Maserati GranTurismo 2023 Review

As the luxury GT coupe market gradually shifts towards electrification and a younger demographic, consumer demand for "a blend of elegance and performance" remains undiminished—on the contrary, they are increasingly looking forward to traditional brands injecting modern technological experiences while maintaining their classic heritage. As Maserati's first complete overhaul in 14 years, the 2023 GranTurismo Public (hereinafter referred to as GranTurismo) not only continues the brand's iconic sporty DNA but also introduces an all-electric version (Folgore) for the first time, seeking a balance between fuel-powered and electric. In this test drive, we focused on the fuel version (Trofeo variant) to evaluate whether this new generation GT coupe can still embody the two essential GT qualities—"long-distance comfort" and "driving excitement"—and to assess whether its upgraded tech features can appeal to younger consumers.

At first glance, the GranTurismo's Maserati identity is unmistakable—with its classic shark-nose front design and an oversized trident logo that delivers a strong visual impact. The front grille adopts a honeycomb pattern with chrome accents along the edges, preserving its sporty essence while maintaining a sense of sophistication. The side profile features sleek lines, with a waistline extending from the front fender through the door handles to the rear; the roofline gently slopes down at the C-pillar, creating the unique coupe-style fastback design. The tail lights feature a popular through-type design with a 3D structured lighting setup inside, providing great recognizability when illuminated. However, the most iconic feature remains the centrally-positioned dual-sided quad-round exhausts at the rear, which constantly hint at its performance potential.

Step inside, and the interior materials of the GranTurismo exude sincerity: the dashboard and inner door panels are covered in Nappa leather, while the steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara, offering a smooth and non-slip texture. The center console layout is driver-oriented, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen loaded with the latest MIA multimedia system that supports wireless CarPlay/Android Auto. The system operates significantly more smoothly than the previous generation. Notably, in addition to the touchscreen, the lower part of the dashboard retains some physical buttons (such as for air conditioning control and driving mode selection), striking a balance between technological sophistication and practicality. The seats are designed as sports bucket seats with excellent lateral support. They come equipped with 18-way electric adjustments and heating functions, ensuring comfort even on long journeys.

The GranTurismo measures 4959mm×1957mm×1409mm, with a wheelbase of 2929mm, positioning it within the mid-to-large GT coupe category. The front row space is ample; a passenger standing 180cm tall has about a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear space, however, is more suited for short trips. A passenger of the same height would find about two fingers' worth of legroom, and the headroom is slightly cramped due to the sloping roof design. That said, this performance aligns with typical GT vehicle standards. In terms of storage capacity, the front central armrest and door panel storage slots are moderately sized, while the trunk offers 310L of space, enough to fit two 20-inch carry-on suitcases, which is sufficient for daily use.

The Trofeo variant featured in this test drive is powered by a 3.0L V6 twin-turbocharged engine, producing a maximum output of 550 horsepower and peak torque of 650 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In terms of specifications, this engine is more powerful and fuel-efficient compared to the previous 4.7L V8. On the road, the power response is lively right from the start, and a light touch of the throttle delivers a noticeable pushback. Mid-to-high-speed acceleration is exhilarating; even beyond 100 km/h, the car pulls strongly, with quick and decisive downshifts from the transmission and smooth, continuous power delivery. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration takes just 3.5 seconds, and the real-world experience truly delivers thrilling driving excitement. Four driving modes are provided: Comfort, GT, Sport, and Corsa. Switching to Corsa mode enhances the exhaust sound, making it deeper and more resonant, while the shift logic becomes more aggressive, catering to users who crave driving enjoyment.

The steering wheel handling is precise with minimal play, light at low speeds and stable at high speeds, aligning with the positioning of a GT car. The chassis adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension structure, tuned for sportiness while retaining a certain level of comfort — in Comfort mode, the suspension filters out most minor bumps, and there’s no harsh impact when going over speed bumps; in Sport mode, the suspension's support is significantly enhanced, controlling body roll very well during cornering, providing the driver with sufficient confidence. It is worth mentioning that the GranTurismo is equipped with an electronic limited-slip differential and rear-wheel steering system, which improves agility in curves. Even for a large coupe, it handles mountain roads with ease.

We conducted a fuel consumption test for the Trofeo version, and under mixed road conditions (50% city + 50% highway), the fuel consumption was approximately 11.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Considering its 550 horsepower output, this performance is within an acceptable range. As for braking performance, the braking distance from 100 km/h to a full stop is about 34 meters. The brake pedal feel is linear, the braking force is sufficient, and it provides a strong sense of security.

Although it delivers strong power, the GranTurismo does not compromise on comfort. The NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) control is excellent, with wind and tire noise at 120 km/h remaining within an acceptable range, ensuring that in-cabin conversations are not disturbed. The seats strike a good balance between support and cushioning, ensuring comfort even during long drives. Additionally, the gearbox shifts smoothly in Comfort mode with almost imperceptible jolts, allowing for quiet and comfortable daily commuting.

Overall, the 2023 GranTurismo Public retains Maserati's classic design and driving passion while enhancing its product competitiveness through upgraded technology features and optimized powertrain. Compared to its peer, the Porsche 911 Carrera S, the GranTurismo offers advantages in space, features, and value for money; when compared to the Aston Martin DB11, it boasts more powerful performance.

This car is suitable for two types of buyers: first, GT enthusiasts who seek a balance between performance and comfort, with a vehicle that can handle daily commuting while also providing driving enjoyment on weekends; second, young consumers who value brand appeal and design, as Maserati's iconic trident emblem and dynamic styling are guaranteed to be attention-grabbing.

As Maserati's new-generation flagship GT, the 2023 GranTurismo Public successfully continues the brand's sporty DNA while addressing modern usage needs. Whether it's daily commuting or long-distance travel, it delivers a satisfying experience, making it a truly "versatile" GT coupe.