Marinelle Adams
Maserati is a name synonymous with class and elegance, a brand with a long history and a proud legacy. If you’re worried that the illustrious brand will fade into obscurity under the new Stellantis empire, fear not. The 2024 introduction of a hybrid version of the Maserati Ghibli was only the first salvo in an onslaught that will see the brand reinvent itself for a sustainable future. Thirteen new Maserati derivatives will be launched from 2024 to 2024, of which six will be electric vehicles (EVs). While most are bound for the European market, we hope to see these make their way Stateside, too. The Ghibli Hybrid is the first Maserati to offer any electrical assistance and uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to produce nearly the same horsepower and performance as the base model six-cylinder model, but with 20 percent better gas mileage.
As a reminder, here is the range of Maserati models currently available in the USA:
- Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli Hybrid mid-size luxury sedans
- Maserati Quattroporte full-size luxury sedan
- Maserati Levante mid-size SUV
- Maserati MC20 sports car
Exciting New Maseratis Waiting In The Wings
You can peruse the current Maserati car lineup here, but the next round of launches will kick off later in 2024 and include the following:
- Maserati Grecale and Grecale EV. Possibly the last vehicle that features the Giorgio platform underpinning the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio, this will be the long-awaited compact luxury crossover Maserati to take the fight to the Porsche Macan. It is expected by the end of 2024 and hybrid versions will probably follow later. Anticipating the electric next-generation Macan, Maserati plans to launch a Grecale EV in 2024. Since the inability to electrify the Giorgio platform was given as one of the main reasons for retiring it, we’re not sure how Maserati has managed to get around the problem, but an electric compact luxury crossover is certainly what the market demands – and the rivals will be plenty.
- Next Maserati GranTurismo, GranCabrio, and EV. The positively ancient though still beautiful GranTurismo was updated and facelifted umpteen times before finally being retired in 2019 after 12 years on the market. A new one will be coming in 2024, joined by not only a drop-top version but also fully electric derivatives of both body styles.
- Maserati MC20 Spider and EV. The current gas-only MC20 will lose its roof in 2024. It will still be powered by the bespoke 621-horsepower Nettuno engine. However, the coupe will be offered in a fully electric version from 2024.
- Next Maserati Quattroporte and EV. The current Quattroporte is already eight years old and has been updated several times, so we’ll get a brand-new one in 2024. While the current Quattroporte does not even feature a hybrid model, the new one will be offered with a fully electric drivetrain to do battle with other EV super sedans, such as the Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT, and Mercedes EQS.
- Next-generation Maserati Levante and EV. Having gone on sale in the US as a 2017 model, the current Levante mid-size SUV is expected to be replaced by a brand-new one in 2024. This leaves a relatively short lifespan for the current model, especially in comparison with the long-running GranTurismo and Quattroporte models. The next Levante will be offered in a fully electrified version, which is the likely reason to fast-track the introduction of the current model’s replacement.
- Maserati Levante Hybrid. During 2024, the current-generation Levante will be fitted with the 48-volt mild-hybrid drivetrain already fitted to the Maserati Ghibli. It should provide performance that is only slightly off that of the 345-hp V6 Levante, claiming a sprint from 0-60 mph in six seconds. It should offer 20 percent better miles per gallon than the V6 though. The jury is still out on whether the hybrid will make it stateside, however.
The Future Is Green
Now that Maserati is part of Stellantis and has access to a massive conglomerate’s green tech, the brand is finally getting onto the EV bandwagon – and in short order, too. All brands falling under Stellantis are given ten years to prove themselves and establish successful business cases. Maserati has taken the opportunity and investment to massively expand its lineup. Its new three-motor, 800-volt Folgore EV powertrain uses next-generation silicon-carbide inverters and should rank near the best in its class for performance and efficiency.
Why adapt?
Going green is a non-negotiable for automakers wishing to remain relevant, and with some of the biggest names in the motoring industry moving forward towards fully electric vehicles, even the ultra-luxury cars known for their monstrous engines and raucous soundtracks will need to adapt. The benefits of forgoing traditional combustion engines – at least in part – are not limited to merely improved fuel economy and soothing the eco-warrior conscience. There’s also the status that comes with being able to produce hybrid and electric vehicles that are capable, comfortable, and still utterly desirable, sans global-warming-triggering power plants; and, to be honest, who wouldn’t want that kind of feather in their cap?
Conclusion
Joining other sports-car brands such as Porsche and Ferrari in committing to a sustainable future, the rejuvenated Maserati has all the ingredients for a stay of execution when Stellantis’ ax comes down in 2031. It beat Ferrari to the SUV game and there will soon be a compact crossover too to compete in a very lucrative market segment – and a lot more drivetrain configurations than currently available. No doubt, the market will consolidate in the years to come and not all brands with us today will still be around tomorrow – or they will be absorbed by the larger players. For now, Maserati’s sustainable future seems secure.