Can Maserati’s first electric SUV truly capture the brand’s soul?
Maserati. The name alone drips with heritage, passion, and the kind of Italian charm that makes you want to wear a tailored suit while driving. For decades, this brand has given us some of the most breathtaking grand tourers, aggressive sports sedans, and soul-stirring V8 symphonies.
But now, the world is changing. The relentless march toward electrification has finally reached Modena, and Maserati’s response? The Grecale Folgore—their first fully electric SUV.
So here’s the big question: Has Maserati managed to keep its legendary character alive in an electric age, or is the Grecale Folgore just another silent, soulless appliance on wheels?
The heart of an EV – can it replace the roar?
Traditionally, a Maserati is defined by its soundtrack. The deep, guttural growl of a V8. The raspy bark of a twin-turbo V6. Even the old-school V12s had a spine-tingling howl.
And now? Silence.
Well, almost. The Grecale Folgore does have something Maserati calls a “signature EV sound”, but let’s be honest—it’s like putting a soundbar on a Ferrari and expecting it to feel real.
But let’s talk power. The Grecale Folgore is no slouch. With a 105 kWh battery and an 800V architecture, it delivers an astonishing 820 Nm of torque and 550 horsepower—numbers that put it right in the mix with the likes of the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo and the Tesla Model X.
The result? A 0-62 mph time of around 4.1 seconds. That’s quicker than most sports cars, let alone SUVs.
And yet, the power delivery is… different. Instant, yes. Brutal, absolutely. But does it have that raw, mechanical violence of a petrol Maserati? Not quite.
Handling – a true Maserati or just a heavy battery pack?
Maserati insists that the Grecale Folgore is a driver’s SUV, not just an EV built for range and efficiency. They’ve worked hard to ensure it still feels like a Maserati.
The chassis is well-balanced, thanks to clever battery placement, which keeps the center of gravity low. The weight, though—oh, the weight. At over 2,500 kg, it’s significantly heavier than its petrol counterpart, and you do feel it.
However, the adaptive air suspension does a fantastic job of managing all that bulk. Throw it into a corner, and it doesn’t collapse under its own mass like a dying elephant. Instead, it grips, stays flat, and feels surprisingly nimble.
But is it playful? Does it dance? Not quite. The weight always reminds you that you’re driving something electrified. Sure, it’s fast, but it lacks the raw, visceral aggression of an MC20 or even a Levante Trofeo.
Interior – Italian luxury or just another EV cabin?
Inside, the Grecale Folgore is unmistakably Maserati. Which means two things:
- It looks and feels luxurious.
- It comes with some quirks that make you question if Italians even use their own cars.
The leather is sumptuous, the 12.3-inch digital display is crisp, and the attention to detail is excellent. But then you start noticing things—like the fact that the touchscreen gear selector is slow, or that some menus feel like they were designed by someone who has never driven before.
However, the Sonus Faber audio system is a masterpiece. It delivers crystal-clear sound, which is especially important in an EV where you actually hear your music rather than an exhaust note.
And let’s talk space. Thanks to the clever Giorgio platform, the rear seats offer more legroom than a Levante, and the 535-liter boot means it’s actually practical.
Range and charging – can you actually use it?
This is where the Grecale Folgore gets interesting. Maserati claims a range of up to 500 km (311 miles), but as with most EVs, expect a real-world number closer to 400 km (250 miles) if you’re driving like a normal human.
Charging? Thanks to its 800V system, it can take advantage of ultra-fast DC chargers, meaning 10-80% charge in just 30 minutes. If you’re using a standard home wall box, though, you’re looking at an overnight charge.
the Verdict – a proper Maserati or just another EV?
So, where does the Grecale Folgore fit into the grand scheme of things?
Let’s be honest—if you’re expecting a roaring, fire-spitting, heart-pounding Maserati, you’re going to be disappointed. The Grecale Folgore doesn’t scream, it whispers. But that’s the nature of EVs.
However, if you want a fast, luxurious, beautifully designed SUV that just happens to be electric, then this is probably one of the most exciting EVs on the market. It still has that Maserati presence, that Italian craftsmanship, and enough performance to embarrass most sports cars.
Would I buy one? Well, that depends. If I wanted an electric SUV that makes a statement, this would be high on my list. But if I wanted a true Maserati experience, I’d still be tempted by a petrol-powered Levante Trofeo.
What do you think? Is the Grecale Folgore the future of Maserati or just another soulless EV? Let me know in the comments!
all images thanks to maserati.com
