2025 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore: The All-Electric Convertible Redefining Italian Luxury

The electric vehicle (EV) market is rapidly evolving, and luxury automakers are eager to showcase their interpretations of battery-powered performance and elegance. However, many EV debuts often feel like a rehash of the same marketing playbook: more power, stiffer suspension, and a dash of digital gimmicks disguised as innovation. But does simply electrifying a sports car truly capture the soul and driving passion that brands like Maserati are built upon? When the 2025 Maserati Grancabrio Folgore was unveiled, questions lingered about whether this electric convertible could genuinely uphold the legendary Maserati name.

For a brand synonymous with roaring V8s and sonorous V12s, transitioning to electric powertrains is a significant shift. The evocative engine notes of Italian sports cars are deeply ingrained in automotive culture. Could an electric Maserati deliver the same emotional connection and driving thrill? Maserati insisted the GranCabrio Folgore was not merely an electric replacement, but a true Maserati first and foremost, offering an alternative experience rather than a substitute for their internal combustion engine (ICE) models. To put this claim to the test, a drive in the GranCabrio Folgore, aptly named “Folgore” meaning “lightning,” was essential to verify if it lived up to the electrifying hype.

2025 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Front View

Delving into the GranCabrio Folgore: Key Specifications

Before experiencing the drive, understanding the technical recipe of the GranCabrio Folgore is crucial. This electric convertible boasts a formidable 751 horsepower, generated by three electric motors drawing power from a 92.5-kWh battery pack. The battery adopts a distinctive “T” shape, running through the car’s center tunnel and expanding under the rear seats. This T-shaped configuration is a key design element impacting vehicle dynamics, as we will explore further. The powertrain comprises one motor at the front axle and two at the rear, offering all-wheel drive capability. Notably, the front motor can be deactivated to enable a pure rear-wheel-drive experience if desired, offering driving mode versatility.

Maserati estimates a range of approximately 233 miles on a single charge based on EPA certification standards. However, achieving this figure would require a restrained driving style, far removed from exploring the car’s blistering 2.7-second zero-to-60 mph acceleration or its 180-mph top speed. The true allure of the GranCabrio Folgore, however, extends beyond mere performance figures: it’s the promise of open-top electric driving. For the target demographic – individuals likely already owning a stable of high-end vehicles, both ICE and electric – the GranCabrio Folgore represents entry into an exclusive realm: the convertible electric car club, adorned with the prestigious Maserati trident.

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Rose Gold Exterior

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Wheel Detail

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Rear Three Quarter View

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Front Grille Close Up

Visually, the GranCabrio Folgore is unmistakably a Maserati. Its design language is consistent with the brand’s modern aesthetic, instantly recognizable on the road. Klaus Busse, Maserati’s design chief, and his team have successfully translated the Gran Turismo coupe’s striking design into a convertible form. The Folgore exudes the same romantic and captivating presence as its gasoline-powered sibling. The front fascia is characterized by powerful fenders that dramatically arch over the front wheels, while the iconic Maserati grille remains a central design element. Subtle tweaks were made to the grille design to reflect the absence of a combustion engine, yet the overall effect remains distinctly Maserati.

The rear design is sleek and refined, projecting a sophisticated rather than overtly aggressive stance, particularly when compared to the previous Gran Turismo generation. This design direction aligns with Maserati’s current strategy of emphasizing elegance and performance in equal measure, catering to a clientele that values both speed and sophisticated style. In the competitive high-performance car market, Maserati is positioning itself for discerning buyers seeking a blend of thrilling performance and refined taste.

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Side Profile

Busse highlighted the challenge of ensuring the Folgore’s visual appeal with both the top up and down. This involved meticulous refinement of the beltline to achieve perfect proportions, balancing thickness, height, and position relative to the front and rear of the car. The goal was to create a visually harmonious profile while maintaining genuine four-seater practicality, avoiding the compromises of a 2+2 configuration. The result is a design that appears meticulously crafted from every angle.

Behind the Wheel: Experiencing the Electric Maserati DNA

Unexpected travel delays almost jeopardized the opportunity to test drive the GranCabrio Folgore. However, a fortunate turn of events resulted in an exclusive solo driving experience on the winding lakeside roads of Northern Italy. The mission was to catch up with a group of journalists who had departed earlier, a task that proved to be an unexpectedly enjoyable “ordeal.”

Despite a persistent drizzle necessitating a closed soft top, the initial impression was immediate and clear: this feels unmistakably like a Maserati. Beyond its electric powertrain, the steering, suspension, braking, and overall driving dynamics echoed Maserati’s century-long heritage of crafting Italian sports cars. This immediate sense of familiarity allowed for a deeper exploration of the Folgore’s nuances, rather than simply evaluating its brand authenticity. It’s akin to a promising first date where the connection is evident early on, allowing for genuine enjoyment rather than constant over-analysis.

