Lake Maggiore, ITALY — Experiencing the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore on its stunning home ground and diving into Maserati’s press materials, it’s clear the Italian automaker has hidden a major selling point. With auto journalists questioning the pricing, which sees some GranTurismo coupes and GranCabrio convertibles exceeding $200,000, the focus is often on their high cost compared to Bentley and Aston Martin. But here’s the key point that should be highlighted: the GranCabrio Folgore is the world’s first and only luxury electric convertible. This unique aspect is bound to attract those eager to be trendsetters.
Performance Beyond Rivals
Just like its GranTurismo coupe counterpart, this convertible surpasses the acceleration capabilities of rivals like the Bentley Continental GT and Aston Martin DB12, especially at higher speeds. Boasting an impressive 750 horsepower and a staggering 995 pound-feet of torque, the GranCabrio Folgore delivers a thrilling driving experience. It’s more agile and connected to the road than the nearly 5,450-pound Bentley convertible, and it rivals Aston Martin’s best GTs, including a gasoline-powered Trofeo version that weighs significantly less and features a powerful twin-turbo 3.0-liter Nettuno V6 engine derived from the MC20 supercar.
Visually, this Maserati is arguably more attractive than the Bentley and nearly as striking as the Aston Martin, judging by public reactions to the beautifully painted models in our convoy. Standout colors included a captivating rose gold, a deep blue with metallic flake called Night Interaction, a vibrant burnt orange, and a stunning red—anything but bright yellow, please.
Spacious and Technologically Advanced
The GranCabrio offers more passenger space than its British competitors, comfortably seating four adults, whereas the back seats of the Bentley and Aston are more suited for parcels. Additionally, the Maserati’s advanced electric powertrain sets it apart from the more traditional V8 engines of its rivals, securing four key wins in power, acceleration, handling, interior space, and technology.
While the Bentley excels with its luxurious interior, reminiscent of a London library, and the Aston boasts superior materials and execution, the Maserati makes a strong case with its performance and innovation. This raises the question: are Bentley and Aston Martin overcharging for their offerings?
A Drive to Remember
Driving the GranCabrio along the picturesque shores of Italy’s Lake Maggiore, north of Milan, it’s evident this is a different kind of Maserati. The convertible’s soft top opens in 14 seconds and closes in 16, operable at speeds up to 31 mph. The imposing Trident-capped grille and a clamshell “cofango” hood made from a single piece of aluminum contribute to its elegant and powerful appearance.
For the gasoline Trofeo version, the compact V6 engine’s position behind the front axle allows for a sleek front end and hood, a design impossible with a V8. Although trunk space is reduced compared to the coupe, the driving experience more than compensates for this minor inconvenience. The Sonus Faber audio system, one of the best for convertibles, provides an exceptional listening experience even at highway speeds.
Cutting-Edge Electric Performance
The Folgore employs three 300-kilowatt electric motors, with GT mode prioritizing front-wheel drive to conserve energy. Sport and Corsa modes enhance the contribution from the rear motors, positioned to optimize balance. These motors could potentially generate up to 1,200 horsepower but are capped at 750 wheel-horsepower due to battery limitations. Compact silicon-carbide inverters boost energy conversion and performance.
An 800-volt architecture allows DC charging at up to 270 kilowatts, among the fastest in the industry, while a free Level 2 wall box supports home charging at 11 kilowatts. Maserati estimates a 450-kilometer range on Europe’s WLTP cycle, translating to about 260 miles under the EPA’s more realistic standards.
Weighing just over 5,200 pounds, the GranCabrio Folgore is about 200 pounds lighter than Bentley’s gasoline-powered Continental GT Speed convertible. This advantage, combined with its aluminum chassis and magnesium components, results in exceptional acceleration and handling. The GranCabrio reaches 60 mph in an estimated 2.8 seconds and hits 124 mph in 9.1 seconds, outperforming even the Porsche Taycan Turbo S and the GT Speed convertible.
A Truly Enjoyable Drive
The GranCabrio Folgore integrates its 92.5-kilowatt-hour battery in a T-shape along the center spine and behind the rear seats, ensuring a low center of gravity and superior handling. Excellent suspension tuning and a balanced weight distribution contribute to a sporty yet comfortable ride. The steering is particularly noteworthy, offering a light, connected, and natural feel, setting a new benchmark for electric vehicles.
Interior and Pricing
While the performance of the Folgore is outstanding, its interior doesn’t quite match the level of its British rivals. Some plastic switches and components detract from the overall luxury feel, though the leather is high-quality. The infotainment system, derived from Stellantis, features dual center screens and a unique digital clock. The use of Econyl, a recycled material, for the upholstery is a notable eco-friendly touch.
On winding mountain roads near the Swiss border, the Folgore excels, gliding silently and effortlessly through corners. The regenerative brakes, controlled via paddles, offer three settings, though an additional one-pedal driving mode would be beneficial.
The Price Tag
The GranCabrio Trofeo starts at $193,995 (including destination), while the electric Folgore is priced at $206,995. While the gasoline Trofeo is competitive, the Folgore stands out for its uniqueness and technological prowess. The high pricing strategy might be debatable, but the Folgore’s performance and technology are undeniable. As the only electric convertible in its class, it offers a compelling alternative to the Porsche Taycan Turbo S.
Despite its high price, the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore delivers unmatched performance and innovation in the luxury electric convertible segment. It sets a new standard for electric vehicles, challenging the dominance of Bentley, Aston Martin, and Porsche. For those seeking a unique, high-performance electric convertible, the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore is an exceptional choice.