Preview by Veeno Dewan
Famed Italian luxury and performance automaker Maserati gets the jump on everyone else with the launch of its latest all-electric model—the GranCabrio Folgore. This gorgeously styled 2+2 Cabriolet has an EV powertrain similar to the GranTurismo Folgore coupe. It looks like a Maserati, too, with beautiful, voluptuously styled curves and dramatic fenders draped over the front wheels. There is no bland front end; you get the iconic Maserati grille instead. A luxury cabin set of high-quality materials complements a power-operated fabric roof. The GranCabrio is available in a gasoline-powered version, and the EV model shares many structural pieces and the cabin layout. The gas-powered version uses the Maserati-designed Nettuno V6 engine, making 542 horsepower.
There is no snarling V6 gasoline engine here; instead, the Maserati GranCabrio is powered by three electric motors totaling some 900 kilowatts, or an unbelievable 818! The 83.0-kWh battery pack is suitable for a driving range of up to 375 kilometers, and Maserati says the battery can be fast charged at up to a 270-kW connection, enough to add 100 km of range in only 5 minutes. All-wheel drive is standard, with a torque-vectoring feature for quicker cornering.
And oh boy, is this Maserati quick! It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers an hour in 2.8 seconds and has lightning-quick road speed.
The GranCabrio Folgore is a shade pricier than the gasoline-powered GranCabrio. There’s only one version available, but Maserati will offer many different options for customizing the GranCabrio Folgore’s exterior and interior features. Sadly, with its projected $272,000 starting price in Canada for 2025, the GranCabrio is not an attainable proposition for most of us.
The luxury cabin is roomy up front, with four seats. Premium materials dominate, with eco-friendliness a high point. Leather is available, along with slick metal and fabric trim pieces. The standard upholstery is an exciting EcoNyl material created from recycled nylon and features laser-etched perforations. It feels a lot like Alcantara, and the patterns can be customized. Interior color scheme options range from mild to wild. The GranCabrio is a four-seater—yes, the rear seats are usable. The front has a comfortable bucket seat, while the rear seats are tighter but suitable for small adults or kids. However, the legroom is not particularly generous.
All GranCabrio models have a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Maserati’s latest Google-based infotainment system. A digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. There’s a second 8.8-inch touchscreen that doubles as the climate control panel. A head-up display is also standard, as is a 13-speaker premium stereo system supplied by Italian audio specialist Sonus Faber. A 16-speaker Sonus Faber system is optional.
Regarding safety, the GranCabrio Folgore offers several standard driver-assistance features, including automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Driving impressions are excellent, with the GranCabrio Folgore offering quick acceleration, a refined ride, and a balanced handling chassis. Acceleration is accentuated by four available drive modes: Folgore, GT, Sport, and Corsa. Around bends and in spirited sports driving, the car handles stable and agile with good reflexes. Stopping power is excellent, with the six- and four-piston Brembo brakes with ventilated rotors providing strong braking performance and a precise pedal feel. Four levels of regenerative braking are available, but not one-pedal driving ability.
To sum up, while buyers wait in vain for Teslas—again, off-again Roadster, the GranCabrio Folgore is the more bountiful, more emotional, more evocative All-Electric convertible to buy. It has all the racing heritage, the Italian name and history behind it, and the exquisite-looking cabin. Top up or down -it is simply a stunning car. With not so many, if any, convertible options in the EV automotive marketplace, the GranCabrio Folgore is the one to get and cherish. TheGranCabrio Folgore will be sold in Canadian Maserati showrooms in early 2025, costing $272,000.
