Quick Recap: What This Review Covers

• Experience the ride: the Folgore style on urban streets, on motorways and on serpentine country roads.
• Reveal the true performance: experience the breathtaking acceleration and razor-sharp handling made possible by its cutting-edge electric powertrain.
• Judge Daily Practicality: How roomy it is inside, how comfortable it is, and how useful it is as a four-seat drop-top.
• Explore State of the Art: Learn about infotainment, driver aids and remarkable charging capabilities.
• Know the Cost of Ownership: Includes a rundown of running costs, from charging and insurance to U.K.-specific perks.
• Evaluate Versus the Competition: Check out how the GranCabrio Folgore differentiates itself in the high-end market.

The GranCabrio Folgore: A New Era of Grand Touring Dynamics

Climbing into the driver’s seat of the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore, I braced for the switch from a classical petrol powertrain to an all-electric one to feel unnatural or disconnected. It was the complete opposite. As it punches through the crowded urban streets, the Folgore displays its calm master. It moves forward with a tranquil assurance that seems incongruous with its flamboyant, eye-popping lines. There’s no motor noise or vibration, just a smooth and constant flow of energy that makes the cars around it simply disappear. This silent assurance allows city driving to be a relaxing experience, transforming a taxing commute into a peaceful voyage.

But the real measure of any grand tourer is how it copes with the bumps in the road, and the Folgore does just that. The ride is perfectly judged – it’s firm enough to inspire confidence, but not so harsh as to cause discomfort. Across the UK’s famously uneven roads, the car keeps its composure, swallowing lumps and hollows without turning or trembling. You don’t need to prepare for holes in the road: the Folgore just drifts over them. This is next-level refinement, creating a sense that the luxury car can perform well at a crawl as well as go flat out on the open road and deliver a smooth ride cushion no matter what the conditions are. On the motorway, the Folgore reveals yet another facet of his personality. Overtaking seems to be controlled by telepathy; the torque from the electric motors delivers immediate, lag-free acceleration that you launch forward with no effort. Even with the top down (with debating wind at high speed), the air flow is so smooth that I was able to hold a conversation with my passenger without having to shout. Yes, with the roof closed, the cabin becomes a haven of calm, eerily quiet for a soft-top drophead. This dual character makes it a fantastic long-distance mate. It is not only possible to drive it from London to Edinburgh and back without stopping, but the idea of doing so is actually enticing.

• Adaptive Air Suspension: Glides over uneven road surfaces, ensuring exceptional ride comfort in town and on motorways.
• Instantaneous Electric Torque: Delivers immediate, smooth acceleration for effortless overtaking and responsive city driving.
• Advanced Aerodynamics & Insulation: Allows for quiet, comfortable conversation with the roof down at speed and a serene cabin with the roof up.

Folgore’s Power and Precision: A Silent Supercar Unleashed

The GranCabrio Folgore’s numbers on paper are certainly impressive, but they only give a small indication of what it really is. Powered by a 750-volt battery pack, the powertrain includes three powerful electric motors, one at the front and two at the rear, that generate a mind-boggling 751 bhp. This is not merely a number intended to make headlines; this is a visceral energy that redefines GTing. When you push down on the gas pedal, the power delivery is unlike anything a combustion engine can come close to. There’s no waiting, no hesitating, just an instant and unrelenting blast that shoots you forward. It’s a feeling that is less about being pushed back into your seat and more about being effortlessly pulled toward the horizon.

This kinetic energy, this pure muscle, translates into stunning acceleration. The 0 to 62 mph dash is completed in just 2.8 seconds, a number that firmly places the Folgore in the supercar realm. But what truly distinguishes it is how simple and calm that performance is. There is no traditional wheelspin and drama; instead, the complex electronics and all-wheel drive system coexist so that every unit of energy is converted into forward motion. The car simply hooks up and pulls, with a level of poise and stability that makes you feel comfortable pushing it to explore its limits. It is a testament to the engineering of Maserati that such a ferociously quick car can be driven with such calm serenity.

It was when making turns around a curve on the road that I was really surprised. The large battery pack is placed low in the chassis, resulting in an extremely low centre of gravity that gives the vehicle the feeling of being flat on the ground. As you lead it line and again and again around a succession of tight curves on a winding back road, you sense the flawless equilibrium and the near-negligible body movement. Torque is distributed on an all-wheel-drive system that powers the tarmac and pulls you through the apex with relentless consistency. This security seems more impressive even in the rain, as you can rely more on the Folgore application without restraint when pushing further on throttle control. In addition, the regenerative braking system is highly adjustable. You can choose that of gentle slowing that mimics a you-can-drive-an-EV-behind-the-wheel-of-dreamy-traditional-car sort of effect, or you can activate a more intense ‘one-pedal’ driving style for use in congested city traffic, which makes it more sophisticated. Maserati has accomplished the extraordinary by making a large, powerful EV feel light and nimble.

