First test of the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore convertible

Good morning ! Scooter, I’m back with another Maserati test drive. This time I flew north from Milan, Italy to Lake Maggiore, where I enjoyed plenty of beautiful views while testing Maserati’s first fully electric convertible, the GranCabrio Folgore. It’s a beautifully designed new model, but its starting price worries me.

Background on Maserati’s first all-electric convertible

My most recent Maserati driving event lasted almost two years, as we first reported on the Trident brand’s all-electric GranCabrio convertible in October 2022. At the time, we only saw a camouflaged prototype. Maserati nevertheless indicated that the first stages of development and testing of the GranCabrio Folgore had begun on the streets of Modena, in northern Italy.

Since then, Maserati has launched two first Folgore BEV models: the GranTurismo coupe and the Grecale Folgore SUV, which I tested in southern Italy last March. In April, I was back in Italy for Maserati’s public launch of the GranCabrio Folgore convertible in Puglia.

That’s when we learned what technical features this three-motor sports car will offer, including its 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 2.8 seconds. While we’re still waiting for the GranCabrio Folgore to officially launch in the North American market, I recently had the opportunity to visit Maserati’s homelands and test it out for myself. I’ve shared my thoughts below.

GranCabrio Folgore: specifications and performance characteristics

What’s refreshing about Maserati and its Folgore electric vehicles is that they come as is: a single variant with every available feature, all of which are premium in terms of design and functionality. This type of business model makes my job easier, because when I talk about specs, features, and pricing (prepare yourself for that in a moment), I only have to talk about one option.

That being said, here are some relevant specifications of the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Rose Gold convertible that I tested:

• Powertrain : 3 x 300 kW radial motors (2 rear, 1 front)
• Maximum energy: 560 kW (751 hp) / 610 kW (818 hp) with MaxBoost
• Max torque: 1,350 Nm (996 lb-ft)
• Top speed: 180.2 mph
• Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph:
• Battery capacity: 92.5 kWh (nominal) / 83 kWh (usable)
• Loading:
  • DCFC – 800 V: 270 kW (up to 48 miles in 5 minutes)
  • DCFC – 400 V: 50 kW (19 km in 5 min)
  • DC Charge Time: 20-80% in 18 minutes (@800V – 270kW)
  • AC charging time: 48 miles per hour (at 15 kW)
• Range: Up to 233 miles (EPA estimate)
• Approved weight: 5,249 pounds.
• Weight distribution: 50/50
• Turning radius : 40.68 feet

The Maserati convertible’s specs aren’t bad compared to its luxury segment competitors, but the range certainly leaves something to be desired. That said, the GranCabrio Folgore wasn’t necessarily designed for long highway trips. We had plenty of range left after our day of driving (and driving FAST).

In my experience, it’s perfect for cruising along the coast with the top down and opening it right away. One of the downsides of Maserati’s unique 800V platform is limited space for more batteries. On the other hand, however, the Italian automaker has managed to offer a 50/50 weight distribution, which is better than its combustion counterpart, even with 933 pounds of additional weight coming from the batteries.

Driving Maserati’s three-motor BEV convertible in Italy

As a convertible version of Maserati’s first battery-electric vehicle on its 800V platform, the GranCabrio offers a bit more freedom (and headroom) than the GranTurismo Folgore. When I drove the Grecale Folgore SUV, I found its exterior a bit flat and boring.

This is not the case with the GranCabrio Folgore. It sports a sleek yet muscular design and drives larger than it looks due to its weight. Note its unique clamshell hood that extends in a single stamped piece across the front of the vehicle and over the wheel arches. How often do you see so few lines in the front? It’s breathtaking.

Inside and out, tiny details have been executed to the highest quality standards, and this is the best-looking Maserati I have personally seen and driven. The interior is comfortable and spacious up front, but the rear seats are understandably quite narrow, given the sporty EV’s overall length (4,966 mm).

I found the center screen easy to navigate and use, with very little need to navigate through multiple menus. Many of your most-used functions are quickly accessible from the steering wheel or screen and are intuitively placed.

I don’t necessarily mind the physical buttons for driving functions like Park and Drive, but I wasn’t a fan of Maserati’s decision to place them in the center of the dashboard between the screens. My hand’s instinct was to go to the steering wheel or between the front seats to change modes.

This convertible’s all-electric driving modes, however, were very easy to navigate using a button on the steering wheel. While I spent most of my time in “Sport” and “Corsa” modes to feel the full performance, I tested every mode of the Maserati throughout my trip and enjoyed the feeling of each…especially stiffness and torque. vectorization of Corsa.

The acceleration was superb. This baby can move forward. We often passed the Trofeo combustion versions on the road thanks to the Folgore’s three engines and massive torque. Passing almost any other car on the highway or back roads should be no problem for future owners.

Despite being a convertible, I found the Maserati GranCabrio to be surprisingly quiet to drive. It’s obviously quietest with the roof and windows up, but even with the roof down and windows up was very pleasant, and I really can’t complain about driving around town with the roof and windows up either.

The air-conditioned seats were there for me when I was out in the sun, and a heated “air scarf” feature is available near your neck on the front seats if you get cold from the chilly air.

One downside I noticed, and one that is common to most convertibles, is the lack of trunk space in this Maserati, especially when the top is down and folded. That said, there is additional storage space in the rear seats if you have anything larger than a couple of carry-on suitcases.

GranCabrio Folgore: price, availability, our video test

Overall, this is my favorite Maserati BEV model that I have driven so far. I think its overall design is the sharpest in the range and it offers performance to match its luxury. Even as a convertible, I found the GranCabrio Folgore to drive smoothly and as quietly as possible despite the lack of a roof.

The Maserati battery’s placement in the 800V platform really shines in this model, as its extra (and evenly distributed) weight helps keep the tires on the road, even in hairpin turns. After driving this model, my two criticisms are its range and its price.

The EPA-estimated range of 233 miles is adequate for a vehicle of this size and type, but I would have liked to see more, given Maserati’s asking price for the all-electric convertible. Which brings me to my next problem: The GranCabrio Folgore starts at $205,000, before an additional $1,995 destination and handling fee.

At such a price, I can’t help but wonder who will buy this model. Die-hard Maserati fans may still opt for the combustion version, although I’d say the Folgore is only $13,000 more and offers significantly better performance. Additionally, electric vehicle enthusiasts, even the most well-off, will likely opt for a Lucid Air GT or Tesla Model S Plaid for half the price of the GranCabrio.

Is it really worth shelling out more money for a convertible? The market will answer that question when the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore hits North American showrooms this fall as a 2025 model.

Until then, be sure to check out my driving footage and impressions from Northern Italy below: