Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Review

Maserati has launched its first electric sports car, marking a significant step in the brand’s plan to go all-electric by 2028.

The GranTurismo Folgore sits alongside V6-powered variants in the second-generation GranTurismo lineup, bringing Maserati’s iconic grand tourer into the electric age.

But can an electric Maserati deliver the emotional appeal that made its gas-powered predecessors so distinctive? I took one for a drive to find out.

My previous experience with a GranTurismo — a rain-soaked blast along Loch Lomond — left impressions of a raw, vocal machine with an old-school character that felt increasingly out of place in the 2020s.

The Folgore immediately feels more composed than its predecessor. Despite packing 220bhp more power than the old V8, this electric GT feels far more settled and predictable on the road.

This newfound stability comes from advanced traction systems and the car’s innovative three-motor arrangement — one on the front axle and one at each rear wheel. Together, these motors can theoretically produce 1,183bhp, though they’re limited to 751bhp to preserve battery life. That’s still 200bhp more than the current twin-turbo V6 petrol version.

The battery design is particularly clever. Rather than a flat skateboard layout, Maserati has arranged it in a T-shape in the space where the transmission would sit in the gas-powered version. This gives the car better weight distribution and the lowest ride height of any EV currently on sale.

This engineering pays off on winding roads. The Folgore hugs the tarmac with impressive balance, carving through corners with precision and surging out of them with instant response thanks to its sophisticated power distribution. The steering feels appropriately weighted but lacks some feedback.

Acceleration is simply brutal — 0-62mph takes just 2.7 seconds. More impressive is the immediate response at any speed, making the car feel remarkably alert compared to the paddle-shift gas version.

Those massive aluminum shift paddles remain but now control brake regeneration through four levels. The transition between regenerative and friction braking is seamless, with strong, progressive stopping power.

Of course, the howling engine note of the petrol car is gone, replaced by a synthesized sound that mimics a V8. It’s surprisingly convincing without becoming intrusive.

The 83kWh battery provides up to 280 miles of range in theory. Drive sensibly and you might approach that figure; use the full power regularly and you’ll be charging more often. When you do need to stop, 270kW charging capability means brief breaks.

The Folgore’s body is stunning. Long, low and perfectly proportioned, it maintains Maserati’s distinctive concave grille — finished in matte black to signify its electric powertrain — while the trio of vents behind the front wheels nod to the brand’s heritage.

Inside, the cabin is remarkably spacious for front passengers. Even for my unusually tall frame, headroom is generous thanks to that low floor. The rear seats, however, are largely symbolic if anyone above average height sits up front. The narrow 270-liter trunk further confirms this is really a two-person grand tourer.

My test car featured an eclectic mix of materials — white leather, sustainable “denim” fabric, wood-effect trim, and carbon fiber with copper wire threading. Despite sounding excessive, it works cohesively and feels appropriately premium.

The biggest disappointment is the dual-screen center console setup. Both the upper infotainment screen and lower climate control display suffer from slow responses, unattractive graphics, and cluttered interfaces that feel completely out of place in a car costing £178,000.

That starting price quickly climbs with options. The tasteful Blu Modena paint adds £3,720, while the £5,000 driving assistance package includes features that come standard on mainstream cars costing a quarter of the price.

The GranTurismo Folgore successfully delivers on its grand touring promise. It combines striking looks, comfortable space for two, refined cruising ability, and explosive performance with a well-balanced chassis.

While it may lack the raw character of the original GT, it shows that Maserati’s electric future still has plenty of personality.