Since its plans for becoming an EVs-only brand by 2028 were shelved, Maserati has hardly been sitting on its hands not knowing what happens next. Take the Grecale, the marque’s sole SUV since the larger Levante was discontinued 18 months ago. Launched in 2022, the range has been tweaked and added to quite a few times.
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Three petrol choices, one EV
Along with four- and six-cylinder variants, including Grecale, Modena and Trofeo trims, the electric Folgore offers the most power and torque of all, positioned near the top of the line-up. And placing it there means that pricing is, to be polite, a little breathtaking. We’re talking from GBP99,175 though the fastest petrol-powered variant, the Trofeo, costs GBP105,290 before options.
The ‘lightning’ arrived some two years after the debut of the Grecale itself, boasting a large capacity battery (97 net/105 gross kWh) as well as a 400-volt electrical system. Charging is at up to 150 kW. As for power, a pair of motors packs a combined 410 kW (557 PS) and 820 Nm.
Heavy though rapid nonetheless
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By GlobalDataThe Folgore is no lightweight, the big cluster of cell packs being one of the main reasons for kerb weight of 2,480 kg. Which is a hundred and a bit more than the Audi Q6 e-tron. In fairness there is a lot of standard equipment, which buyers expect, along with the likes of thick glazing. Nonetheless, 0-62 mph takes only 4.1 seconds and drive is to both axles.
Depending on how hard or gently you press the right pedal, not to mention weather and outside temperature, the official minimum/maximum ranges are 426/501 kilometres, or 265/311 miles. These are WLTP figures and during my days and nights with the Folgore a full charge was an indicated 285 miles. Which also proved to be realistic.
Architecture
As with the GranTurismo, the Grecale’s platform is adapted from what had originally been FCA’s Giorgio architecture. This was developed mainly for the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio, those cars still hailed as some of the best handling models in their relevant classes.
Said to be known as Giorgio Sport within Stellantis, some of the differences include aluminium body panels which help to offset the weight of the electric Grecale’s battery pack. This huge component is positioned below the passenger compartment and those who engineered it did an excellent job, room for both people and their luggage (boot capacity: 535 l) being terrific. All in a fairly compact package, at a mere 4.8 m long.
Lowered floor but no detriment to interior space
There was a lot of work done on modifying the underpinnings of this SUV, especially as Maserati knew its customers would demand state of the art dynamics. One of the main evolutions was lowering the floorpan which means the Folgore sits closer to the road than the four-cylinder mild hybrid and Nettuno V6-powered variants.
The changes over the IC-powered versions are subtle, comprising a special set of wheels which are claimed to be more aerodynamic, plus a modified rear apron due to the omission of the tailpipes. Up front, the eagle-eyed will clock what is a redesigned grille while the portholes in the front wings feature little LED lights (i.e. they are not vents).
From behind the wheel
Obviously it’s very rapid and even better, the Folgore corners beautifully. You can also use what are the same long, metal paddles fitted to IC-powered Grecales. Here they are for regenerative braking rather than gearshifts.
There is some artificial sound with the good news being that it’s quite nice, fairly subtle and almost musical.
Air suspension
Pneumatic springs come as standard and body control is excellent while wheels are either 20- or optional 21-inch and to my senses comfort is excellent.
The electric AWD system seems to always give you the traction that’s needed though during my period of testing, there was no heavy rain, nor did I have the chance to go off-road.
Recent brand news
It might seem to be a relatively quiet period for Maserati but there has been much going on behind the scenes throughout 2025. Back in February the GranCabrio made its debut and then came news during the following month that the MC20 Folgore had been shelved for the time being (not cancelled as some outlets reported).
On the manufacturing side of things,the GranTurismo and GranCabrio have moved build locations. Previously manufactured at Fiat’s historic Mirafiori plant, the Maserati pair are now made at Viale Ciro Menotti in Modena, capacity at the Turin works being needed for the new Fiat 500 Ibrida.
Is there anything not to like?
For some the lack of a front boot might seem like a fault but these are often more a gimmick than something you tend to use day to day. I would say though that not having a designed-in place to stash the cables may annoy some owners. To me it’s no issue to leave them on the boot floor: just remember to have something handy to wipe off the rain and inevitable dirt.
I’m not going to criticise the digital HVAC controls as they all appear on what is a large and well-positioned screen which is dedicated to these functions. Headlight controls are also there, which is odd at first but soon becomes fine. And dashboard/door trim materials are all more or less top-drawer, with hardly any hard-ish plastic.
As someone who has never understood the appeal of leather in car interiors the availability of a synthetic alternative for all relevant touch-points in the Grecale is to be applauded. Maserati notes that certain surfaces are covered in materials sourced from recycled fishing nets.
Summary
Plans to be electric-only might have been altered yet the Grecale Folgore shows what’s possible for Maserati as a sports-luxury brand. Being an EV there are compromises in terms of extra mass yet in practice you tend not to notice that – something Porsche and BMW are also very good at.
It’s no longer a case of electric versus petrol for Maserati, its future looking to be a mix of both. This right-sized and roomy SUV makes a compelling argument which could well sway some who might have believed electric wasn’t (yet) for them.
The Maserati Grecale Folgore will reach 200 km/h in a claimed 16.1 seconds, has a 220 km/h top speed and an official WLTP Consumption rate of 24 kWh/100km.
