Maserati GranTurismo Review: Italy’s $174,000 Grand Tourer Masterclass

📅 Last Updated: August 2026 |

When the original Maserati GranTurismo ended its remarkable 12-year production run in 2019, purists mourned the loss of one of the automotive world’s most sonorous open-road icons. For more than a decade, its Ferrari-built naturally aspirated V8 defined the quintessential Italian GT experience: breathtaking proportions, handcrafted leather, and an exhaust note that could alter human heart rhythms. Replacing such an emotional benchmark was never going to be a matter of subtle iteration. It required a complete mechanical and architectural overhaul.

Enter the second-generation 2026 Maserati GranTurismo. Designed, engineered, and assembled at the historic Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, this reimagined coupe retains the classic long-hood, cab-rearward silhouette that has defined Italian grand tourers for 75 years. Yet under its sculpted aluminum and steel skin lies an entirely modern machine. Built upon an all-new lightweight architecture, standard rear-biased all-wheel drive, and the groundbreaking F1-derived Nettuno V6 engine, the modern GranTurismo reasserts the Trident brand as a dominant force in the high-end luxury GT marketplace.

Whether navigating the sweeping curves of the Pacific Coast Highway or cruising interstate corridors at effortless triple-digit speeds, the 2026 GranTurismo strikes a delicate, masterful balance between long-distance luxury and aggressive supercar dynamics. For American buyers cross-shopping against established heavyweights like the Porsche 911 Turbo, Bentley Continental GT, and Aston Martin DB12, Modena’s latest masterpiece offers an intoxicating alternative steeped in exclusivity, theatricality, and undeniable heritage.

Reengineered From the Ground Up: The Nettuno V6 Revolution

The most significant departure from its predecessor lies beneath the GranTurismo’s sweeping front clamshell hood—affectionately dubbed the Cofango by Maserati designers. Gone is the 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 of yesteryear. In its place sits a front-mid-mounted 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6. Borrowed directly from the mid-engine Maserati MC20 supercar, this engine represents a massive technological leap forward for the Trident badge.

What sets the Nettuno V6 apart from conventional forced-induction powerplants is its innovative passive pre-chamber ignition system. Derived directly from Formula 1 racing technology, this setup features a secondary combustion chamber with a dedicated spark plug fitted to each cylinder. By igniting the fuel-air mixture in the pre-chamber before spreading the flame front to the main combustion chamber, the engine achieves exceptionally fast, uniform, and efficient combustion. The result is instantaneous throttle response, reduced turbo lag, and extraordinary power density.

Two Nettuno V6 Tunes: Modena vs. Trofeo

In the United States, gas-powered GranTurismo buyers can select between two distinct levels of Nettuno tuning, both mated to an ultra-responsive ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and an advanced, rear-biased all-wheel-drive system:

• GranTurismo Modena: The entry tier delivers 483 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 442 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. It launches from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 3.7 seconds and tops out at an impressive 188 mph.
• GranTurismo Trofeo: The performance-focused variant unleashes 542 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque. Benefiting from an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (e-LSD), the Trofeo rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, passing the quarter-mile mark in under 11.5 seconds on its way to a terminal velocity of 199 mph.

While traditionalists originally feared the loss of two cylinders, driving the Nettuno V6 quickly dispels any skepticism. The engine erupts with a raspy, metallic mechanical growl under heavy acceleration, punctuated by wastegate flutters and crackling exhaust overrun in its most aggressive drive modes. Because the engine is mounted entirely behind the front axle line, weight distribution sits at an optimal 52/48 bias, delivering turn-in sharpness that no previous-generation GranTurismo could ever hope to match.

The Electric Frontier: GranTurismo Folgore

For buyers looking toward the future of sustainable high performance, Maserati offers a third powertrain option that redefines electric grand touring: the GranTurismo Folgore (Italian for “lightning”). Built on the same lightweight chassis as its gas-powered siblings, the Folgore replaces internal combustion with a sophisticated 800-volt electric architecture developed with technical insights from Formula E.

The Folgore utilizes three 300-kW radial permanent magnet electric motors—one mounted on the front axle and two at the rear—delivering a combined output of 761 horsepower and a jaw-dropping 995 lb-ft of torque directly to the pavement. Because the two rear motors operate independently without a mechanical differential, the Folgore features full active torque vectoring across the rear axle, allowing the vehicle to tuck into high-speed corners with astonishing agility despite its heavier curb weight.

To preserve the low-slung driving position critical to a true sports coupe, Maserati avoided placing the battery pack beneath the passenger floorboards. Instead, the 92.5-kWh (83 kWh usable) lithium-ion battery is shaped into a “T-bone” structure that runs down the central tunnel and occupies the space behind the rear seats. This innovative packaging maintains a sleek vehicle height of just 53.3 inches while keeping the car’s center of gravity remarkably low. On a 350-kW DC fast charger, the Folgore’s 800V system can replenish 20% to 80% battery capacity in approximately 18 minutes.

