Compare the2024 Maserati GrecaleVS 2024 BMW X3 M

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Maserati Grecale are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X3 M doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the Grecale and X3 M have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The Grecale has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The X3 M’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Grecale has standard Active Park Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The X3 M doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the Grecale and the X3 M have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The X3 M’s redline is at 7200 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The Grecale has a 5800 RPM redline.

The battery on the Grecale is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Grecale’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The X3 M’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Maserati vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Maserati above average in initial quality. With 10 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is rated lower.

The Grecale Trofeo’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 20 more horsepower (523 vs. 503) than the X3 M Competition’s optional 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the Grecale gets better mileage than the X3 M:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Grecale Trofeo’s fuel efficiency. The X3 M doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Maserati Grecale higher (5 out of 10) than the BMW X3 M (3). This means the Grecale produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the X3 M every 15,000 miles.

The Grecale’s optional 295/35R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the X3 M Competition’s 40 series tires.

The Grecale has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Grecale’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The X3 M doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Grecale’s wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than on the X3 M (114.2 inches vs. 112.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Grecale is 3.6 inches wider in the rear than on the X3 M.

The Maserati Grecale may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 500 pounds less than the BMW X3 M.

The design of the Maserati Grecale amounts to more than styling. The Grecale has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .326 Cd. That is significantly lower than the X3 M (.36) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Grecale get better fuel mileage.

Standard Trailer Sway Mitigation on the Grecale uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The X3 M doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Grecale’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The X3 M doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Grecale’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The X3 M does not have an oil pressure gauge.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Grecale to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The X3 M doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Grecale has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the X3 M only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The Grecale offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The X3 M doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.