If you want an electric luxury mid-size SUV, the options are limited. The Audi Q6 E-Tron launched last summer isn’t special enough. We haven’t driven the Q6’s sister car, the electric version of the Macan, but it’s probably closest in concept to this Folgore version of the Maserati Grecale.
Design and interior
Outside, just like the GranCabrio, the Folgore (meaning lightning in Italian) version of the Grecale looks much the same as the ICE version. You’ll spot it by the sealed front grille, revised front airdam, unique alloy wheels, and subtle ‘Folgore’ badging on the front wings. With the large grille, plus high-set headlights, the Grecale is one of the more distinctive mid-size SUVs – and the changes from ICE to EV models are pleasingly subtle.
Inside, the Folgore version of the Grecale still feels special. Although, that’s mainly down to the standard Nero leather, with optional matt carbon fibre trim (£3,240!!). Costly, but it feels so much more special than the left-hand drive demonstrator we drove last year, with its recycled trim!
The 105kWh battery pack is mounted underneath the rear seats, but this has no negative effect on the Grecale’s impressively spacious interior – especially in the back. Elsewhere, the driving position is good. The imposing metal gearshift paddles remain, but now operate the three levels of brake regeneration. The gears are still controlled by the slightly lacklustre Fiat 500e-like buttons on the centre console. Yet, as before, this does free up space in the centre console for good stowage. There’s also the same practical 535-litre boot.
After spending time with this SUV in a couple of modes, in our opinion, Maserati’s latest infotainment system is the interior’s biggest disappointment. It is slow in its operation, and fiddly to operate, taking too much of the driver’s attention on the move. It’s split over two screens, with the larger upper 12.3in screen controlling, amongst other things, the infotainment, while the lower 8.1in screen handles the drive functions, air conditioning, heated seats, and volume controls. There’s a feeling of Fiat Group product in their operation, but the arrangement works well, although we feel there should be some sort of physical button rather than the slider for the volume control.
Performance and drive
The Grecale Folgore has two identical 205kW motors instead of a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre petrol engine. However, it still shares the same Alfa Romeo-derived Giorgio platform. So, this Maserati doesn’t get a bespoke EV chassis. Instead, the motors sit on each of the axles, that have been sensibly reinforced considering the extra weight. And as mentioned before, the battery pack lives under the Grecale’s back seat.
Peak power and torque for the Folgore are rated at 557hp and 605lb ft respectively. This compares well with the fastest ICE Grecale, the Trofeo, with 530hp and 457Nm. The Folgore has a quoted 0-62mph time of 4.1 seconds, although the Trofeo beats this, with its claimed 3.6 second figure.
On the road, the Folgore automatically defaults to the GT driving mode, where it feels happiest. Sport mode drops the ride height and is probably best for motorway trips. Max range mode dulls the throttle response but doesn’t seem to restrict the performance. It’s more engaging to drive than the Q6 E-Tron, with precise steering, and good brake feel. Interestingly, this UK Grecale Folgore felt more at home on A-roads, with its standard air suspension and 20in alloy wheels, than the first Italian-registered car that we drove last year. Although, it’s still a bit choppy.
Performance is ample, efficiency also seemed reasonable on our drive, but its 310-mile range, seems only just acceptable, especially when you compare it against the new Macan Turbo’s claimed 364-mile range. Overall, this Maserati is a fast, refined and likeable package – but not as good as other Folgore models.
Positive: Desirable exterior and interior design, subtle detailing, interior space, performance, good to drive.
Negative: Expensive, refined and willing rather than sporty to drive, lower range than rivals, sometimes unsettled ride.
Standard equipment: 20in alloy wheels, power driver and passenger heated front seats, parking sensors, body colour bumpers, power windows and mirrors.
Engines: Mild hybrid: 300hp 2.0, 330hp 2.0; Petrol: 530hp 3.0; Electric: 557hp
Equipment grades: Grecale, Modena, Trofeo, Folgore
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic (ICE), single-speed automatic (EV)
| Model | Maserati Grecale Folgore 105kWh |
| P11D | £109,850 |
| Residual value | 40% |
| Depreciation | £64,510 |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £3,542 |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 310 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £36/£73 |
| Luggage capacity | 535 litres |
| Battery size/power | 105kWh/557hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
