2024 Maserati Grecale Folgore new car review
This premium car maker is thinking big with its second electric car and it has one of Germany’s finest in the crosshairs.
Luxury
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Maserati’s first EV was an unexpected triumph. As handsome as it was fast, the glamorous GranTurismo featured surprising cutting-edge tech not normally associated with a small 109-year-old carmaker.
For its all-electric sequel, the luxury brand is thinking big. Not in size but volume, with the Maserati Grecale Folgore created to conquer the growing electric mid-size SUV segment, although this time the Italian neither shocks with its tech or the performance it offers.
Locked in for a November arrival in Australia, the battery-powered Grecale Folgore touches down around the same time as its closest rival, the Porsche Macan, but – in the flesh – we think many will prefer the Maserati’s elegant styling.
To help it slip through the air, the Folgore has a unique concave grille, a redesigned lower bumper and smoother alloy wheels that have been aerodynamically optimised.
If you miss those, rose gold “Folgore” (Italian for lightning) fender badges give the game away.
Beneath the skin, Maserati adopts the petrol Grecale’s architecture instead of a tailor-made EV platform.
Two powerful electric motors drive each axle, providing for all-wheel drive. The usual drawbacks of adapting a petrol platform for EV power don’t apply.
There’s plenty of space, a decent 535-litre boot and the Maserati is able to fit a large 96kWh battery beneath the floor without robbing room – exactly the same as the Porsche.
Where the Macan and Grecale differ is the Porsche has 800-volt electrical architecture and ultra-fast charging up to 270kW. The Maserati has to make do with 400-volt electrics that can only manage a 150kW charge.
The Porsche takes just 22 minutes to charge from 10-80 per cent, while the Grecale owner has time for another espresso (or two) with a top-up (20-80 per cent) taking 29 minutes. Maserati said it could have fitted the GranTurismo’s 800-volt system but didn’t to keep costs down.
At least when you AC charge at home the Folgore’s lithium-ion batteries can be filled at up to 22kW – twice that of the Porsche.
When you do hit the road the Macan Turbo is more efficient than the Italian with the Porsche covering 591km on a single charge, although the Grecale can still travel a respectable 501km.
That’s not bad considering the Maserati musters 410kW and 820Nm of torque from its twin motors.
Few will complain about a 0-100km/h dash of 4.1 seconds and a 220km/h top speed but if you’re after ultimate pub bragging rights, the 470kW Macan Turbo is in another league, stopping the clock at 3.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
Behind the wheel the Maserati is effortless to drive, with strong punch for overtaking, even at three-figure speeds. What we don’t like is the unsettled nature of Folgore’s ride. Even on air springs it’s too easily irritated in whatever mode you’re in. The suspension is noisy too – we think both the Macan and Polestar 3 will edge it for comfort.
The pesky Porsche should also prove a better drive as it has trick dampers and optional agility-enhancing rear-wheel steer.
Overall, the electric Grecale isn’t bad. The steering is sharp and accurate and grip levels are high but it’s not that thrilling and feels like it needs more polish.
That’s a shame, because we still love the Grecale’s luxurious cabin and use of classy materials, plus its easy-to-use intuitive tech.
As with others, Maserati has composed a soundscape for the Folgore to add drama to the drive, with two loudspeakers proudly broadcasting it to bypassers. It doesn’t sound terrible but you can only turn it off internally, which is embarrassing if you prefer a low profile.
In Australia, the Maserati Grecale is expected to be priced from $200,000 – $20,000 more than the faster, tech-laden Porsche Macan Turbo. Maserati claims that when the pair are similarly equipped, the Italian beats the German for value.
Maserati’s second EV impresses but ultimately it misses out on the EV tech it deserves, the comfort it needs and drive it requires to beat its talented rival. For many, though, the allure of owning a Maserati might just be enough.
MASERATI GRECALE FOLGORE
PRICE: $200,000 (estimate)
MOTOR: Electric dual motors, 410kW and 820Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICE: Thee-year/unlimited km
SAFETY: Six airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, fatigue detection, rear cross-traffic alert
0-100KM/H: 4.1 secs
RANGE: 501km
LUGGAGE: 535 litres
SPARE: Repair kit
Originally published as 2024 Maserati Grecale Folgore new car review
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