further underscore the sporty attributes. The rear design is minimalist, featuring a horizontal layout for the taillights embedded with the Maserati logo, while the quad exhaust layout on both sides clearly declares its performance orientation.

Stepping inside, the interior features a black-and-brown two-tone design, with extensive leather-wrapped surfaces complemented by metallic accents, delivering a texture that aligns with the luxury brand's positioning. The central control area is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering clear interface logic and decent operational smoothness. Below the screen are some retained physical buttons for controlling the air conditioning and driving mode selection, balancing usability. A multifunction steering wheel comes standard, with volume and phone controls on the left and driver-assistance and dashboard menu buttons on the right, offering a full grip and a moderately sized design. The standard head-up display (HUD) shows information such as speed and navigation, enhancing driving convenience. The seats feature a sporty design with strong support, while the front seats support electric adjustment and heating functionality. Although the rear seats follow a 2+2 layout, the legroom is relatively limited, suitable only for short trips or placing items. The trunk has a storage capacity of 173L, sufficient to accommodate two carry-on suitcases, which is adequate for daily use.

In terms of power, the GranTurismo Modena is equipped with a 3.0T V6 engine, delivering a maximum output of 490PS and a peak torque of 600N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 3.9 seconds. During actual driving, the initial power response is swift, and the accelerator pedal is tuned to be sensitive, providing a noticeable push-back effect with a light press. Acceleration remains strong in mid-to-high speed ranges, and overtaking requires only a firm press of the accelerator, with the transmission quickly downshifting to deliver linear and consistent power. There are three driving modes available: Comfort, Sport, and Track. In Comfort mode, the transmission shifts smoothly, making it suitable for daily commuting. In Sport mode, the exhaust noise becomes deeper, and the shifting logic leans towards aggression, making it suitable for spirited driving.

In terms of handling performance, the steering wheel offers precise turning with minimal play, and the road feel feedback is clear, enabling the driver to accurately sense the vehicle's dynamics. The suspension system adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link structure, tuned towards sportiness. The body roll is well-controlled during cornering, ensuring excellent stability; when dealing with bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most of the fine vibrations but retains a certain level of road feel without being overly stiff. The all-wheel-drive system provides better traction on slippery roads or during rapid acceleration, enhancing driving stability. The braking system performs reliably, offering a linear pedal feel. During emergency braking, the car maintains stable posture without noticeable front-end dive.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 13.8L/100km. During actual test drives, the city fuel consumption is about 15-16L/100km, while on highways, it is around 10-11L/100km, in line with the expectations for a 3.0T performance model. Noise control performance is acceptable; wind and tire noise become slightly noticeable at high speeds but remain within an acceptable range. The engine noise is well suppressed in comfort mode, while in sport mode, it is delivered to the cabin through the exhaust system, creating a driving atmosphere. The seat comfort is decent, allowing for long-distance driving without causing fatigue. However, the limited rear space constrains its practicality for long-distance travel.

Overall, the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Modena's core advantages lie in its brand recognition, robust performance, and relatively balanced day-to-day usability. Compared to competitors in the same segment like the Porsche 911 Carrera, the GranTurismo Modena offers a price advantage (the 911 Carrera's starting price is around RM 900,000) and has all-wheel-drive capability and a more spacious body size. However, in terms of brand premium and track performance, the 911 still holds the upper hand. This car is suitable for those pursuing luxury brand style, seeking occasional driving pleasure, and needing a car for daily commuting. These potential buyers could be middle-to-high income earners aged between 30-45, who care about brand image and require a vehicle with a certain level of practicality rather than a purely track-oriented toy.

In conclusion, the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Modena is a "versatile" luxury performance coupe that can meet the demands of daily commuting while providing ample driving enjoyment when desired. Although the rear space and fuel consumption have certain limitations, given its brand positioning and price, these shortcomings might be acceptable to the target consumers. If you’re looking for a two-door coupe that combines prestige and occasional "wild driving fun," the GranTurismo Modena is worth considering.