Maserati Grecale Folgore review: tempting transition EV

Introduction

While I’m a firm believer in small EVs that are fun to drive and easy to get around in, there’s nothing like the arrival of a big new luxury SUV to stir the senses. This is the Maserati Grecale Folgore, which to look at is nigh on identical to the combustion engine version. Save for the smoother grille and tweaked rear diffuser, it’s hard to spot the difference. Maserati knows its core customer base, y’see, so wants to gently ease its clientele into the idea of owning an electric product.

The Grecale Folgore is everything you’d expect from the Italian brand, with a range of striking (though eye-wateringly expensive) exterior finishes. Inside, there’s a decent grade of opulence, with classic old-school touches (digital analogue clock anyone?) fused with plenty of touchscreen tech, and even a not to sustainability. Elsewhere, there’s a big battery and plenty of power to provide the thrill factor.

However, customers will have to pay a high price to enjoy all this. The car I’ve been driving costs £109,000, which is a lot. There are plenty of ‘cheaper’ rival options too, with the likes of the new Porsche Macan being a prime example. Elsewhere, look no further than BMW’s iX, the similarly posh Mercedes EQE SUV or the much less ostentatious Tesla Model X if you want three more affordable options. Doubtless, die-hard Maserati fans, though, will love this car, despite its inflated price tag.

The styling

As you’d expect from Maserati, the styling of the Grecale Folgore is largely spot on for a car of this size. There’s a price to pay for the bulk, mind, because with the sizeable body and a large battery underneath, this SUV is a heavyweight at 2,480kg. However, Maserati hasn’t done too much to make the car look different from the ICE edition, with a few subtle flourishes to the front and rear ends being the only obvious adjustments.

I think it looks a treat, with some cool flourishes like the sculpted air intakes at the front, past the subtle vents and badging on the front wings and onwards to the smooth and straightforward rear end. My car featured 21in Lampo alloy wheels, which add a distinctive touch, as do the purposeful painted brake callipers that sit directly behind them. Overall, the exterior styling is quite understated, and, in a way, that makes the Maserati Grecale Folgore more appealing than being shouty.

There’s an impressive interior on offer too. Maserati has done the decent thing and gone for sustainability with its use of interior finishings. Using a material called Econyl, sourced from old nylon fishing nets and worn-out carpets, the cockpit works particularly well. There’s plenty of shiny plastic, which can be rather dazzling in harsh sunlight, but other than that the interior of my car was quite low-key and very comfortable indeed.

The drive

The kerb weight I mentioned earlier is even more evident when you’re behind the wheel. That’s not to say this SUV is unwieldy, though; the Grecale Folgore turns out to be something of a treat on both highways and back roads. However, at 2.16 metres including the mirrors, picking your way through claustrophobic lanes and ancient villages can make you sweat a bit. It’s nearly 5 metres long too, although that doesn’t feel as much of an issue.

Aside from its size and weight, the four-wheel-drive Maserati Grecale Folgore proved to be better to drive than I expected. The neat synthetic audio backdrop almost makes you forget you’re behind the wheel of an electric car. Power deliver is silky smooth and works well across the range of drive modes. My own personal favourite is GT Mode, which is ideally suited to a variety of driving scenarios.

I dabbled with the Sport setting, but everything becomes just a little bit too coarse. It seems a little lairy and out of place for a Maserati of this stature. This car comes with clever air suspension too, so it’s quick and easy to adjust the setup. Core drive settings are chosen via push buttons on the dash, underneath the infotainment system. Modes and starting the car is done via circular buttons on the steering wheel. I like the way this car will fly if prompted, but somehow it feels best if you simply waft around in it.

Maserati reckons the high-end range for this SUV is 311 miles, which is okay but not great. It invariably ebbs away if you do start to dabble in the sporty settings. Charging also tops out at 150kW, which isn’t hugely impressive compared to other luxury EVs. Maserati executives seem to think the majority of owners will charge at home, which if true means this isn’t really an issue. Chunky regen paddles sit in front of the steering wheel, which allowed me to dabble with putting some juice back in the battery, though they’re very understated.

The technology

For a car costing this much it’s only reasonable the tech treats should match the rest of the specification. At the root of the action is the central touchscreen, which is a 12.3in affair, supplemented by a smaller display underneath that let me adjust climate controls and other everyday settings. The main screen is acceptable enough and works well too, although it’s perhaps not quite as impressive as that seen in the latest Mercedes-Benz range for example.

If you’re so inclined, the digital screen in front of the steering wheel can be personalised to suit your driving requirements. I rather liked the ease with which I could pick through modes using the round dial on the bottom of the steering wheel. The Maserati Grecale Folgore is actually quite easy to tweak on the go in that respect, unlike some rivals that would have you veering around while trying to pick through main infotainment menus.

There’s a very good Sonus Faber audio system, which boasts 21 speakers and sounds delicious. In the boot, there’s a handy 230V power socket, which lends a touch of practicality to the Grecale Folgore as a means for charging laptops and the like. Driver aids, by the way, cover all the usual bases and, impressively, there’s not too much in the way of annoying audio distractions as you drive, which is always a bonus.

Maserati Grecale Folgore verdict

It might cost a packet, but the Grecale Folgore should fit the bill for Maserati aficionados. The styling is reasonably conservative and the driving experience doesn’t feel too different to being behind the wheel of the ICE variant.

There’s lots to like about it, with plenty of power on tap and large dollops of grip from the four-wheel-drive setup. Comfort levels are excellent, and the tech is top notch too. It should mean that Maserati will shift a few, but only to those with suitably deep pockets.

Maserati Grecale Folgore technical specifications

Powertrain	Twin permanent magnet synchronous motors
Battery	105kW
Power	542bhp
Torque	597lb ft
0-60mph	4.1sec
Top speed	137mph
Range	311 miles
Charge rate	150kWh
Cargo volume	535 litres

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