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Interior Driver View

In GT driving mode (one of four modes: Folgore, GT, Sport, and Corsa), the electric convertible effortlessly navigated narrow mountain roads. Importantly, it avoided the detached “riding on rails” sensation often associated with EVs. While “riding on rails” is sometimes used as a compliment for handling precision, it can also indicate a lack of driver engagement. EVs built on skateboard platforms, while offering a low center of gravity, often position occupants rather high above the platform. This can lead to an unnatural handling feel, where cornering at speed feels more like being passively carried along rather than actively controlling the car.

The GranCabrio Folgore circumvents this artificial sensation. It delivers a neutral and balanced feel, mirroring the dynamics of a traditional, non-electric Maserati. This is attributed to the T-shaped battery layout, which enables lower front seat positioning and distributes weight longitudinally. This design choice fosters a greater sense of driver engagement and connection to the driving experience, moving beyond the sensation of a mere torque-laden thrill ride.

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Brembo Brakes

Similarly, the regenerative braking modes, with the exception of the most aggressive setting, offer a more natural feel compared to typical sporty EVs. The sensation is closer to downshifting in a conventional car than applying traditional brakes. In fact, the regenerative braking felt so intuitive that the paddles were largely unused, allowing reliance on the car’s natural deceleration characteristics when lifting off the throttle entering corners. The Brembo brakes, featuring six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers with ventilated rotors, provided robust stopping power and precise pedal modulation. This braking performance proved crucial when an unexpected encounter with a tourist driving in the middle of a blind corner necessitated an emergency stop, engaging the ABS to avert a collision.

The suspension tuning in GT and Sport modes proved ideal for the varied driving conditions. GT mode offered a touch more body roll and steering play, while Sport mode tightened responses for enhanced precision. Regardless of mode, unleashing the full electric power resulted in a surge of torque – a substantial 996 lb-ft – capable of inducing a visceral reaction. However, the accelerator pedal calibration was expertly tuned, avoiding the abrupt, on-off acceleration often characteristic of EVs. Despite the car’s low ride height, traversing speed bumps, some quite substantial, never resulted in harsh impacts. The electronic dampers adeptly managed road imperfections, maintaining a comfortable ride. Corsa mode stiffened the suspension and heightened responsiveness to a degree that felt less suited to public roads, suggesting its potential for more controlled environments like smooth, winding tracks.

While the GranCabrio Folgore’s 5,249-pound curb weight is undeniable, Maserati engineers have skillfully masked its mass. Back-to-back drives comparing the EV with the lighter V6 Trofeo (approximately 900 pounds less) revealed that while the Folgore exhibits a greater sense of inertia, its instantaneous torque and quicker responses compensate effectively. It’s essential to remember that neither model is conceived as a track-focused machine; both are luxurious and potent grand tourers.

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Open Top Driving

Ultimately, the GranCabrio Folgore excels as a grand touring machine. Cruising along the picturesque lakeshore and navigating through tight, bustling village streets, the vibration-free cabin and absence of engine noise proved to be a welcome respite. The characteristic roar of its gasoline counterpart was not missed. The Folgore maintained the same visual allure and exceptional ride quality, while offering exhilarating acceleration on demand. The only element missing was open-top motoring. Despite the overcast skies, lowering the canvas top amplified the experience, evoking the feeling of indulging in a truly exclusive luxury.

Lowering the top also unveiled another intriguing aspect of the Folgore: its sound. With the top raised, a subtle, deep hum is perceptible within the cabin. Lowering the top makes this sound slightly clearer, but not louder. Switching to Sport or Corsa modes intensifies this hum, while maintaining a similar volume level. It’s a gentle auditory reminder of the performance capabilities, yet restrained enough to avoid feeling artificial or gimmicky. It doesn’t attempt to replicate engine sounds or overtly emphasize throttle input; rather, it’s the electric drivetrain subtly making its presence known.

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Orange Devil Color

Early Verdict: A True Maserati in the Electric Age

The 2025 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore distinguishes itself within the EV landscape. Intriguingly, one of its most compelling attributes is how authentically Maserati it feels, rather than overtly emphasizing its electric nature. This raises questions: Is this a positive trait? Does it suggest a lack of distinct EV identity? Does it align with Maserati customer expectations? Likely, the answer to the last question is yes. Many Maserati enthusiasts may seek an EV that retains the core Maserati driving experience, albeit with a different powertrain. European markets, facing increasing taxation on high-emission vehicles, may find the Folgore particularly appealing, offering a way to circumvent these costs compared to plug-in hybrids or ICE vehicles. Global market reception and sales figures will ultimately provide further insights.

The ICE Gran Turismo and GranCabrio models are undeniably engaging, with the twin-turbo Nettuno V6 delivering an exhilarating soundtrack, especially in the convertible. However, the Folgore presents a distinctly different yet equally captivating experience, replete with its own set of smile-inducing qualities. In this instance, the marketing claims appear to hold true: the GranCabrio Folgore is demonstrably a genuine Maserati.

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Orange Devil Front View

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Orange Devil Rear View

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Orange Devil Interior