Maserati Grecale Folgore Review: Electric Soul

What we like:

One of the more dynamics EVs around

Luxury and comfort are top notch

What we dislike:

Positioning is too niche

‘Folgore’ literally means ‘lightning’. Maserati simultaneously launched three Folgore versions of the Grecale, GranTurismo and GranCabrio in Singapore, with the Grecale Folgore here being the first electric Maserati we’ve ever tested.

It’s weird to even say Maserati and electric in the same sentence, but here we are. At least the ICE versions are still being offered in parallel, unlike Porsche for example which discontinued the petrol-driven Macan in favour of the EV.

The Grecale Folgore has a dual motor setup and has monstrous amounts of power - 550 bhp and 820 Nm to be exact. But because of its nearly 2.5-ton weight, it doesn’t feel sickeningly fast. It’s cultured and tamed, dispatching 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds.

Developed entirely in Italy based on 400V technology, Maserati is proud to champion that it doesn’t share its EV underpinnings, as is the case with many now who adopt Chinese EV tech. There are four driving modes available - Max Range, GT, Sport and Offroad. Unlike in the ICE version, the differentiation between GT and Sport is a little harder to tell. I stayed in GT mode most of the time, while in the ICE car I was firmly in Sport.

With air suspension as standard, the Grecale Folgore is effortlessly comfortable, controlling the heft of its batteries very well. Yet, it manages to feel quite sporty with its feelsome steering and inherent dynamism, not dissimilar to the Macan EV albeit the German is more focused all round. If you desire more wafting and a less frenetic drive day-to-day, the Grecale Folgore suits very well.

The interior is largely the same except for the use of regenerated nylon. It’s still a lovely place to be, full of intoxicating smelling leather that oozes luxury. The infotainment system feels a tad dated now, but it still works well with a separate screen for climate control and other key functions.

The Grecale Folgore feels as luxurious as its price tag suggests, but the question is, is it worth the extra premium over the Macan EV? At $439k without COE, it’s a hefty $125k more than the equivalent Macan 4S EV. If you add all of the similar options on the Macan, the gap will surely be closer.

But let’s not forget that there are other cheaper variants of the Macan available too, the 4 and the RWD model. In my opinion, speed is ‘cheap’ for an EV, and it’s likely that most people would opt for the lower-powered versions simply because they’re quick enough. It might be a tough fight for the Grecale Folgore, but you’re certainly not shortchanging yourself if you go for it. It’s for a very specific niche buyer who values individuality and craftsmanship, both of which the Grecale Folgore has in spades.

Photos by James Wong

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