Maserati Grecale Folgore : marks a bold step into electrification for the Italian luxury brand, blending Maserati’s racing heritage with sustainable performance.
As the first all-electric SUV in Maserati’s lineup, this midsize crossover delivers 550 horsepower and a sleek design, competing with premium EVs like the Porsche Macan Electric and BMW iX. With a 105-kWh battery offering up to 245 miles of EPA-estimated range.
it prioritizes style and power over efficiency. Launched in 2024, the Grecale Folgore aims to redefine luxury EVs with its Italian craftsmanship. This article explores its history, design, performance, and market impact.
Maserati Electrification Legacy
Maserati’s journey into electrification began with its Formula E entry in 2023, signaling a shift toward sustainable performance.
The Grecale Folgore, introduced in 2024, is the brand’s first electric SUV, following the GranTurismo Folgore. Built on the Giorgio platform, shared with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, it carries Maserati’s legacy of blending luxury with sporty dynamics.
The Folgore name, meaning “lightning” in Italian, reflects the brand’s aim to deliver thrilling electric performance while honoring its racing roots.
Roots in Racing and Luxury
Maserati’s heritage, rooted in motorsport since 1914, shapes the Grecale Folgore’s identity. The brand’s Formula E participation inspired its electric powertrain, incorporating track-derived technology for agile performance.
Unlike its gas-powered siblings, the Folgore prioritizes zero-emission driving while maintaining Maserati’s signature elegance.
This model aims to attract buyers seeking exclusivity and sustainability, building on the success of the gas-powered Grecale, which sold 18,000 units globally in 2023. Its electric transition positions Maserati as a forward-thinking luxury brand.
Design and Styling Updates
The Grecale Folgore’s design retains Maserati’s iconic aesthetic with subtle electric-specific tweaks. Its sleek profile, inspired by the MC20 supercar, features a concave grille, LED-filled side vents, and boomerang-shaped taillights.
The exclusive Rame Folgore copper paint adds a distinctive flair. Aerodynamic enhancements, including a flat underbody, reduce drag by 5%, boosting efficiency.
The SUV muscular stance and clean lines make it a standout in the luxury EV segment, blending Italian elegance with modern functionality.
Exterior Styling
The Grecale Folgore’s exterior exudes understated elegance. The trident-adorned grille, with fewer apertures for cooling, nods to Maserati’s classic designs. LED headlights, inspired by the MC20, enhance visibility and style.
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Copper accents on brake calipers and 19- to 21-inch alloy wheels emphasize its electric identity. The absence of exhaust tips and a redesigned rear diffuser create a tidy, modern look.
These elements ensure the Folgore stands out while maintaining the Grecale’s sporty yet sophisticated silhouette, appealing to luxury buyers seeking individuality.
Interior Craftsmanship
Inside, the Grecale Folgore offers a luxurious cabin with premium materials like recycled Econyl fabric and copper-lined carbon-fiber trim. The dashboard features a 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 8.8-inch climate control display, blending tech with elegance.
However, some hard plastics in rear doors slightly detract from the six-figure price tag. Ample headroom and legroom ensure comfort, though the fixed rear backrest is less versatile. The tactile steering wheel and laser-etched details elevate the cabin’s refined yet modern ambiance.
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Battery, Range, and Mileage
The Grecale Folgore’s 105-kWh battery delivers an EPA-estimated range of 245 miles, falling short of rivals like the Porsche Macan Electric’s 300+ miles. Its efficiency, at 75 MPGe combined, is modest for its class, with real-world tests showing 2.4 miles/kWh.
The 400V architecture supports 150-kW fast charging, reaching 20-80% in 29 minutes, though competitors with 800V systems charge faster. The battery’s placement under the floor maintains cabin space but adds significant weight, impacting efficiency.
Charging Capabilities
Maserati equips the Folgore with a 22-kW onboard charger and a complimentary wallbox for home charging. Access to 45,000 fast-charging stations in Maserati’s Public Charge network ensures convenience.
The SUV navigation system guides drivers to nearby chargers, simplifying long trips. However, the 400V system’s 150-kW peak charging speed lags behind rivals like the Macan Electric’s 270 kW.
The flat charging curve, maintaining 140 kW up to 60%, offers consistency but doesn’t match the speed of 800V competitors, requiring more frequent charging stops.
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Price and Pricing Strategy
Starting at $110,495, the Grecale Folgore is a single, near-fully loaded trim, positioning it as a premium offering. This price exceeds the Porsche Macan Electric and BMW iX, reflecting Maserati’s focus on exclusivity over volume.
Standard features like air suspension and a 14-speaker Sonus Faber audio system justify the cost, but optional packages like the Climate Comfort add $2,000. Maserati targets buyers valuing Italian design and brand prestige, with tax incentives potentially offsetting the high entry price.
Value for Money
The Grecale Folgore’s price includes a robust feature set, from adaptive cruise control to wireless Apple CarPlay. Its 550 horsepower and luxurious interior rival pricier competitors, but the 245-mile range and slower charging may deter value-conscious buyers.
The included wallbox charger and access to extensive charging networks add convenience. Compared to the gas-powered Grecale Trofeo, priced at $99,700, the Folgore’s electric powertrain commands a premium, appealing to eco-conscious luxury buyers willing to pay for Maserati’s unique styling and performance.
Competitor Analysis
The Grecale Folgore faces fierce competition in the luxury EV SUV market. Here’s how it compares:
- Porsche Macan Electric: Offers over 300 miles of range and 270-kW charging, outpacing the Folgore’s 245 miles and 150 kW. Its 630-hp Turbo trim is quicker, but the Folgore’s design is more distinctive.
