Maserati is raising the bar for electric luxury with the GranCabrio Folgore, a convertible sibling to their GranTurismo Folgore coupe. Expected to arrive in late 2024 as a 2025 model, the GranCabrio Folgore will be the first electric convertible to hit the US market since the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Cabriolet and Tesla Roadster bowed out.
With a price tag likely exceeding $200,000, it could also be the first true luxury electric convertible offered here. This open-air EV folds down its soft top in just 14 seconds and raises it back up in 16 seconds and all at speeds up to 31 mph.
You can activate the top with a button on the center console or with a fancy gesture control by swiping left or right on the touchscreen.
Inside, the GranCabrio Folgore offers a luxurious experience with a spacious 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment and an 8.8-inch screen dedicated to climate controls. Leather upholstery complements the 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and standard neck warmers ensure comfort even with the top down. Trunk space is decent at 5.3 cubic feet with the top up, but be aware it shrinks to 4.0 cubic feet when folded.
Now, let’s explore the powerhouse.
The GranCabrio Folgore boasts three electric motors – one up front and two in the rear – each churning out a mighty 402 hp. While the combined output could theoretically reach over 1,200 hp, Maserati utilizes special inverters, derived from Formula E racing technology, to limit actual output to a still-impressive 760 hp.
To enhance the driving experience, the car provides a synthesized engine sound, and regenerative braking offers strong deceleration with up to 0.65 g of force, though it won’t bring the car to a complete stop using one pedal like some other EVs.
Powering the GranCabrio Folgore is a T-shaped 92.5-kWh battery pack (with 83.0-kWh usable) positioned strategically within the drivetrain tunnel and behind the rear seats to maintain a balanced 50:50 weight distribution. While official EPA range is still pending, Maserati estimates a driving range of around 250 miles.
The car supports an 800-volt electrical system that enables fast DC charging, allowing for a 20% to 80% charge in just 18 minutes, according to the manufacturer. This electric convertible is part of Maserati’s bigger picture – following the GranTurismo and GranCabrio launches, they plan to introduce a fully-electric Folgore version of their Grecale SUV, their current most affordable model.
These efforts represent the initial steps towards Maserati’s ambitious goals: offering electric options for all their models by 2025 and completely phasing out combustion engines by 2030.