• Triple Electric Motor Powertrain: Generates a combined 751 bhp for blistering, supercar-level acceleration.
• Low-Mounted Battery Pack: Creates a low centre of gravity, delivering exceptional stability and minimal body roll in corners.
• Intelligent All-Wheel Drive: Provides outstanding grip and confidence, ensuring secure handling even in wet or challenging conditions.
• Adjustable Regenerative Braking: Offers customisable deceleration, enhancing control and enabling efficient one-pedal driving in traffic.

A Cabin of Sustainable Luxury and Four-Seat Practicality

I’ve driven quite a few convertibles where the rear seats are little more than nauseatingly pretty luggage shelves. The Maserati GranCabrio Folgore is a pleasant exception to that rule. In a class where practicality is rarely considered, Maserati has created a real four-seater. Those back seats aren’t just for show; you can comfortably pack adults in for short jaunts around town (or kids on longer hauls without complaint). It transforms the car from a solitary indulgence into a tool for shared memories, whether it’s a last-minute trip to the beach with friends or a weekend jaunt with the family. Up front, the ride is pure grand tourer ease and comfort, with supportive bolstered seats upholstered in soft, fine materials that appear to be intended for long-distance touring rather than short, high-speed dashes.

The interior itself is a seamless combination of classic Italian luxury and sustainable futuristic design elements. Maserati has chosen to employ innovative materials such as Econyl, a recycled nylon fabric made from recovered fishing nets and other waste. The end result is a material that feels premium and high-end, completely dispelling any idea that sustainable materials are inferior in quality. This dedication to sustainability is worked into a high-tech cockpit. Two big, easy-to-use screens dominate the dashboard: a 12.3-inch main display that is crisp, colourful and responsive, and a straightforward digital instrument cluster that shows you everything you need to know, no illusions or distractions.

Well, a grand tourer has to be practical enough to get you on those grand tours. While there are no estate-car levels of capacity, the boot space is usable. With the roof down, you can still stow a couple of small suitcases or several soft weekend bags. This is enough for a spur-of-the-moment weekend stay, letting you pack for a couple of days away without having to skimp on bringing the essentials. Such an intelligent packaging that even the glamour of open-top motoring is not at the expense of real-world usability, making the GranCabrio Folgore the kind of car that urges you to get away, whether you like adventure or escape.

• Genuine Four-Seat Layout: Provides comfortable seating for four adults on shorter trips, making it practical for shared experiences.
• Sustainable Luxury Materials: Features high-end Econyl regenerated nylon, offering a premium feel while promoting environmental responsibility.
• Ergonomic and Comfortable Front Seats: Designed for long-distance comfort, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.
• Practical Boot Space: Accommodates weekend luggage even with the roof down, making it ideal for spontaneous getaways.

Advanced Technology and Features: The Brains Behind the Beauty

In a luxury carmaker’s modern, the latest technologies are as important as performance and beauty. Maserati GranCabrio Folgore meets the expectations in this segment, adding a series of characteristics that make the driving experience more performing and entertaining, never distracting. Take, for example, the infotainment system, which revolves around a bright, quick-reacting touchscreen that acts as a control hub for navigation, media and vehicle options. Most importantly, it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you don’t have to worry about plugging in cables. This effortless connectivity makes your digital life seamless in the car; I found that getting right in and having my go-to maps and music instantly made every trip easier and more fun.

Enhanced by the extraordinary Sonus faber sound system, the auditory experience is one never to be forgotten. This is not simply some slap-you-in-the-face sound system, because youngsters nowadays require such things; it’s a carefully engineered audio system that delivers rich and expansive sound, even when the roof is down. And it became an epiphany to listen to a complicated classical work along a coastal road. Wind noise doesn’t interfere with the audio system for the cabin, with crystal clear highs and deep, robust and dynamic bass that make the inside of the car sound as though it is a private concert hall. It is the only thing that turns a simplistic motor outing into an unforgettable one, along with the delight of the senses that mirrors the excitement of open-air driving.

More than just entertainment, the Folgore also features an extensive suite of next-generation driver-assistance systems that add an important layer of safety and convenience. Stuff like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go means that motorway drudgery is a bit easier to take on, and lane-keeping assist and blind-spot warnings give you comfort when navigating busy multi-lane roads. Probably the most impressive aspect is the charging architecture. Folgore, based on an 800-volt platform, can take DC fast charging at up to 270kW. What that works out to is, at a compatible charger, you can gain around 62 miles of range in five minutes, about the time it takes to get a coffee. The potent 22kW onboard charger enables you to recharge the battery while you are sleeping for another day of quiet and thrilling execution.

