The first generation of the Maserati Gran Turismo was built from 2007 to 2019 and soon became an icon among connoisseurs. Having an unmistakable look paired with a V8 sound that is unrivalled, the first generation found many fans and buyers. The second generation of the Maserati Gran Turismo has been on the market since spring 2023. Available in two drive options as the ‘Nettuno’ with a V6 engine and as the ‘Folgore’ with a purely electric drivetrain.
What's it all about
With the Gran Turismo Folgore, Maserati is offering the first electric vehicle in the brand's history. Barely recognisable from the outside, the front features less aggressive air intakes and there are no tailpipes at the rear.
With the ‘Folgore’, Maserati literally lets lightning strike. The sports coupé has a 92kWh battery pack, which is stowed in the T-bone configuration, i.e. in the centre tunnel and under the rear seat bench. This design reduces the inertia factor around its own roll axis. In addition, the seats can be installed lower because the occupants sit next to the battery instead of above it. This further optimises the centre of gravity and can be built exactly the same like the combustion engine version.
What stands out here is that the state-of-the-art 800-volt battery drives three powerful 300 kW permanent magnet motors (one at the front and two at the rear), which deliver up to 560 kW (761 hp) and a breathtaking torque of 1,350 Nm to all four wheels.
First impressions
The proportions are unmistakably similar to the previous model. The GT silhouette with its low-slung front, long doors and short rear shows that the basic idea has remained the same. However, it is noticeable that the new Maserati is more sweet than bold. In my opinion, the shape of the headlights is a bit unfavourable for a sports car, even if they correspond to the current Maserati design language, the front does not look as sporty as that of the previous Granturismo.
This perception may be due to the paint colour. Although the ‘Nero Assoluto’ has a strong silver shimmer in sunlight, the shape of the Granturismo gets almost completely ‘swallowed up’. I would have liked a bolder configuration from the press car. After all, Maserati offers a large number of unusual colours and interiors in its ‘Fuoriserie’ range. The car shown is configured with the ‘Econyl Nero / Cuoio’ leather interior (standard, no extra charge).
In addition to the basic price of around CHF 222,000, this Granturismo is equipped with the comfort package (electric tailgate with foot sensor, integrated garage door opener, seat ventilation and Alcantara roof lining for CHF 3,243) and the digital comfort package (frameless, digital rear-view mirror, head-up display & surround view camera for CHF 4,108). With the additional privacy glazing (CHF 682.-) and the Sonus-Faber audio system with 19 speakers (CHF 4,000.-), we achieve a total price of roughly CHF 234,000.-.
The interior
This is where the biggest surprise of the new Maserati Granturismo is hidden. Compared to its predecessor, the second generation scores highly in terms of workmanship and quality. Materials with a high-quality feel as far as the eye can see. The attention to detail is clearly noticeable and has taken a big step in the right direction.
It is striking that Maserati has retained the central clock. But now in digital form. The advantage here, however, is that the display can be configured to show the battery charge level or the ‘Tridente’ in addition to the analogue or digital time.
Below the clock there are two screens for the infotainment and climate settings. Operation of the system is intuitive, simple and self-explanatory. Just as it should be. I normally prefer analogue controls such as rotary knobs or buttons for the climate control. However, I liked Maserati's system surprisingly well, so I didn't even miss the tried-and-tested control options.
The seating position on the rear bench is surprisingly low. This benefits the headroom. However, tall passengers will hardly find room for their long legs. For me, at 1.73 metres tall (or tiny) and with the front seats moved further forward, a longer journey would be perfectly conceivable.
The boot space in the Folgore is modest at 270 litres (310 litres in the Modena and Trofeo). One positive feature worth mentioning is the hatch between the rear seats. It allows skis to be transported. And thanks to the all-wheel drive, nothing would stand in the way of a skiing holiday. In my opinion, the electric tailgate is completely unnecessary.
There is only drive technology under the bonnet and no storage space for additional luggage. The bonnet can only be opened in a cumbersome manner.
Driving Experience
Get in, step on the brake pedal, press the ‘Start Engine’ button on the steering wheel and a sonorous, UFO-like noise sounds for a few seconds. Then: silence. Is this really a Maserati that is about to roll off? Unimaginable, but a fact.
But given to its sporty looks, the new Granturismo has the same presence on the road as its predecessor. Despite the black paintwork, the coupé attracts many glances and questioning faces as the ‘Tridente’ glides silently along the roads.
Four driving modes are available. The first (Range) ensures the maximum range, which is specified at 450 kilometres according to the WLTP (in warm months, a range of just under 400 kilometres is more realistic), but not only limits the performance, but also throttles energy consumers such as the air conditioning and reduces the top speed to 130 kph. The 'GT' mode is the mode for travelling. In this mode, only 80 per cent of the available power is released. Sport mode has full power, a more responsive throttle response and harder suspension. In 'Corsa' mode, the electronic assistants can be switched off and the fully available power can be reduced to just one wheel.
Maserati promises a 0-100kph sprint in 2.7 seconds and 0-200kph acceleration in 8.8 seconds. Whether these figures are achieved or not, it is certain that after a launch control, the wrinkles on your face will disappear for a short amount of time. Guarantied!
Thanks to the immediate flow of power from the electric motors, the Gran Turismo punches you in the gut in such a way that you really do consider to not start another rollercoaster ride. The acceleration is truly impressive. And to be honest, for a short while you forget that you're in an electric car.
The soundscape is unique. While other manufacturers have spherical sounds composed for them, Maserati set itself the goal of wanting to capture the sounds produced by the electric machines. In order to make the operating noises of the electric motors or the converter clearly audible, 120-watt loudspeakers were installed near the rear axle. As a result, the grumbling of the electric motors in Sport and Corsa driving modes can be heard in the interior. In view of the digital displays and screens, this background noise gives the vehicle an UFO-like character, especially at night.
But, at the end of the day, this car is still a Maserati. An Italian sports car from a brand steeped in tradition, which defines its fan base on emotionally charged vehicles. And that is the main problem with the Folgore; despite the deliberate inclusion of artificial noises, the coupe lacks heart and soul. Specifically: A combustion engine with a crossed intake manifold and an exhaust system that could provide the soundtrack to a blockbuster.
Facing reality: Thanks to the 270kW DC charging option, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80% in around 30 minutes. Presumably, the charging station is capable of transporting this amount of electricity. However, Maserati's software is not yet fully functional. Sometimes it takes another attempt to connect to the charging station. A bit tedious. I hope that Maserati will improve this with an update. Because a buyer who pays over CHF 200,000 for a vehicle will hardly want to tolerate such interruptions.
What should you buy?
Maserati has made a huge leap forward as a brand. Whether in terms of design language, performance data, quality or purchase price... The bold step of offering the first electric sports car on the European market and developing it in parallel with a variant with a combustion engine is also quite clever. But after this test, it is clear to me that a real Maserati must have a combustion engine under the bonnet. The ‘Folgore’ lacks certain character traits that you would expect from a thoroughbred ‘Tridente’. All in all, Maserati succeeded in creating a solid GT sports car with the Granturismo. How stable in value this model will be is still hidden in the depths of Neptune. However, I would venture to say in advance that the petrol-powered Granturismo will be the better investment and will save the brand!
Finally, I would like to thank Maserati Switzerland for giving me the opportunity to test drive the new Maserati Gran Turismo Folgore for a week. The lightening has left its mark; this sports car is currently in a category of its own. Because the competitors are obviously still asleep. So I'm all the more surprised that Maserati in particular has ventured to offer an electrically powered sports car on the market.
Review & Photos by RPM | Robin P.M.
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