Maserati Grecale Folgore: A Shocking Electric Anniversary Road Trip

Key West, Florida, USA - In an era where electric vehicles are becoming commonplace, luxury automaker Maserati has made a significant leap with the introduction of the Grecale Folgore, its first all-electric SUV. Priced at a cool $135,855, this model offers a mix of performance, range, and comfort that sets it apart from competitors in the market.

For those of us hesitating on making the electric jump, the Grecale Folgore offers a compelling proposition. The vehicle features a 97kWh usable battery (105kWh total) and an impressive range of up to 310 miles, although real-world figures may see that drop to around 240 miles, especially in harsher winter conditions, as noted in Electrifying.

Real-World Driving Experience

Recently, a local journalist took the Grecale on a road trip from South Beach to Key Largo to celebrate a personal milestone—his 10th wedding anniversary. Despite some initial concerns about range, especially given the sparse charging infrastructure, the vehicle performed admirably even under wet conditions. The trip involved managing the state of charge (SOC), starting at 91% and ending around 60% after covering 72 miles to Key Largo, as reported by DuPont Registry.

Charging access remains a pivotal concern; the only station nearby was less than half a mile from the villa. After an initial hiccup with charging at Tradewinds, the journalist successfully charged the Grecale, taking 38 minutes and costing $22.77 to bring the SOC back up to 93%. In similar moments, it’s evident that while the charging experience can be smooth, issues can arise, highlighting weaknesses in the existing infrastructure.

Design and Features

With a sleek design, the Grecale Folgore isn’t just about practicality. It boasts a unique style that blends Maserati’s iconic luxury with cutting-edge technology. Inside, it features a digital instrument cluster, a sizable 12.3-inch center screen, and a compliant driver-focused design that includes a secondary touchscreen for passenger convenience. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although users have noted that the small icons might not be overly user-friendly, as discussed in Engadget.

Comfort isn’t sidelined either. The Grecale offers ample legroom and headroom for passengers, with a boot capacity of 535 liters—perfect for loading up for a day out, perhaps even a round of golf. Moreover, four brake regeneration modes and a responsive accelerator pedal ensure that driving remains dynamic and engaging.

Performance Highlights

Under the hood, the Grecale Folgore earns points for performance. It produces a robust 550bhp, allowing it to go from 0-62 mph in just 4.1 seconds, placing it firmly in the blend of luxury and speed. However, some drivers have pointed out the ride’s firmness and noticeable body lean during sharp turns, which has left room for improvement in the comfort department.

Maserati’s ambitions stretch beyond the Grecale; it plans to electrify its entire lineup by 2025, including anticipated models such as the GranCabriolet and Quattroporte, aligning itself with the shifting landscape of automotive engineering while not entirely abandoning combustion engines until 2030.

As we embrace this new chapter in automotive innovation, the Maserati Grecale Folgore stands out, affording a blend of luxury and environmental consciousness but accompanied by genuine concerns regarding charging infrastructure and range. It’s a leap forward for Maserati and a conversation starter for what the future holds in electric luxury vehicles.