As per the invitation, we had the chance to test both the electric 2025 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore and the gas-powered GranCabrio Trofeo convertibles. However, for me—Mr. Lake Life—the highlight was the electric Maserati boat mentioned.
During a phone call, Maserati representative Matt Rindone assured me of the opportunity to pilot this $2.6-million electric Maserati Tridente boat, along with driving some cars in Italy. I was immediately interested.
I should have obtained written confirmation about operating the boat.
Instead, some time later, I traversed the Italian countryside in both the new Maserati GranCabrio versions, electric and gas-powered. Both models capture the essence of Maserati today and its direction for the future.
However, the electric Folgore model stands out. Maserati has enhanced its topless grand tourer to be quicker and provide a better ride without compromising the experience. It even offers a unique sound experience.
Welcome to the age of the electric drop-top.
2025 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore
Dynamic Performance Contrasts between GranCabrio Folgore and Trofeo. After indulging in a few cups of cappuccino, I eased myself behind the wheel of an orange GranCabrio Folgore. I couldn’t help but notice a blue start button mounted on the steering wheel. I was immediately smitten.
Exiting a narrow alley, I held my breath. This large vehicle required 41 feet to maneuver in a circle. Maserati representatives refrained from explaining why, merely stating, “It’s complex.” I would have appreciated an explanation.
On the road, the three 300-kw (402 hp) electric motors, with one at the front and two at the rear, collaborate to propel this hefty 5,249-pound machine from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds. This acceleration time is marginally slower than the electric GranTurismo coupe. The 92.5-kwh (83.0 kwh usable) T-shaped battery, placed in the driveline tunnel and behind the rear seats, supplies these motors. Nevertheless, the power output is currently restricted due to the inverters. In the future, the combined power of the motors could reach 1,200 hp. Maserati’s involvement in Formula E hints at this ambition.
Maserati prohibited us from fully charging or discharging the Folgore battery. With an 800-volt electrical system, rapid charging from 20% to 80% is feasible in 18 minutes, adding 48 miles of range in five minutes. Although official EPA range evaluations are pending, Maserati anticipates that the GranCabrio Folgore will provide around 250 miles of driving range.
GranCabrio: A Blend of Comfort and Speed
The GranCabrio is designed to offer a mix of comfort and style while allowing for a detour to the Nürburgring for a thrilling lap, according to Maserati’s team.
Imagine a scenario where someone finds themselves racing at high speeds at the Nürburgring, the Maserati team is not incorrect. When in Corsa mode, a graphical representation of battery temperature on the right side of the digital instrument cluster monitors the power supply. If excessive heat is introduced into the battery pack due to frequent hard accelerations or from intense braking, which recharges energy to the battery pack, the vehicle will restrict power until the system cools down. However, it seems highly unlikely for this situation to occur outside of the Autobahn or a race track without resulting in legal consequences. Theoretically speaking.
Those brakes offer four levels of regeneration options ranging from maximum D= (double minus) to D+, all managed by the metal paddle shifters mounted on the steering column. The latter setting eliminates all regeneration, allowing coasting without deceleration until the driver applies the brakes. The former setting provides the highest level of regeneration, yet it is still insufficient for complete one-pedal driving. I found D- to be the closest resembling engine braking, although I utilized D= predominantly throughout the day for its faster speed reduction, energy replenishment to the battery pack, and consistent predictability – a characteristic that Mercedes’ EQ team has not yet mastered with their regenerative braking system.
2024 Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo
Transitioning from the Folgore to the gasoline-powered Trofeo was not as drastic of a change as one might anticipate. The Trofeo is equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, producing 542 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, delivering power to the wheels. Accelerating from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, it’s notably slower than the Folgore. It lacks the ability to press the driver firmly into the seat as aggressively as the Folgore does and requires power interruption for the 8-speed automatic transmission to shift gears.
Under heavy acceleration, the Trofeo crackles with the active exhaust valves open, emitting a satisfying sound for a V-6 engine, especially enjoyable in tunnel drives. However, the most noticeable distinction between the GranCabrio Folgore and Trofeo lies in the ride quality. Weighing 933 pounds more than the Trofeo, the Folgore provides a more stable and settled ride. Even in Corsa mode at high speeds, the suspension smoothly glides over uneven surfaces in the Folgore, whereas the Trofeo can feel slightly firmer, occasionally even slightly unsettled.
With the soft top retracted, there is minimal wind disturbance within the cabin, even during highway cruising. Conversations between two occupants are easily heard, without the need to raise voices. Raising the top transforms the cabin into a quieter space, reminiscent of a coupe-like environment.
Maserati GranCabrio Folgore exudes elegance
Both the Trofeo with its combustion engine and the Folgore with its electric powertrain exude sophistication as they glide along the road, featuring a lengthy hood, compact rear deck, muscular fenders, and a lowered stance. Irrespective of the propulsion system, the vehicle proudly showcases fender vents akin to stylish cufflinks. The key differentiators between the electric Folgore and the gasoline-powered Trofeo are the distinct 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheel designs, absence of air intakes on the front bumper, a charging port door located on the driver’s side of the rear bumper, and an absence of exhaust tips.
The wheel design of the Folgore surpasses that of the Trofeo with its three-spoke-like pattern. Upon closer inspection, the wheels give the illusion of throwing three tridents as they rotate. They bear resemblance to a refined interpretation of the three-spoke alloys seen on the first-generation Dodge Viper, although it’s doubtful that this was the inspiration behind Maserati’s design chief Klaus Busse.
The interior of Maserati GranCabrio embraces digital innovation
Whether equipped with an electric or combustion powertrain, the GranCabrio’s interior remains consistent with the coupe variant. This entails a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster coupled with a 12.3-inch touchscreen positioned above an 8.8-inch display hosting climate and vehicle controls.
The digital displays are housed within a leather-adorned cabin, featuring knurled accents and metallic speaker grille covers that emit a cool touch, reminiscent of cheese graters. Everything within the interior exudes the essence of luxury, akin to being meticulously assembled by individuals who take immense pride in their craftsmanship. This is certainly not comparable to the Tesla Roadster, assuming that mythical vehicle ever materializes again.
Even though the interior exudes sophistication, removing the top introduces a few practicality challenges. When the roof is down under direct sunlight, discerning the touch-sensitive radio volume slider next to the 12.3-inch touchscreen becomes nearly impossible. It gets overexposed. Sunlight also fades out the symbols on the buttons of the steering wheel, responsible for managing the cruise control system and digital gauge cluster. Operating, or shutting, the roof can be done via the 8.8-inch touchscreen, necessitating a single tap to access the menu, followed by sliding and holding an icon for 14 seconds to open or 16 seconds to close the roof.
The Folgores boast what feels like neoprene seat inserts, which might seem somewhat out of place in a luxury vehicle. Maserati mentioned that this material is sustainable, but personally, I would opt for the available leather like a barbarian. The Trofeo version, on the other hand, comes equipped with standard leather.
Image Source: Karolis Kavolelis / Shutterstock