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Offers seamless and automatic smartphone integration for easy access to maps, media, and apps.
• Premium Sonus faber Sound System: Delivers an exceptional, immersive audio experience, providing crystal-clear sound even with the roof down.
• 800V Charging Architecture: Enables ultra-fast DC charging, adding significant range in just minutes to minimise downtime on long journeys.
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems: Includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, reducing driver fatigue and enhancing safety on any road.

Understanding Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Ownership Costs

Let’s talk about the reality of owning a car like this. The Maserati general price list follows for the GranCabrio is, unsurprisingly, on the high side, firmly placing it in the luxury market. Once you’ve got the car, however, the financial tale changes entirely. Running costs daily plummet when compared with their petrol equivalents. The biggest saving is on fuel. By plugging in when you’re not using the car, particularly on an off-peak overnight electricity plan, you’re paying a fraction of what you would pay for gas to drive the distances you need to drive. The shift from petrol station to wall socket changes the nature of ownership, making the high-performance machine a shockingly economical daily driver.

Additional financial benefits are apparent when looking at UK-specific regulations. Being a zero-emissions vehicle, the GranCabrio Folgore is also exempt from the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), which burns a hole in your pocket for hundreds of pounds each year, like it does with other high-performance petrol vehicles. If you are a regular visitor to the capital, then that’s a nice saving, as the car is exempt from London’s Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fees, which could save you thousands of pounds per year. These perks are not trivial conveniences; they translate into concrete, ongoing financial benefits that make even the prospect of owning a luxury EV that much more enticing.

Well, obviously, you have to take everything into financial consideration. Naturally, insurance on such a high-performance, high-value vehicle will be sky-high. I came up with a few quotes, and no surprises, they do justice to the 751bhp figure and prestigious badge. That is par for the course as far as any supercar owner is concerned. Still, Maserati does offer a great deal of peace of mind with its extensive warranty package. The car itself is backed by a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty, which protects against the unexpected. Best of all, the huge battery pack is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, easing one of the major long-term worries for would-be EV buyers and protecting your investment for years to come.

• Zero-Emission Vehicle Status: Qualifies for exemptions from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and the London Congestion Charge, delivering significant annual savings.
• Home Charging Capability: Drastically reduces “refuelling” costs compared to petrol, especially when using off-peak electricity tariffs.
• Comprehensive Battery Warranty: Provides an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery, offering long-term peace of mind and protecting your investment.
• Three-Year, Unlimited-Mileage Vehicle Warranty: Offers robust protection and confidence in the car’s reliability from the moment of purchase.

Folgore vs. The Competition: A Class of One

I’ve sampled a bevvy of high-end EVs, yet the luxury-est electric vehicle I have driven so far is the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore, which, for the time being, stands in a category all its own. For you to find a genuine rival, an all-electric, four-seat convertible from a historic European luxury brand, none exists. This puts the Folgore in a class by itself. Its nearest competitors, such as the splendid Bentley Continental GTC and the fearsome Mercedes-AMG SL, are all-powerful petrol cars. They deliver massive, exquisite craftsmanship and the visceral thrill of a roaring engine, but they are a different philosophy when it comes to grand touring.

When you stack the Folgore up against those petrol-powered giants, you start to see why it excels. Both the Bentley and the Mercedes are powerhouses with complicated multi-cylinder engines that make their power gradually. In contrast, the Folgore provides all its breathtaking torque straight away. The acceleration is quiet, fluid, and stop-on-a-dime aggressive, yielding a drive that seemed a million years ahead in terms of gonzo steering. The throb of a Continental GTC V8 is, of course, irresistible, but Folgore’s quietude opens the door to a deeper connection to the driving experience and the natural world, especially with the roof open. Instead of engine noise, it is the sophisticated rush of pure, unadulterated speed.

Even within Maserati’s own portfolio, the GranCabrio Trofeo is the closest relative and most direct internal rival of the Folgore. The Trofeo is a freaking spectacular machine, dramatic in every way and powered by the potent Nettuno V6 engine. It sings a glorious mechanical song and delivers the kind of driving experience that is quintessentially Maserati. But after driving both, Folgore is the future. It’s undeniably faster, its technology is more advanced, and its quiet, effortless performance is a clear indication of the path the Pantheon brand is heading towards. For the Folgore, it’s not about substitution; it’s defining a new phase in the evolution of performance, proving that electrification can enhance the defining principles of luxury and performance, not detract from them.

