Both on paper and in reality, everything says that the MC20 Cielo is a supercar in the truest sense of the word. So it’s a matter of copious amounts of power, a staggering price tag, and jaw-dropping looks.
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The Maserati MC20 Cielo does better in real life. (Photo: Marcus Berggren) A real beauty
The MC20 Cielo is stunningly beautiful, something that becomes apparent upon first visual inspection. It performs better in real life and the more you drive it, the more attractive you find the car.
The doors open upwards, the car is made of carbon fiber and with many button presses the roof folds down. The reason there are many is because it’s done through the screen, which is idiotic.
Folding down the roof takes 12 seconds and he is done at speeds up to 50 knots.
The interior is sometimes recognizable from other cars within the group – for example, the infotainment system and door buttons are taken from a Fiat 500.
When it comes to practical matters, there’s exactly zero storage space in the cabin and anything you put in the actual trunk gets immediately boiling hot because it’s so close to the engine.
These are exactly the features that indicate that this is a genuine Italian supercar.
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The MC20 is an unusual piece on the road. (Photo: Marcus Berggren) The Maserati MC20 Cielo is a real joy to drive
The whole point of an MC20 Cielo is the experience behind the wheel, exactly where it excels the most. The 3-liter V6 engine – Maserati’s all-new and proprietary – pumps out 630 Italian thoroughbreds, which is impressive for the engine size.
Just climbing into the MC20 Cielo should give an indication of what’s to come. The doors open upwards, exposing the car’s carbon fiber bodywork. You sit as close to the ground as on a blanket or lawn and everything in terms of driving position is driver oriented.
The first thing you notice is the light but oh so direct steering. It is almost telepathic and you feel how the car dresses you like a mechanical suit.
The MC20 Cielo is exceptionally well designed, something that really comes into its own in real life. My colleague Gustaf wasn’t particularly fond of the rear lights, but I really think the Italians really got it right.
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The MC20 Cielo is a supercar in the truest sense of the word. (Photo: Marcus Berggren)Love at first gasp
The car is more reminiscent of a fine dining experience rather than a buffet consisting of hamburgers; a scalpel versus a hail breaker. It feels like the Italians have paid attention to the details, and by that I don’t mean the practical ones – because they are completely atrocious.
Instead, you get the feeling that a bunch of Italians have pondered for a long time how to make sure that the car is as good to drive as possible. The result is that the MC20 completely oozes character.
It is possible to drive with the roof down without it being a problem, with the exception of the hairstyle. The suspension pares the unevenness of the road well and is not afraid of uneven ground.
The cabin is noisy – not least because of the carbon fiber bodywork – and the MC20 feels like it’s constantly on the chopping block. It can travel long distances and it’s a car you like to take the long way home in. It’s precisely when you meet Californian serpentine roads that the MC20 Cielo comes into its own.
Its nimbleness makes a hummingbird appear like a sloth and every input from the driver gives an immediate response. The steering is almost telepathic and despite its 630 horsepower and rear-wheel drive, it never feels like the MC20 Cielo is trying to outwit you.
The MC20 Cielo is experienced as enormously playful and really encourages active driving. The car is more permissive than you might think and is not afraid to invite you to dance. The gas at the bottom results in violent acceleration and the harder you drive the car, the more alive it feels.
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Driving at high speed with the roof down is no problem. (Photo: Marcus Berggren) The Maserati MC20 Cielo is a hit
Before my week behind the wheel of a Maserati MC20 Cielo, I had no idea what to expect. Penetrating a segment with cars on par with the Ferrari 296 GTS is no easy match.
That said, the MC20 Cielo offers something very special. You get the feeling that the engineers at Maserati were given free rein. The result is Splendid and the MC20 is phenomenal to drive.
The MC20 Cielo deserves a standing ovation and is a testament to what the brand is capable of.
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The MC20 Cielo is terribly expensive. (Photo: Marcus Berggren) Overall impression of the Maserati MC20 Cielo 5/5
Maserati MC20 Cielo (2024)
Engine: 3-liter V6, 630 horsepower, 730 newton meters
Transmission: 8-speed dual clutch box, rear wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 3.0 seconds
Top speed: 325 km/h
Weight: 1,565 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4669/1965/1224 mm
Award: From SEK 3,300,000 (Test car approx. SEK 4,400,000)