Maserati GranCabrio Folgore: Electric Grand Touring with Italian Flair
The Maserati GranCabrio Folgore marks the Modena brand’s debut in the electric convertible market. This venture challenges the expectations of a grand tourer: luxury, comfort, practicality, and, of course, exhilarating power.
Like the hardtop GranTurismo, the GranCabrio exudes signature Maserati styling – low-slung lines, an oval grille, and a long bonnet. The Italian design continues inside, blending leather and carbon fiber with modern touches like an LED analogue clock.
Front occupants will enjoy comfortable long-distance drives thanks to the 14-way adjustable seats, but rear passengers will find space limited. The boot offers a mere 171 litres—enough for groceries, but not much else. Standard equipment is generous, as expected for a car costing £185,000, with the dashboard dominated by two touchscreens.
The Folgore replaces Maserati’s 3.0-litre V6 with three electric motors producing up to 751bhp. This setup propels the GranCabrio from 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 180mph. A 233-mile range is usable, though less than its petrol counterpart.
However, the versatility of the GranCabrio Folgore stands out. It handles city streets and motorways with equal ease. The ride experience is a near-perfect blend of smoothness and minimal body roll. The steering is precise, although drivers can feel the extra weight of the battery pack during cornering.
The Grand Tourer Definition
A grand tourer is designed for long-distance journeys, offering sports car performance alongside the refinement of a luxury saloon. Examples include classics like the Aston Martin DB5, Jaguar E-Type, and Bugatti Veyron.
Maserati, with models like the Khamsin, Ghibli, and 3200GT, is a brand synonymous with grand touring. The GranTurismo and, more recently, the GranCabrio, continue this tradition, available with a petrol V6 or the electric Folgore powertrain.
Exterior: Balancing Refinement and Performance
The Maserati GranCabrio Folgore features the classic grand tourer design: low profile, sweeping curves, a long bonnet, and a sloping windscreen.
Compared to rivals like the Mercedes-Benz SL and Jaguar F-Type, the GranCabrio’s styling is less aggressive, featuring vertical headlights and a near-oval grille – a signature element for the brand since the 3200GT in the late 90s.
Folgore models have copper-colored trim and unique, aerodynamic wheels.
Interior: A Blend of Classic and Modern Touches
The interior mirrors the classic grand tourer aesthetic. The GranCabrio features a three-spoke steering wheel, carbon fiber accents, and an LED analogue clock. Customers can select from ten leather color options, four more in the Fuoriserie trim.
While the overall fit and finish is high-quality, some buttons feel less premium.
Practicality: Addressing the Space Limitations
While a GranCabrio buyer isn’t expecting estate car capacity, a grand tourer should comfortably seat two adults with some room for luggage or short-term rear passengers.
Front passengers enjoy ample comfort, with plenty of shoulder room. However, rear space is extremely limited, even for children.
Boot space is limited at around 172 litres (130 with the roof down).
Features: Technology and Infotainment
The model features a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, an 8.8-inch screen for climate controls, a 13-speaker Sonus sound system, 14-way adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a reversing camera.
The infotainment system is well-designed, although the dual-screen setup takes some getting used to. The roof controls require a minor adjustment, needing the driver to select and swipe on the bottom screen.
Performance: Electric Power Unleashed
One of the Folgore’s key advantages is the instant power delivery from its three electric motors (one for the front wheels, two for the rear). These motors work in tandem to generate a combined maximum of 818 hp.
The GranCabrio accelerates from 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds and hits a top speed of 180mph.
The Folgore offers a 233-mile range, with the ability to add 62 miles with only five minutes of charging using a rapid charger .
Driving Experience: Smooth, Agile, and Engaging
The GranCabrio Folgore feels at home on city streets and dual carriageways, with its electric motors providing a smooth, quiet experience at all speeds. The driving experience is engaging, and the car offers crisp, responsive steering.
While the Folgore boasts a low center of gravity, the extra weight of the batteries is noticeable when cornering at speed.
Despite remaining perfectly flat in corners, the car’s ride quality is remarkably smooth, particularly at low speeds, which contributes to a relaxing grand touring experience.
Conclusion: A Bold Statement, But at What Price?
The Maserati GranCabrio Folgore is undeniably a driver’s car, ideal for long journeys or daily use. However, its £185,610 price tag must be factored in, especially considering it is £16,000 more than its petrol counterpart.
The Folgore feels heavier than the petrol version, though it undeniably performs well over long distances. In most scenarios, this car can handle it with style and performance. The GranCabrio Folgore is undoubtedly a striking vehicle, and whether it’s worth the price of entry is the question buyers will have to decide for themselves.