Chassis Dynamics & Drive Modes: Skyhook Precision

A true grand tourer must perform two seemingly contradictory tasks with equal aplomb: isolate its occupants from road imperfections over hundreds of highway miles, yet transform into an authoritative, razor-sharp weapon when the tarmac begins to twist. To achieve this dual personality, every 2026 GranTurismo comes standard with a multi-chamber air suspension system paired with Maserati’s proprietary Skyhook adaptive damping technology.

The continuous damping control system reads sensor data from the wheels, chassis, and steering inputs hundreds of times per second, adjusting individual shock absorber valving instantly to neutralize body roll, pitch, and dive. Through the drive mode selector on the steering wheel, drivers can tailor the vehicle’s character across distinct settings:

Drive Modes

• Comfort Mode: Softens the air springs and shock damping, lightens steering effort, and opens exhaust valves only at higher RPMs. It turns the GranTurismo into a serene, compliant highway cruiser capable of swallowing pot-holed city streets without transmitting harsh impacts to the cabin.
• GT Mode: The default operational setting. GT Mode offers an ideal blend of everyday usability, smooth shifting from the ZF 8-speed gearbox, and balanced suspension control, making it perfect for spirited daily driving.
• Sport Mode: Stiffens the Skyhook dampers, lowers the ride height by several millimeters, sharpens throttle mapping, speeds up gear shifts, and opens the active exhaust valves full-time for a rich, resonant exhaust note.
• Corsa Mode: Reserved for aggressive backroad driving or track sessions (standard on Trofeo and Folgore). Corsa Mode lowers the car to its lowest ride height setting, maximizes all-wheel-drive rear bias, minimizes traction control intervention, and enables launch control for maximum acceleration off the line.
• Wet Mode: Automatically adjusts engine output, throttle sensitivity, and stability control parameters to prevent wheelspin and maintain maximum traction during heavy rain or treacherous conditions.

Coupled with standard staggered wheel setups—20-inch forged wheels at the front and 21-inch at the rear—and massive Brembo performance brakes (featuring six-piston front calipers biting 15.0-inch ventilated rotors), the GranTurismo inspires total confidence. The brake-by-wire system provides a firm, consistent pedal feel whether slowing down from highway speeds or scrubbing off speed before a tight mountain hairpin.

Timeless Exterior Design: Centro Stile Maserati Sculpting

Unlike the original GranTurismo, which was styled by Pininfarina, the 2026 model was designed entirely in-house at the Centro Stile Maserati in Turin. Head designer Klaus Busse and his team faced a formidable challenge: update an iconic aesthetic without ruining the proportions that made the original car an instant classic. The result is a masterclass in automotive sculpture.

The exterior retains the classic long hood, muscular rear haunches, and low-slung roofline that have characterized Italian GTs since the 1947 Maserati A6 1500. Up front, the iconic oval concave grille proudly displays a prominent 3D Trident badge. Flanking the grille are vertical LED headlights inspired by the MC20 supercar, featuring twin lighting blades that give the front fascia a sharp, assertive gaze.

The body panels are crafted extensively from lightweight aluminum (comprising over 65% of the overall chassis structure), hot-formed steel, and magnesium to keep curb weight under 3,960 pounds for the gas models—a remarkable feat for a four-seat, all-wheel-drive coupe. Aerodynamic efficiency is subtly integrated into the design rather than relying on unsightly wings; active shutter grilles, flush door handles, underbody air channelling, and a subtle rear lip spoiler yield a remarkably low drag coefficient of just 0.28 Cd (0.26 Cd on the electric Folgore).

Interior Craftsmanship: Digital Innovation Meets Artisan Leather

Step inside the cabin, and the transformation from the previous generation is night and day. Where the old GranTurismo was criticized in its later years for an aging dashboard layout and outdated buttons, the model presents an ultra-clean, high-tech sanctuary wrapped in magnificent Italian leathers and authentic trim materials.

The cockpit features a clean “T-shaped” dashboard layout completely devoid of physical climate control buttons. Instead, Maserati has consolidated physical controls into a sleek, double-screen central display interface consisting of a 12.3-inch upper infotainment touchscreen and an 8.8-inch lower comfort-control panel. Gear selection is executed via push-buttons mounted cleanly between the two screens, freeing up valuable center console storage space for wireless smartphone charging pads and leather-bound armrests.

Seating comfort is exceptional. Standard 12-way power-adjustable sport seats (18-way optional) are upholstered in fine, perforated Italian leather with available contrast stitching and embroidered Trident headrest logos. Unlike many 2+2 sports coupes where the rear seats are strictly reserved for luggage or small children, the GranTurismo’s generous 116.3-inch wheelbase allows it to comfortably accommodate two average-sized adults in the rear bucket seats for short-to-medium journeys.

