Maserati GranCabrio (2009 – 2020) Review
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Maserati GranCabrio (2009 – 2020) At A Glance
Wonderfully styled Italian GT. Genuine four seater. Fantastic V8 soundtrack.
Automatic ZF six-speed gearbox not the best. Infotainment system feels slow and dated. Tiny boot.
The Maserati GranCabrio is a fun and refined four seater convertible that strikes an elegant balance between high performance and everyday usability, thanks in no small part to its wonderful styling and vocal Ferrari V8 engine.
It might not be the fastest soft-top money can buy - both the Jaguar F-Type and Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG are quicker - but the GranCabrio is still a sensational grand tourer, with a booming V8 soundtrack and a rewarding drive that's strengthened by its large and comfortable interior.
Despite weighing around two tonnes, the throaty 4.7-litre engine will notch up some impressive numbers, with 0-62mph taking around five seconds and top speed sitting close to 180mph. The 450PS engine is linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox, which works well enough, but occasionally disappoints with the odd bout of confusion over gear selection.
The GranCabrio is blistering quick though, with impressive straight line speed and responsive handling that's aided by lots of feedback through the huge steering wheel. The handling can be sharpened with MC trim, which uses lighter Brembo brakes and adds a body kit and 10PS to the engine output. The raucous exhaust note is also enhanced to near antisocial levels, which makes the GranCabrio MC an attention grabbing centrepiece on the road.
Unlike most of its rivals, the GranCabrio is a genuine four seater and even with the roof in place it will carry four large adults in comfort, while the high quality interior features plush, hand stitched leathers and lots of brushed aluminium trim. However, the infotainment system and dashboard layout feels dated by modern standards, with a scatter gun approach to button layout and a painfully slow navigation system. The GranCabrio's long distance cruising credentials are also blunted by a tiny 173 litre boot.
Despite its flaws, the GranCabrio is still a brilliant four seater convertible, with stunning good looks, sports car performance and a plush interior. Only the Bentley Continental GTC offers more, although the Maserati feels more compelling due to the fact that it undercuts its British rival by a considerable margin on price.
Reviews for Maserati GranCabrio (2009 – 2020)'s top 3 rivals
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Maserati GranCabrio (2009 – 2020) handling and engines
- Engines range from 4.2 V8 GranSport to 4.7 V8
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 14–21 mpg
The GranCabrio is offered with just one engine – a Ferrari-sourced 4.7-litre V8 - fed to the rear-wheel via a six-speed automatic transmission. In its standard form, the V8 petrol will deliver 450PS and 510Nm of torque, although this can be increased by 10PS and 10Nm by specifying the GranCabrio in MC trim.
The ZF automatic gearbox isn't the best, with the occasional bout of confusion over which gear it wants, but the GranCabrio is extremely easy to drive with a comfortable ride that happily copes with speed bumps and pot holes.
There are two driving modes to choose from - normal or sport - with the former providing a lazy GT experience, with dumbed down throttle response and slow gear changes. In sport mode the Maserati livens up to sports car levels, with quick gear changes and sharp throttle responses that makes it easy to unlock the V8's considerable power.
The automatic ZF gearbox still suffers from the odd dizzy moment, but it does a much better job in sport mode, with quick changes. It can be bypassed altogether with a set of manual paddles that are attached to steering column, which allow the driver to crack through the rev range at an impressive rate.
Despite its elegant looks and comfortable interior, the GranCabrio feels very much like a sports car, with a firm ride that provides lots of feedback through the steering wheel and pedals. As a result it's easy to build confidence and get an understanding of the car's limits, although things can get a bit engaging in the wet, with the rear-wheel drive and two tonne weight impacting the handling.
The GranCabrio isn't as involving as a Jaguar F-Type or Mercedes-Benz SL, but it is comfortable and the ride never feels overly hard or unpleasant. Thrill seekers can opt for the MC edition with slightly more power and stiffer suspension, although grip on all models is plentiful. The brakes are excellent too.
There's no hiding the GranCabrio's huge size though – it is five meters long and two meters wide - and parking can be challenging, due to the fact that it's difficult to see the edges of the car.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 V8 GranSport | 15 mpg | - | 435 g/km |
| 4.7 V8 | 20 mpg | 4.9–5.2 s | 328–377 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Maserati GranCabrio (2009 – 2020)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
88%
Real MPG
14–21 mpg
MPGs submitted
3
Maserati GranCabrio (2009 – 2020) interior
- Boot space is 173–300 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4303–4933 mm |
| Width | 1822–2056 mm |
| Height | 1305–1353 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2440–2942 mm |
Unlike the majority of its rivals, the Maserati GranCabrio is a genuine four seater, although its pitifully small boot - measuring just 173 litres - limits it long distance credentials. That said, it will easily carry four large adults in comfort and the rear seats are large enough to double up as storage for suitcases or a couple of sets of golf clubs.
