During my time reviewing cars, I’ve often enjoyed driving Maseratis, yet they’ve never wowed me. I’ve often felt the Trident badge was the most exotic part of the vehicle. Yes, previous models I’ve been privileged to experience have been a pleasure to drive, sound great and are, overall, good cars, but I often felt the line up lacked a show stopper. Until now.
When I first noticed the MC20 back in 2022, I thought it was a new offering from Ferrari or possibly Lotus and was pleasantly surprised to see the trident badge on the front. Maserati has finally returned to its racing roots. The first car to bear the Trident badge was the Tipo 26, which came first in the 1.5-litre class at the Targa Florio in Sicily. Maserati continued to cement its racing heritage and went on to win the event in 1937, 1938, 1939 and 1940. Then, in 1957, Maserati took its racing prowess to the next level and won the F1 World Championship with legendary Juan Manuel Fangio at the wheel.
With such rich racing heritage I’m unsure why Maserati stepped away from sports cars and focused on GTs for so long. Thankfully the company has finally brought us a sports car worthy of the Trident badge. In a word, the Maserati MC20 is fantastic. But please don’t close the magazine just yet. Remember, this is a sports car and unlike anything Maserati has produced in recent years, so there are a few things you need to know before purchasing this wonderful piece of machinery.
Let’s begin with the doors. I love doors that open in unconventional ways. Does it sometimes make them a little more difficult to open (especially from the inside)? Yes. But for me, that’s part of quirky characteristics of owning a car like this. I will say 50 per cent of my passengers did struggle to exit the vehicle, mostly because they were unsure how to raise the door and didn’t want to pull or push anything too hard due to the cost of the vehicle (AED 1,099,000/ US $299,251).
And as with all low sports cars, expect to hold up traffic whenever a speed bump forces you slow to a crawl and press buttons to raise the front of the car. Once you’re parked up, you’ll make your way through the catalogue of old man noises (even if you’re a woman) as you enter and exit the car. If you’re over 6’4” I’d probably recommend shopping elsewhere.
With those minor issues addressed, I’d like to change gear and discuss what’s great about this car. First, the looks. Is this the sexiest, prettiest most beautiful Maserati I’ve ever driven, possibly ever seen? Yes. Do I love my small sports cars more than other types of car so my option is heavily biased? Also yes. Every single person that spoke to me about the car loved how it looked. This is the head turning showstopper Maserati has been missing for a long time.
Once you’re on the road, thankfully the MC20 doesn’t disappoint. The V6 engine producing 621 bhp sounds incredible. Whether you’re starting the car, tapping the pedal to let your neighbours know you’re home, sitting in traffic or accelerating on to the highway, every note this engine produces is on point.
This engine is unique to Maserati because, in a brand first, it was built by Maserati, for Maserati. Previously, Maserati cars would have engines from Ferrari. As good as they are, I couldn’t see Ferrari giving Maserati an engine to compete with its own sports car line up, so I’m very happy Maserati built its own. The ‘Nettuno’ engine is great. Thankfully, the rest of the car matches the engine’s performance. The steering feels sharp and precise, the seats hug you just enough and the driving position makes you feel at home within minutes of being behind the wheel.
Maserati has nailed the fundamentals of a good sports car. So how about the bells and whistles? First of all, the rear view camera is extremely high-definition. I’m not referring to a camera that engages when you put the car in reverse (which the MC20 does have and is adequate), but the rear view mirror is a screen for a camera mounted on the back of the car.
Ok it does make cars seem like they’re a lot closer to you than they are when you’re sat in traffic and at times I could easily count how many bugs the car behind had killed on the front of their car, but I’m glad Maserati went with the camera option. I’ve driven enough sports cars over the years where you have to guess what’s behind you due to the letter box of rear view window available.
The MC20 also comes with apple car play via bluetooth; a feature I love and wish was mandatory in every new vehicle. There’s wireless charging available for your phone or USB connectors under the small armrest towards the back of the cabin. If you’re hoping to hide your phone inside the arm rest, it had better be no larger than the iPhone 5. Like the glove box, there’s not a lot of room inside that storage space.
Continuing with tech available while driving, the MC20 has adjustable suspension, numerous car driving modes that actually do feel very different and, as mentioned earlier, a convenient button to raise the suspension for those pesky speed bumps. The touchscreen is subtle, nicely positioned and adds to the aesthetic of the interior instead of dominating it like so many screens do in modern cars.
The interior isn’t perfect; there’s only one small bottle/ cup holder that isn’t really in reach if you’re driving, unless you’re very flexible. As much as I love the doors of the MC20, I’d have appreciated some small pouches to put bits of paper, my wallet or a small bottle of water in. For the rest of the interior, it’s typical Maserati: a blend of retro and modern. The seats look very classical, the driving mode selector is large, bulky and heavy, reminding me of a dial from the 80’s. Yet the beautifully crafted carbon fibre, digital dash, incredible digital rear view mirror and touchscreen infotainment system are cutting edge.
To conclude, do I think people should buy this car? No. It’s very impractical, you barely have space for your wallet and there’s zero chance of getting the golf clubs in.
When you’re on the highway, the road noise has to be drowned out by constant acceleration. Which I don’t recommend as you’ll likely lose your license since this car tops out at 325km/h (but that engine sounds amazing). Or you blast music (safer option). It’s a pain to drive around any pedestrian-heavy areas with speed bumps and it’s hard to get in and out of. Plus, it’s not exactly great for the environment, due to you having to refill often because that engine sounds so good when it’s singing. That being said, do I think a lot of sports car enthusiasts will want one? Probably. Should you go and test drive one if you’re in the market for a car like this? Absolutely. Personally, the Maserati MC20 had me at hello.
ENGINE: V6 Nettuno
MAX POWER: 630 hp
TOP SPEED: 325 km/h
0-100 KMH: 2.9 seconds
PRICE: AED 1,099,000/ US $299,251 (reviewed model)
