Model update Maserati Grecale Folgore
Maserati beats its rivals to offer an all-electric version of its premium mid-size SUV, but its price means it’s only going to be for the few.
Martyn Collins
An all-new, all-electric version of the Porsche Macan is imminent and sister car the Audi Q6 E-Tron (just launched and driven in this issue) might not be luxurious enough. So, if you want an electric luxury mid-size SUV, the Folgore version of Maserati’s Grecale is currently the only option to buy. Outside, the Folgore (meaning lightning in Italian) version of the Grecale looks much the same as the ICE versions, the only identifiers being a sealed front grille, revised front airdam, unusual three-spoke alloy wheels, and subtle ‘Folgore’ badging on the front wings. The Grecale is one of the more distinctive mid-size SUVs – it couldn’t be anything other than a Maserati – but for those that don’t want to advertise they’re driving an EV, the changes over the ICE models are subtle.
Inside, the Folgore version of the Grecale still feels special. Although, our Italian-spec test car was fitted with Econyl recycled nylon fibre trim – which doesn’t feel as special as leather trim. The good news is that UK cars will have leather as standard. The 105kWh battery pack might be
mounted underneath the rear seats, but this has no 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. Still, as before, this does free up space in the centre console for good stowage. There’s also the same practical 535-litre boot. Driving the Folgore gave us
Maserati Grecale Folgore
105kWh P11D £109,850 On Sale Now Residual value 40% Depreciation £64,510 Fuel TBC Service, maintenance and repair £3,542 Cost per mile TBC Range 310 miles CO2 0g/km (2%) BIK 20/40% a month £36/£73 Luggage capacity 535 litres Battery size/power 105kWh/542hp
more time with Maserati’s latest infotainment system. Split over two screens, the upper 12.3in screen controls, 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 they both work well, although we feel there should be some sort of physical button, rather than a slider, for the volume control.
The Grecale Folgore has two identical 205kW motors instead of a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre petrol engine. However, it shares the same Alfa Romeo-derived Giorgio platform, so it doesn’t get a bespoke EV chassis. Instead, the motors sit on each of the axles, that have been 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 542bhp and 820Nm respectively, this compares well to the fastest petrol Grecale, the Trofeo, with 523hp and 620Nm. Maserati also quotes a 0-62mph time of 4.1 seconds, although the Trofeo beats this, with its claimed 3.6-second
What’s new?: All-electric Grecale Folgore driven on UK roads.
Standard equipment: 20in alloy wheels, power driver and passenger heated front seats, parking sensors, body-colour bumpers, power windows and mirrors.
figure. On the road, the Folgore automatically defaults to GT mode, where it feels happiest. Sport mode drops the ride height and is probably the best setting for motorway trips. Max range mode dulls the throttle response but doesn’t seem to restrict the performance. It is more engaging to drive than the Q6 E-Tron, with precise steering, and good brake feel. Although our test car with its standard air suspension and 20in alloy wheels struggled to settle on A roads – it could be down to the extra weight. 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 Porsche Macan Turbo’s claimed 364-mile range. Overall, this Maserati is a fast, refined and likeable package – but perhaps not as sporty as the other ICE-powered Grecale models.
Positive
Desirable exterior and interior design, subtle detailing, interior space, performance, good to drive
Negative
Expensive, refi ned and willing rather than sporty to drive, lower range than rivals, sometimes unsettled ride
www.businesscar.co.uk | September/October 2024 | 45
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