The fabric soft-top roof provides decent levels of sound proofing and folds away in a leisurely 28 seconds, up to speeds of 19mph. Standard equipment levels are high across the range, with aluminium gear shift paddles, leather upholstery, cruise control and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system all included.
Admittedly, a few areas of the interior feel dated. The infotainment system has blocky graphics and there's no DAB either. The navigation system also feels ancient and doesn't recognise UK postcodes when it comes to destination entry. However, given a bit of patience, it works well enough, albeit it slowly.
Finding a comfortable driving position is simple thanks to the electronically adjustable seat and folding armrest that sits between the driver's and front passenger seats. The seats are also supportive, with a wraparound affect that provides a snug fit across the lower back and upper shoulder. Most of the doors and centre console are covered in soft-touch leathers, which make it easy to relax and rest your elbow on the trim.
The dashboard is covered in hand stitched leather and has a high quality feel, but the layout is a little crude, with lots of awkwardly placed buttons that are difficult to identify behind the huge steering wheel. The instrument dials are easy to read though and the airflow is good, with only the odd gust of wind making its way into the cabin after the roof has been lowered. Things can get a little blustery for tall passengers in the back at motorway speeds though.
Standard Equipment:
20-inch Trident design alloy wheels, xenon front headlamps with integrated Day Running Lights (DRL), adaptive light control system, “Active Shifting” gear shift paddles, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, twin, dual pipe exhaust system in chrome-plated stainless steel, front foglamps, LED rear lights, Poltrona Frau leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats with lateral support and M-design, folding front armrest with illuminated storage compartment, rear armrest, dashboard-mounted Maserati-design clock, front and rear double cup-holders, cruise control, dual zone automatic climate control with two rear air outlets, electrochromatic interior rear-view mirror, electric opening assist for boot lid and doors, front and rear parking sensors, rain sensors, Maserati media System with seven-inch screen (featuring navigation system, RDS tuner, single CD player, 30Gb hard disk drive, voice control, Bluetooth, USB and aux-in port), TMC Premium traffic information system and a puncture repair kit with 12v compressor.
MC models add 20-inch Titanium-look MC design alloy wheels, brake callipers painted red, front spoiler integrated with aerodynamic undertray and brake cooling ducts, aerodynamic side skirts, rear lip spoiler, ventilated bonnet with two rear outlet vents, shadowline exterior trim, sport exhaust with dual, centrally-positioned exhaust pipes in chromeplated, Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara interior upholstery (perforated Alcantara for seat squab and backrest centres and Alcantara for instrument cowl, centre console and armrest, door armrests and handles).
Maserati GranCabrio (2009 – 2020) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4303–4933 mm |
| Width | 1822–2056 mm |
| Height | 1305–1353 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2440–2942 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1730–1980 kg |
| Boot Space | 173–300 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | - |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Alternative | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £69,040–£113,280 |
| Insurance Groups | 21–50 |
| Road Tax Bands | M |
| Official MPG | 15.2–19.5 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until December 2022
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 4.7 MC Auto 2dr | - | 19.5 mpg | 4.9 s |
| 4.7 MC Nerissimo Auto 2dr | - | - | - |
| 4.7 MC Special Edition Auto 2dr | - | - | - |
| 4.7 Sport Mc-Shift Auto 2dr | - | 19.5 mpg | 5.0 s |
| 4.7 Sport Nerissimo Mc-Shift Auto 2dr | - | - | - |
| 4.7 Sport Special Edition Mc-Shift Auto 2dr | - | - | - |
On sale until October 2017
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 4.7 V8 Auto 2dr | £99,850 | 19.5 mpg | 5.2 s |
| 4.7 V8 MC Shift Auto 2dr | £113,280 | 19.5 mpg | 4.9 s |
| 4.7 V8 Sport MC Shift Auto 2dr | £105,445 | 19.5 mpg | 5.0 s |
On sale until October 2015
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 4.7 V8 MC Stradale Auto 2dr | £111,770 | 19.5 mpg | 4.9 s |
On sale until April 2006
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Spyder | £69,040 | 15.2 mpg | - |
Model History
July 2010
The Maserati GranCabrio Sport edition will cost £102,615, and first UK deliveries of the soft top GT car will be in October 2011. The Sport variant of the GranCabrio is more powerful than the standard model, it’s 4.7-litre V8 producing 450bhp, up by 16bhp, and 510Nm of torque, up by 20Nm. Top speed is 177mph and 0-62mpg takes just 5.2 seconds. The gearbox is a six-speed ZF automatic.