• Unique Market Position: Stands as the only all-electric, four-seat luxury convertible from a historic European marque, creating an exclusive ownership experience.
• Instantaneous Electric Torque: Delivers superior acceleration and responsiveness compared to the progressive power delivery of traditional petrol engines.
• Silent Performance: Offers a serene yet thrilling open-air driving experience, allowing for a deeper connection to the road without engine noise.
• Advanced Technological Platform: Represents the future of the brand with cutting-edge EV architecture that surpasses its internal combustion-powered siblings.

Who is the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Designed For?

Let’s put it like this: the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore isn’t a car that everyone can have, and that’s precisely the point. The GranCabrio is not intended to be the most practical choice for running the kids to school every day or a workhorse for carrying cargo. Rather, it is an automobile designed for a certain type of person: the person who treats a car as a work of art, a piece of innovation, and a source of excitement. The target buyer will be a purist, a person who understands the rich history of an iconic brand like Maserati but is equally intrigued by the cutting-edge technology of electric performance. They’re trailblazers; they want to lead the charge on change without leaving behind any of the luxury or soul. This is for the driver who wants their vehicle to be an ice breaker, a faceracer on every corner. Not just for the beauty, but for what it stands for.”

Folgore, in both power and look, is ideal for anyone looking for a machine with duality. Just imagine weaving quietly through the teeming streets of a metropolis, riding traffic in an elegantly simple rhythm made possible by electric propulsion. Then by the weekend, it turns into a stunning grand touring car, ready to rip up mountain roads or head out on a coast-hugging marathon. It’s for the couple heading off on a last-minute break, the commuter looking for an exciting yet sustainable daily drive or the individual wanting to make a definitive statement at the most exclusive occasions. This is a car that can equally well be at home in different aspects of an active lifestyle.

In the end, the GranCabrio Folgore caters to the few buyers who want exclusivity, sustainability, and extraordinary driving pleasure. It is for the people who think that buying an electric vehicle should not result in a compromise in emotion or excitement. This is a car for those who yearn for the perpetual freshness of the convertible roof for that raw air-borne feeling, the intoxicating performance of a supercar, and the visionary allure of a zero-emissions powerhouse all wrapped up in an iconic Italian design. And if you’re the kind of person who wants a car that feels special every time you get in the driver’s seat, and provides an experience that is truly unique in today’s market, then the GranCabrio Folgore should be at the very top of your list.

• For the Enthusiast & Early Adopter: Appeals to drivers who love performance heritage but are excited by cutting-edge electric technology.
• For the Statement Maker: Its unique design and silent performance ensure it turns heads and stands out in any setting, from city streets to exclusive events.
• For the Adventurous Spirit: Perfectly combines the roles of a sophisticated city commuter and a thrilling open-top grand tourer for weekend escapes.
• For the Eco-Conscious Connoisseur: Delivers a sustainable, zero-emission driving experience without sacrificing luxury, style, or performance.

Is the GranCabrio Folgore a True Maserati?

I tackled this review with a fair share of scepticism. Sound and fury: the Maserati engine. For many years, the heartbeat of a Maserati has been the noise and power of its splendid engines. The question was if an electric car, by virtue of its silence, could ever provide that same emotional connection. And I’m not kidding when I say yes after spending quite a bit of time in the GranCabrio Folgore. This is not just some electric car with a famous badge slapped on it, but a Maserati all the way, which just so happens to be powered by electricity. It is vibrant, stunningly stylish and genuinely fun to drive – whether you’re drifting around town or sending it up a twisting country road.

The Folgore succeeds because it never compromises in any way. It has our classic Maserati convertible’s head-turning style and open-air freedom, but with engineering and performance that seem straight out of the future. You get killer acceleration that compares to modern supercars, the handling of a real grand tourer, and the green credentials of a zero-emission automobile. Maserati has seamlessly integrated the brand’s performance DNA into an electric platform to craft a car that is at once familiar in its luxury and revolutionary in the way it is packaged. It shows that the transition to electric propulsion doesn’t have to mean a sacrifice of character, but rather the unlocking of new performance and refinement capabilities.

The GranCabrio Folgore isn’t just a new model; it’s a bold expression of the future of luxury grand touring. It raises the floor for what an electric drop-top can be, combining a measure of four-seat practicality with the kind of leading-edge technology and pure driving enjoyment that doesn’t come with any environmental guilt. If you’re thinking about jumping into the world of high-performance EVs, this car should not just be on your list; it should be at the top of it. It shatters expectations and provides a driving experience that’s as mind-blowing as it is game-changing.

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