GranTurismo

Make
Maserati
Segment
Coupe

Pricing for the beautiful Maserati GranTurismo has been revealed in the United States, with the base Modena starting at $174,000 and the high-performance Trofeo going for $205,000. The fully electric Folgore is expected to be the most expensive derivative, but this model's price hasn't been revealed yet.

Ever since the GranTurismo's reveal in October last year, further details about the coupe have become available sporadically. For example, we had to wait until January to get our first proper look at the GranTurismo's high-end interior.

As far as its price goes, the base GranTurismo is admittedly a lot more expensive than the old one which started at just over $130,000, so what can you get for around the same money?

For a couple of grand more than the GranTurismo Modena, you could drive off in a new Porsche 911 Turbo. Starting at $182,900, the 911 Turbo makes close to 100 horsepower more than the Modena, and is consequently a lot quicker. The 911 Turbo's athleticism and handling are second to none, aided by its lighter curb weight. That said, the GranTurismo is going to be a more unique sight on the road, and it has a grander appearance inside and out. Other than the Porsche, you can also drive off in the BMW M8 Competition Coupe - with 617 hp and a starting price of $134,100, it looks like a bargain alongside the Maser, but the German has always looked and felt a bit less special than its place in the BMW lineup suggests.

At $205,000, the GranTurismo Trofeo is also up against it. The 911 Turbo S isn't much more expensive at $216,100, and it makes 640 hp - again, this is almost 100 horses more than the Trofeo.

If it's true luxury and prestige you're after, Bentley will sell you the Continental GT from around $235,000. For even less than the Bentley, there's the Ferrari Roma with its 612-hp twin-turbo V8.

In short, the pricing of the new GranTurismo raises our expectations for the new coupe. It's clear that it's not the most powerful or quickest coupe for the money, so the Maserati will need to set itself apart in terms of luxury appointments, the driving experience, or both.

However, the high pricing may not be a big surprise since Maserati's CEO said last year that he wants to see higher profit margins rather than high sales volumes. At the time, he said that "the modern customer is willing to pay more to have personalized objects, if you will, that distinguish him or her from the rest."

It remains to be seen if this strategy will pay off for the new GranTurismo.