Shanghai 2023: Maserati Grecale Folgore has its sights on BMW iX

Maserati is wasting no time introducing fully-electric cars to its lineup of vehicles. After launching the GranTurismo Folgore EV supercar last year, the brand with the Trident logo reveals its latest EV high-performance (and luxurious) crossover.

Say hello to the Maserati Grecale Folgore. It delivers sports car-like performance in a crossover SUV package without the guilt of carbon emissions. Making its official debut at Auto Shanghai 2023, the all-new electric crossover from Italy is out to hunt the likes of the BMW iX.

Despite having no engine in front, Maserati decided to give the all-electric Grecale a Trofeo-inspired front end. It gets the signature inverted front grille albeit closed off, blacked-out accents on the bumper and faux side intakes, a new rear diffuser, illuminated side vents, distinct copper badges (including copper-painted brake calipers), and aerodynamically-designed alloy wheels that are available in 19-, 20-, and 21-inch sizes.

Inside, it gets the same opulent and sporty interior as its ICE counterparts. However, it comes with its own unique finishes and theme. For starters, its upholstery is made from Econyl which Maserati describes as “regenerated nylon made from waste like fishing nets, fabric scraps, and carpets”. The copper accents also make their way inside the Grecale Folgore in keeping with the overall EV theme.

On the technology front, it gets a pair of 12.3-inch displays - one serves as the digital instrument panel while the other is the touchscreen infotainment system complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also an additional 8.8-inch monitor at the center that controls the onboard climate control and additional in-car functions.

Another neat feature this particular EV has is its special navigation system. Unlike your typical onboard navigation, this one actually is connected to the battery system. This means it can inform the driver of nearby charging stations along a route and update the maximum range of the battery depending on road conditions, available routes, and charge status - all in real-time.

At the heart of the Grecale Folgore is a 105 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers a dual-motor drivetrain. This provides the vehicle with an impressive 557 PS and a meaty 820 Nm of torque. 0 - 100 km/h is easily achieved in only 4.1 seconds while its top speed is rated at 220 km/h.

Aside from being quick off the line, Maserati also shared that it has a 400V architecture which allows it to have 150 kW DC fast-charging tech. This means it can be recharged from 20% to 80% in less than 30 minutes. Range, on the other hand, is rated at 500 km based on the WLTP cycle. Should the battery charge reach below 16% and the nearest charging station is still a few kilometers out, it has Max Range mode which extracts more mileage from the battery by turning down the climate control, reducing accelerator input, and limiting top speed to just 130 km/h.

“It’s a defining moment for the Maserati brand. Today, we’re in China at the Shanghai Auto Show; we’re in Italy for the cosmopolitan Milano Design Week event; we’re all over the world celebrating the future: it’s a new beginning for the brand. We’re celebrating Folgore, the electrification plan that has become a reality and is ready to pave the way in this revolutionary era. I’m very excited to be here in Shanghai, which is not only an international exhibition but also a global platform for innovation and the ideal place to unveil the first electric models in the history of Maserati,” said David Grasso, CEO of Maserati.

With the Grecale Folgore making its public debut in Shanghai, perhaps we’ll see it make its Philippine debut later this year or the next.