Despite the improved power and torque figures the Sport is 6% more fuel efficient than the standard GranCabrio. Suspension has been revised to give a ‘sportier’ feel, as has the braking system. The exhaust system has been revised, too with the bypass valves automatically opening when the car is in Sport mode – giving an enhanced sound.
The exterior of the GranCabrio sport has been revised and features black details on the grill, headlights and exhaust tips. There are new redesigned front corner splitters and side skirts, and giant, 20-inch alloy wheels to complete the look. There’s also a new metallic red paint option called Rosso Trionfale. Internally there are new leather colours; a brilliant ivory called Bianco Pregiato, and a dark shade of grey called Grigio Chrono.
The Maserati GranCabrio will make its world wide debut on September 15 at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The introduction of the GranCabrio completes Maserati’s product line-up that now consists of three different families of models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo, GranCabrio.
Styled and built by Pininfarina with a spacious interior, the Maserati GranCabrio enriches all five senses in a shared open-air experience, without sacrificing comfort and performance.
The GranCabrio is continues the Maserati tradition in open-top cars, joining models such as the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, 1960 3500GT Vignale Spyder, 1964 Mistral Spyder, 1968 Ghibli Spyder and 2001 Spyder designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the car that marked Maserati’s return to the United States. In the footsteps of tradition, the GranCabrio opens a new chapter, because never before have four-seater top-down models ever been produced at the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati factory. Four proper seats, so that the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey.
The GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 litre V8, 323 kW engine and is the convertible with the longest wheelbase on the market. The GranCabrio’s roof is strictly canvas-made, emphasizing the link with the Maserati tradition. The Maserati GranCabrio will be marketed starting next winter, and experienced by customers the world over from the following spring.
ENGINE
Displacement: 4,691 cc
Bore: 94 mm
Stroke: 84.5 mm
Compression ratio: 11.25:1
Maximum power output: 323 kW (440 HP) at 7,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 490 Nm (50 kgm) at 4,750 rpm
Max engine speed: 7,200 rpm
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Length: 4,881 mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors): 1,915 mm
Width (including wing mirrors): 2,056 mm
Height: 1,353 mm
Wheelbase: 2,942 mm
Front track: 1,586 mm
Rear track: 1,590 mm
Front overhang: 873 mm
Rear overhang: 1,066 mm
Turning circle: 12.3 m
Boot capacity: 173 l
Fuel tank capacity: 75 l
Dry weight: 1,887 kg
Curb weight: 1,980 kg
Curb weight + driver: 2,055 kg
Full load weight: 2,280 kg
Maximum weight: 2,350 kg
Weight distribution: 49% front; 51% rear (closed)
48% front; 52% rear (open)
PERFORMANCE
Top speed: 175 mph
0-62mph acceleration: 5.4 s
0-400 m acceleration: 13.9 s
0-1,000 m acceleration: 24.8 s
FUEL CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS
Urban: 12.16 mpg (23.22 l/100 km)
Extra urban: 26.75 mpg (10.56 l/100 km)
Combined: 18.54 mpg (15.23 l/100 km)
CO2 emissions (combined): 354.0 g/km
UK Price: £95,630.
February 2011
GranCabrio Sport launched
Conceived to give the GranCabrio a harder-edged model to sit alongside the GranTurismo S and the Quattroporte Sport GT S, the GranCabrio Sport uses a more powerful and fuel-efficient version of Maserati’s, all-alloy 4.7-litre V8, coupled with the ZF six-speed automatic transmission.
This naturally aspirated engine produces 331 kW (450 horsepower) and has 510 Nm torque. Maserati’s Friction Reduction Program has made the GranCabrio Sport’s engine more reactive, while reaching a 6% reduction in fuel consumption. The top speed of the GranCabrio Sport is 285 km/h (178mph).
The six-speed transmission is equipped with the super-fast MC Auto Shift software and has been developed for the GranCabrio Sport directly from the transmission in the Quattroporte Sport GT S. The MC Auto Shift provides optimised gearshift response resulting in an even-greater engagement.
Upgrade and revision of the 'Skyhook' active-suspension system – now with a sportier tuning – and the adoption of grooved and drilled dual-cast brake discs.
Visually, the GranCabrio Sport is characterised by a more-pronounced dynamic look. This look begins at the GranCabrio’s distinctive nose with a black grille and a Trident with red accents. The headlights now have a black look with white sidemarks, while front corner splitters and the redesigned side skirts are both body coloured. The GranCabrio Sport also debuts a new body colour for Maserati: Rosso Trionfale inspired by the red Italian national colours used on 1950s racing Maseratis – in 1957, Juan Manuel Fangio won his fifth F1 World Title at the wheel of a red Maserati 250F. The GranCabrio Sport will be on sale in all of Maserati’s 62 markets starting from summer 2011.