- BMW iX: Priced lower with up to 307 miles of range, it’s more efficient and tech-focused. However, the Folgore’s sportier handling appeals to driving enthusiasts.
- Audi SQ8 e-tron: Starts cheaper with 253 miles of range but less power at 496 hp. Its interior feels more premium, though the Folgore’s styling stands out.
- Tesla Model X: Boasts 333 miles of range and superior tech, but its higher price and less luxurious cabin make the Folgore a stylish alternative.
The Folgore’s Italian flair and performance are its strengths, but its range and charging lag behind.
Specifications
The Grecale Folgore features dual electric motors producing 550 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque, paired with a single-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. Its 105-kWh battery powers a 4.0-second 0-60 mph sprint and a 137-mph top speed.
The SUV measures 191.3 inches long with a 114.3-inch wheelbase and weighs 5,467 pounds. Standard air suspension with five height settings and adaptive dampers enhance handling. Brembo brakes ensure confident stopping, while 20-inch wheels provide grip.
Technical Details
The Folgore’s motors deliver instant torque, with Sport mode unlocking full power. The Giorgio platform, modified for EV use, maintains rigidity but adds weight. The air suspension adjusts for comfort or performance, though it struggles with the SUV’s heft on rough roads.
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster offers customizable layouts, while the Maserati Connect system integrates with smartphones. Safety features include automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, ensuring a secure yet dynamic drive.
Comfort and Cabin Features
The Grecale Folgore’s cabin blends luxury with functionality. The 14-way power-adjustable front seats, wrapped in Econyl or optional leather, offer strong support.
A 535-liter cargo area and spacious rear legroom accommodate families, though the upright rear backrest limits long-trip comfort.
Dual touchscreens and a digital cluster provide intuitive controls, but some rear-door plastics feel out of place. Acoustic glass and insulation minimize noise, creating a serene environment despite the SUV’s weight.
Technology Integration
The Folgore’s tech suite includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Google-based navigation and a “Hey Maserati” voice assistant. An 8.8-inch lower touchscreen manages climate controls.
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Sonus Faber system are standard. The optional Climate Comfort package adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
While responsive, the system lacks the cutting-edge interfaces of rivals like the Tesla Model X, but its tactile controls enhance driver engagement.
New and Latest Features
The Grecale Folgore introduces several standout features:
- Dual-Motor Powertrain: Delivers 550 hp and 605 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, with Sport mode maximizing performance for thrilling acceleration.
- Econyl Upholstery: Made from recycled ocean materials, this sustainable fabric offers a premium feel with laser-etched designs, blending eco-consciousness with luxury.
- Air Suspension System: Standard with five adjustable heights, it optimizes comfort and aerodynamics, though it struggles with the SUV’s 5,467-pound weight on uneven roads.
- Maserati Public Charge Network: Provides access to 45,000 fast chargers, with navigation-guided routing to stations, enhancing long-distance travel convenience.
These additions make the Folgore a modern luxury EV with a nod to sustainability.
Sustainability and Appeal
The Grecale Folgore’s Econyl upholstery, crafted from recycled fishing nets, underscores its eco-friendly appeal. Its 75 MPGe rating and zero-emission powertrain reduce environmental impact, though the 245-mile range limits its green credentials compared to rivals.
The 400V battery’s efficiency trails 800V systems, but Maserati’s charging network access ensures practicality. Its stylish design and Italian heritage attract buyers seeking exclusivity, while the spacious cabin appeals to families prioritizing luxury and sustainability.
Launch Timeline
Unveiled at the 2024 Bangkok Motor Show, the Grecale Folgore began production in 2024, with U.S. deliveries expected by early 2025. Built in Italy, it joins the GranTurismo Folgore as Maserati’s second EV.
The staggered launch, following the gas-powered Grecale’s 2023 debut, aligns with Maserati’s plan to electrify its lineup by 2030, targeting buyers eager for premium EVs with Italian flair.
Market Impact
As Maserati’s volume seller, the Grecale Folgore aims to capture the luxury EV market, competing with the Porsche Macan Electric and BMW iX. Its high price and modest range may limit mass appeal, but its distinctive styling and 550-hp performance attract affluent buyers.
Posts on X highlight its rapid acceleration and unique design, suggesting positive sentiment among enthusiasts. Maserati’s EV push, backed by Formula E tech, positions the Folgore as a niche yet impactful player.
Key Factors for Buying
Consider these factors when evaluating the Grecale Folgore:
- Performance: Its 550 hp and 4.0-second 0-60 mph time offer thrilling dynamics, ideal for buyers seeking sporty EVs, though it’s outpaced by the Macan Electric.
- Design and Exclusivity: The Italian styling and Rame Folgore paint appeal to those valuing unique aesthetics over mainstream German SUVs.
- Range and Charging: The 245-mile range and 150-kW charging lag behind competitors, potentially inconvenient for long-distance travelers.
- Luxury and Space: The spacious cabin and premium materials suit families, but the high price demands justification against better-equipped rivals.
Buyers prioritizing style and performance may overlook range limitations, while others may prefer more efficient options.
Conclusion of Maserati Grecale Folgore
Maserati Grecale Folgore brings Italian flair to the luxury EV SUV segment, blending 550 horsepower, a 245-mile range, and a stylish cabin.
Its sleek design, Econyl upholstery, and Formula E-inspired performance set it apart, though its $110,495 price, modest range, and slower charging trail rivals like the Porsche Macan Electric and BMW iX.
Maserati’s focus on exclusivity and driving dynamics appeals to affluent buyers seeking a unique EV. As the brand’s first electric SUV, the Folgore signals a promising, if niche, step toward electrification, balancing heritage with modern sustainability.