The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore is a striking example of how well electric powertrains can be integrated into high-performance grand tourers. While the market for electric sports cars is still developing, Maserati has boldly entered the segment with the GranTurismo Folgore and its open-top sibling, the GranCabrio Folgore. After taking both for a test drive, it’s clear that Maserati has created an exceptionally compelling electric driving experience.
Italian Design, Electric Heart
Whether in hardtop GranTurismo or convertible GranCabrio form, these cars are undeniably beautiful, embodying the essence of an Italian luxury sports car. The swooping lines, unlike designs optimized for pure efficiency, project a sense of style and performance. The front grille, a nod to the internal combustion engine (ICE) versions that share the platform, integrates seamlessly into the design. Both the GranTurismo and GranCabrio are also available with Modena and Trofeo variants.
The engineers at Maserati designed the GranTurismo to be a compelling choice regardless of its drivetrain. The EV batteries are positioned in the transmission tunnel, helping to maintain a low driving position and evenly distributing the weight. The subtle distinctions, such as trim details, badging, and unique wheel designs for the Folgore, serve to differentiate the electric model without sacrificing the aesthetic integrity of the overall design. Maserati’s core aim was to make the powertrain choice about driving experience, not just appearance.
While both the GranTurismo and GranCabrio offer four seats, they are more accurately described as 2+2s. The rear seats are best reserved for occasional use, as space is limited. However, the front seats offer the luxurious comfort one expects in a Maserati.
Driving the Folgore: Power and Precision
A car that commands this kind of price tag demands an unparalleled driving experience. The GranTurismo Folgore, designed to be more refined than the track-focused MC20, delivers exceptional performance nonetheless. Despite the weight inherent in BEVs, the GranTurismo and GranCabrio Folgore are exceptionally quick.
The GranTurismo weighs in at 2,260 kg (without the driver), and the GranCabrio is a further 80kg heavier. The secret to their astonishing performance lies in the three electric motors: one driving the front wheels and two in the rear. Although the battery’s output limits the instantaneous use of all that power, the total available output sits at a stunning 761hp, with 1,350Nm of torque, which is intelligently distributed. This setup propels the GranTurismo Folgore to 62 mph in just 2.7 seconds, with the GranCabrio only slightly trailing at 2.8 seconds. The GranTurismo has a top speed of 202 mph while the GranCabrio is limited to 180mph.
A steering wheel-mounted knob offers selectable driving modes: Comfort, GT, Sport, and Corsa. While Corsa is perhaps too aggressive for public roads, Sport mode delivers exhilarating acceleration. Driving both the GranTurismo and GranCabrio Folgore on British A-roads around Surrey was an exceptionally enjoyable experience. The immediate surge of power is addictive, and both cars feel planted and assured, regardless of the road surface. The suspension offers a comfortable ride, and the cars handle bumps far better than my own 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance.
Practicality in a Grand Tourer
The substantial weight of these Folgore models stems from their battery packs, critical for delivering grand touring range. Equipped with a 92.5kWh battery (83kWh net), the GranTurismo offers approximately 280 miles of range, while the GranCabrio offers slightly less. While these distances aren’t class-leading, Maserati has incorporated an 800V architecture, which allows for DC charging up to 270kW. This can add 62 miles of range in just five minutes.
During my test drive, I achieved 2.4 miles per kWh, which translates to a real-world range of around 200 miles in mixed driving conditions. The fast-charging capabilities of the Folgore make long journeys manageable, with strategic 15-20 minute charging stops every few hours.
Folgore vs. Trofeo: A Question of Preference
The GranTurismo and GranCabrio are also available with Maserati’s potent V6 Nettuno internal combustion engine. For comparison, I experienced the GranTurismo Trofeo on the same roads.
The Trofeo’s 1,795kg weight, 465 kg lighter than the Folgore, is readily apparent in corners. With lighter steering and rear-wheel drive, the Trofeo exhibits sharper directional changes. Despite the quick automatic gearbox and steering wheel-mounted paddles, the reduced low-end torque is noticeable compared to the Folgore.
The Trofeo produces 550hp and 650Nm of torque, accelerating to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds. It’s not quite as brutally quick in a straight line as the Folgore, but its lighter weight and sharper handling make it an engaging car, nevertheless. The Trofeo handles exceptionally well but doesn’t feel as immediately powerful, whereas the Folgore delivers serious raw acceleration. Deciding which you prefer will come down to personal taste — if you’re an EV torque addict, the Folgore is more appealing. Buyers should test drive both versions to find their ideal option.
Final Thoughts
The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore starts at £178,330 ($192,000 in the USA), with my test car priced at £195,370, while the GranCabrio Folgore starts at £183,990 ($205,000 in the USA) and my test car was £195,080. The GranTurismo Trofeo is a bit cheaper at £159,630 ($190,000 in the USA), with my test car priced at £173,480.
It’s a shame Maserati reportedly cancelled its plans for an electric version of the MC20, as it would have been exciting to see how they could have brought the power and tech of a BEV to an even higher level of performance. The Folgore versions of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio are, quite frankly, impressive. Now, if only I could find an extra £195,000 for that GranCabrio!
