Maserati promises that going electric doesn’t have to be boring

Singapore – While other manufacturers have embraced hybrid technology or gone full-electric amidst the EV revolution, Maserati has taken a different approach, selling only pure-ICE or pure-EV cars. Maserati will sell electric counterparts of each model (excluding the MC20 supercar) under the Folgore nameplate. The entire Folgore range, comprising the Grecale Folgore, GranTurismo Folgore, and GranCabrio Folgore, has all been launched in Singapore.

If you were wondering what this fancy Italian word means, “Folgore” translates to “lightning” in Italian. A pretty fitting name for these battery-powered machines, but it also does bring back childhood memories of a red car from a certain Pixar movie.

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GranTurismo Folgore

Being the first-ever electric Maserati, the GranTurismo Folgore incorporates a modernised take on the first-gen GranTurismo’s elegant design language from way back in 2007. Comparing the old and the new, it’s safe to say that its appearance hasn’t changed too much. It’s a welcome refreshment compared to other automakers who abandon their traditional design language in favour of making their cars look as futuristic as possible, but less beautiful as a result.

Although it does not possess the wheeze n’ woosh V6 engine note (still not as soulful as the V8) of its petrol-powered counterparts, its three electric motors make it the most powerful GranTurismo variant by far. With 751hp (560kW) and 1350Nm of torque, it can catapult itself to 100km/h in a blistering 2.7 seconds. It can also reach 325km/h provided you find a stretch of road long enough, making it a true Autobahn stormer and grand-tourer, as its name suggests.

The GranTurismo Folgore’s stylish exterior is complemented by its luxurious cabin, including the brand’s signature centre clock, which has been modernised into an elegant digital one. This dynamic circular screen also allows the clock face to show other sorts of information, such as the battery’s charging percentage and smartphone Bluetooth connections. Additionally, the voice command “Hey Maserati” also operate the clock’s voice assistant for functions such as air-conditioning adjustments, navigation and phone calls.

Instead of having a huge main screen, Maserati has done things differently by splitting its infotainment hub into a 12.3-inch central display screen and an 8.8-inch comfort display screen, a characteristic of the new Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) multimedia system. Although one may be disappointed by its lack of physical buttons and controls, the latter screen contains quick gesture climate controls that allow one to control the temperature and fan speed with minimal distractions. The infotainment’s Bluetooth function also allows for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and interestingly enough, Baidu CarLife to be seamlessly connected to your smartphone.

To ensure safe driving, a host of new driver assistance features has been introduced to the GranTurismo and other two Folgore models: Maserati Active Driving Assist, Dynamic Road View, Rear Emergency Braking and Surround View Camera 2D.

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GranCabrio Folgore

For those looking for some open-top thrill while driving, the GranCabrio Folgore carries over all the goodies from the GranTurismo while adding a retractable fabric roof. This makes it the fastest 100% electric convertible currently for sale, as well as the very first electric convertible in the luxury segment market.

However, even with the additional retractable soft-top mechanisms, there is still ample space for four people’s luggage and enough room for four to sit comfortably.

Moreover, despite these mechanisms making the car 80kg heavier for a 2340kg kerb weight, it’s only a tenth of a second slower to 100km/h and will travel to an impressive top speed of 290km/h. As with its GranTurismo cousin, the GranCabrio features sleek 20-inch Aero wheels in the front and 21-inch ones in the back, making the car both aesthetically pleasing and more aerodynamic.

Both grand tourer variants also have four different driving modes. The default GT mode limits the power to 80% while optimising the car for everyday driving and comfort. For some extra power, SPORT mode utilises 100% of the motor’s performance, introduces torque vectoring and optimises the suspension setup. If that wasn’t enough, the track-focused CORSA mode takes things to the max through optimised throttle response and maximum torque vectoring speed. However, if the driver is facing range anxiety, they can activate MAX RANGE to minimise the car’s battery usage, essentially a “low-power” mode feature found in smartphones.

Speaking of range, both the GranTurismo and GranCabrio have a respectable WLTP range of around 450km on a single charge. A 270kW DC charger can replenish the battery from 20-80% in 18 minutes, or 100km of range in 5 minutes.

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Grecale Folgore

The Grecale Folgore pioneer’s Maserati’s venture into fully-electric SUVs after the retirement of the petrol, diesel and hybrid-powered Levante. 

The car shares the same interior as its GranTurismo and GranCabrio cousins, thus incorporating the same dual infotainment screens, quick-and-easy climate controls and digital clock.

The SUV contains two 205kW motors that make a punchy 550 horsepower (440kW) and 820Nm of torque, as well as an impressive century sprint of 4.1 seconds.

Range isn’t much of an issue either, due to its WLTP range of 500km on a full charge, and a 20-80% replenishment of the battery in only 29 minutes with DC charging.

To allow the driver to maximise their driving experience at any one time, the Grecale with the same driving modes as the GranTurismo and GranCabrio, except for CORSA being substituted with OFFROAD. That’s provided any owners will be brave enough to leave the cosy confines of city streets and have the dial turned to this mode.

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As with all SUVs, practicality has been prioritised. 535 litres of boot space makes it Grecale Folgore an ideal contender for road trips or hauling large items. 

The Grecale Folgore retails for $438,800 excluding COE, while the GranTurismo Folgore and GranCabrio Folgore retails for $858,800 and $888,800 respectively, excluding COE.

Text: Tan Kai Wyn
Photos: Tan Kai Wyn, Clifford Chow & Maserati