Maserati’s leap into the electric vehicle realm brings us the 2025 GranTurismo Folgore—a striking grand tourer that promises lightning-fast performance for a hefty $194,000 price tag. Does this electrified beauty deliver enough to justify its cost, especially without the iconic growl of its V-8 or V-6 predecessors? I took it for a spin on an icy rallycross track in the Italian Alps to find out how this 818-horsepower beast handles winter challenges and whether it retains the soul of a true Maserati.
Under the Hood: Electric Innovation
The GranTurismo Folgore joins Maserati’s “Folgore” lineup—Italian for “lightning”—alongside the GranCabrio and Grecale SUV. Built on the Giorgio Sport platform (evolved from Alfa Romeo’s Giulia), it swaps the twin-turbo 3.0L Nettuno V-6 for three electric motors: one upfront and two at the rear. These power a 92.5 kWh T-shaped battery, delivering 751 hp consistently, with bursts up to 818 hp and 994 lb-ft of torque. Notably, two-thirds of that power surges to the rear, ensuring a thrilling, rear-biased drive. The compact motors, aided by silicon carbide inverters, and the clever battery layout keep the car low and agile, avoiding the bulky feel of typical EV skateboard designs.
Quick Specs at a Glance
- Motor: Triple Permanent-Magnet Synchronous
- Power: 818 hp / 994 lb-ft
- Range: 242 miles
- 0-60 MPH: 2.7 seconds
- Base Price: $194,000
Inside: Luxury with Limits
Step inside, and you’ll find the same cabin as the gas-powered GranTurismo—lush but not flawless. The signature column-mounted paddles now tweak regenerative braking instead of gears, a neat touch for EV enthusiasts. Yet, for nearly $200,000, the interior falls short of perfection. Touchscreens dominate, and while luxurious, the space lacks the bespoke details you’d expect at this price. Some switches, borrowed from humbler Stellantis models, feel out of place. It’s a step up from the old GranTurismo, but it doesn’t scream exclusivity.
Sliding on Ice: A Rallycross Adventure
Maserati unleashed the Folgore on a frozen rallycross course, a playground to test its electric vehicle performance. The ice muted its raw acceleration, but it revealed the car’s finesse in torque management, stability, and physics. Spoiler: it’s a blast. Kicking off a drift was effortless, thanks to sharp, quick-ratio steering that caught slides with ease. The rear-biased torque made every throttle tap a delight, enabling smooth, countersteering drifts. The front motor stayed quiet unless I floored it, then gently tugged the nose straight without killing the fun.
Precision or chaos? The Folgore handles both. Go wild with big, smoky slides, and it plays along happily. Ease up, and it responds to subtle inputs with grace. Off-throttle shifts felt crisp, and whether I was carving tight lines or spraying snow, it stayed composed. The steering, though light on feedback, gave just enough to nail precise moves. For a grand tourer, it dances like a nimble sports car—impressive, given its heft—while still cocooning you in GT-worthy comfort.
Hits and Misses
- Pros: Stunning design, stellar icy handling, brute power
- Cons: Sparse physical controls, interior value lags behind price, steep cost
The Verdict: Lightning Without Thunder?
The GranTurismo Folgore shines as a driving tool—its electric power and winter car handling are undeniable, especially on ice. It masks its weight well, blending sporty agility with grand tourer refinement. Yet, at $194,000, it leaves me wanting more soul. The silent thrust didn’t ignite my passion, even mid-drift. It’s gorgeous and capable, but it lacks the emotional spark of its gas-powered ancestors. For Maserati fans craving electric innovation, it’s a bold step—just not a heart-stirring one.
