Skip advert
Advertisement

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Our verdict on the new four-seat Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Maserati GranTurismo
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The MC Stradale now has rear seats, yet thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre it’s the same weight as the old car. Other than this it’s business as usual – which means that while this is the most focused Maserati you can buy, the performance and handling increase isn’t worth £20,000 over the normal GranTurismo.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The GranTurismo MC Stradale was the lightest and most focused Maserati on sale, but it could only carry two people.

In response to customer demand, the brand has reinstated the rear seats, so the car is now just as practical as the normal GranTurismo. Despite this, it weighs the same 1,700kg as before thanks to greater use of carbon fibre.

You’ll find it in the bonnet, door trims, seatbacks and even parts of our test car’s strangely shaped steering wheel. But having so much carbon on show rather than painted over seems a little dated.

The same is true of the MC’s six-speed paddleshift robotised manual, which is rear-mounted to improve weight distribution. The box can change ratios five times quicker than a human can blink – but less impressive is the whack in your back when upshifting under hard acceleration or the surging motion it exhibits while driving more sedately in auto.

This isn’t a car to be driven sedately, though. The screaming V8 loves to be revved and sounds especially vocal in Sport setting. It’s the same 454bhp 4.7-litre as in the GranTurismo Sport, but the 0-62mph time is three-tenths faster due to its lighter weight.

The reduced mass also improves agility slightly, and is combined with Pirelli PZero Corsa tyres and lowered, fixed-rate suspension. The latter is actually just as comfortable as the standard model’s adaptive system. Unfortunately, the car’s sheer size means it never feels as precise as a Porsche 911.

The Maserati stops well, though, thanks to the standard Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. It’s just a shame they lack feel and are grabby at lower speeds.

And that’s the thing with the GranTurismo MC Stradale: it has plenty of flaws. Thankfully, it also has lots of personality. And personality goes a long way...

For an in-depth buyer's guide on the Maserati GranTurismo from Classic and Performance Car click here...

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,271 off RRP*Used from £12,700
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £15,100
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £11,948
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
16 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular
Kia Sportage - side panning

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular

The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won’t do it any harm at all.
News
14 Jun 2025