Every tactile surface reflects meticulous attention to detail. Modena models feature open-pore wood accents and smooth leather finishes, while Trofeo trims replace wood with high-gloss 3D carbon fiber weave, red accent stitching, and Alcantara headliners. The electric Folgore introduces eco-conscious luxury, featuring ECONYL®—a regenerated nylon textile created from recycled fishing nets and ocean plastics, laser-etched into a distinctive parametric pattern.

Cutting-Edge Infotainment & Audiophile Sound

At the center of the GranTurismo’s digital experience sits the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) infotainment system. Powered by an Android Automotive operating system, MIA offers rapid touch responses, crisp graphics, intuitive menu navigation, and over-the-air (OTA) software update capabilities. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto come standard, alongside native Google Maps navigation and Amazon Alexa integration.

Directly in front of the driver sits a reconfigurable 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster offering four distinct graphical layouts: Classic, Evolving, Relaxed, and Corsa. At the top center of the dashboard sits a modern reinterpretation of the classic Maserati clock. No longer a traditional analog dial, this digital smart clock can switch between an analog watch face, a digital G-meter, a lap timer, a throttle/brake input monitor, or a visual response prompt for voice commands.

For audio enthusiasts, Maserati partnered exclusively with renowned Italian high-end audio artisan Sonus Faber to design two bespoke sound systems for the GranTurismo:

• Sonus Faber Premium Audio (Standard): Features 14 strategically positioned speakers powered by an 860-watt digital amplifier, delivering rich, natural acoustic reproduction across all seating positions.
• Sonus Faber High Premium Audio (Optional): An audiophile masterpiece utilizing 19 individual speakers, silk-dome tweeters, dedicated subwoofers, and a massive 1,195-watt amplifier that creates a breathtaking 3D surround sound environment.

Advanced Safety Technology & Driver Assistance

Modern grand touring demands cutting-edge safety features that reduce driver fatigue during extended highway journeys. The GranTurismo comes equipped with an extensive suite of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), seamlessly integrating active safety without diluting the car’s driver-centric nature.

Standard and available driver-assist technologies include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Maintains preset distances from preceding traffic and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop in heavy congestion before automatically resuming speed.
• Active Lane Keeping Assist & Centering: Gently guides steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered within lane markings during highway cruising.
• Traffic Sign Recognition & Intelligent Speed Assist: Reads overhead speed limit signs via cameras and adjusts cruise speed settings accordingly.
• 360-Degree Surround View Camera System: Utilizes four high-definition cameras to project a bird’s-eye view onto the central screen, making tight parking maneuvers strain-free.
• Full-Color Head-Up Display (HUD): Projects crucial telemetry, navigation arrows, current speed, and ADAS warnings directly onto the windshield in the driver’s line of sight.
• Rear Cross-Path Detection & Autonomous Emergency Braking: Scans for oncoming pedestrian or vehicular traffic when backing out of driveways or blind parking spots, automatically applying brakes if a collision is imminent.

Fuoriserie Customization: Crafting a Bespoke Trident

For discerning buyers at this price point, off-the-rack specification is rarely enough. Through Maserati’s bespoke Fuoriserie customization program, GranTurismo clients can transform their vehicle into an individualized, one-of-a-kind automotive artwork.

The Fuoriserie catalog offers an almost infinite array of exterior paint finishes, ranging from historical solid shades like Pino Green and Giallo Corse to complex multi-layer metallic paints like Blu Inchiostro and satin matte finishes. Interior customization options extend to two-tone leather combinations, contrast accent piping, personalized sill plates, exposed carbon fiber trim tints, and custom wheel finishes. Maserati specialists work directly with buyers to ensure that every tailored detail harmonizes with the vehicle’s design aesthetic.

US Market Pricing, Specifications & Verdict

In the United States, the Maserati GranTurismo occupies a distinct price bracket that sits comfortably between high-end sports cars and ultra-exotic GTs. Official starting MSRPs for the U.S. market are structured as follows:

When stacked against its primary competitors, the GranTurismo’s value proposition becomes clear. A comparably equipped Porsche 911 Turbo offers brutal launch performance but lacks true four-passenger usability and Italian flair. A Bentley Continental GT V8 delivers supreme luxury but weighs over 4,900 pounds and carries a starting price well above $240,000. The Aston Martin DB12 offers striking looks, but lacks the sophisticated all-wheel-drive traction that makes the GranTurismo a usable year-round daily driver in North American snowbelt states.

The 2026 Maserati GranTurismo is far more than just a stylish successor to a beloved model; it is a triumphant return to form for one of the world’s most cherished automotive marques. By combining supercar-derived engineering, genuine four-seat grand touring comfort, intuitive digital technology, and breathtaking Italian design, Maserati has built a flagship coupe that honors its storied 75-year legacy while boldly embracing the future. For drivers seeking an unforgettable blend of performance, luxury, and pure emotion, the modern Trident stands ready to conquer the open road.

Ready to elevate your driving experience? Discover current dealership inventory, regional incentives, and competitive lease programs on the best new car deals today.