2025 Maserati MC20 Cielo Review: A Fresh Perspective

Pros

• Achingly beautiful
• Feels special
• Monster engine

Cons

• Twitchy handling
• Bit of a split personality
• Dull engine note

For the faithful, the 2023 Maserati MC20 coupe and MC20 Cielo convertible mark a long-awaited return to form for a company that made its name in racing. That enduring legacy also includes the fact that this Italian automaker hasn’t developed a ground-up mid-engine supercar in over 50 years. In that context, the MC20 represents an enormous accomplishment that deserves to be forgiven for not being perfect out of the gate.

Maserati certainly excelled with one crucial aspect: the MC20 Cielo is stunning, whether the roof is up or down. The commitment to purity of form astounds; the decision to place all the necessary aerodynamic aids under the car is commendable. This de-emphasis on side-mounted intakes marks a refreshing return to cleaner, classical designs. Especially striking in sky blue pearlescent paint, it appears sleek, sophisticated, and luxurious without being aggressive or overly ostentatious.

However, the interior exhibits less success, indicative of a broader concern regarding the car. Maserati seems indecisive about whether this model is an all-out supercar or a grand tourer (GT). The seats suggest GT, yet metal pedals and kickplates, alongside the launch-control button on the steering wheel scream supercar. The airy cabin communicates GT, while the firm ride and minimalist screens do echo a supercar’s essence. Furthermore, the engine note lacks the expected Italian flair, especially when compared to competitors with similar mid-engine twin-turbo six-cylinder setups.

“It presents as more of a gentleman’s GT in numerous respects,” stated editorial operations director Mike Floyd, “and it arguably wins the program’s best-dressed award, top up or down. However, once inside, you find elements that imply a hard-charging, mid-engine track-focused vehicle. It’s challenging to discern what this car truly represents and desires to be.”

The driving experience compounded our confusion. On one hand, the power and delivery from this advanced twin-turbo V-6 impressed us, yet neither the instrumented tests nor the alarming tendency to cut power when both the gas and brake are engaged indicates it is built for competition with brands like Ferrari or Lamborghini on either road or track. Additionally, the transmission’s outdated shift strategy during quick driving left us reaching for the paddles out of necessity rather than desire.

Conversely, the handling at the vehicle’s limits prompted us to stick with Sport mode rather than switch to Corsa (track), which automatically disables stability and traction controls. Effective weight management is essential for the front end to provide adequate feedback; thus, knowing the ins and outs becomes critical for maximizing performance. Moreover, modulating the pressure-sensitive brake pedal necessitates delicate finesse during street driving alongside a firmer kick on the track.

“It’s a peculiar driving experience; you find the brake pedal overly stiff while the steering wheel feels light,” remarked executive editor Mac Morrison. “These two inputs are not in alignment, creating an odd sensation when driving fast—the legwork intensifies while the arms and shoulders exert minimal effort on the steering wheel.”

For all the ingenuity Maserati infused into the MC20 Cielo, you cannot shake off the sensation that the company is still regaining its touch. It’s noteworthy that the most recent mid-engine Maserati was canceled in 1982, and the dazzling MC12 ultimately served as a rebodied Ferrari Enzo. Recently liberated from Ferrari’s grasp within the Stellantis framework, Maserati has started to return to racing, yet building a flawless supercar on the first attempt was perhaps overly optimistic. Consequently, our in-depth evaluation did not extend sufficiently to classify the MC20 Cielo as a finalist for the Performance Vehicle of the Year.