Full-electric Maserati SUV Grecale Folgore debutes in Shanghai

At the Shanghai Motor Show, Maserati is showcasing as a world’s first the fully electric version of its Grecale SUV, next to the GranTurismo Folgore coupé. ‘Folgore’ is the brand’s umbrella term for its electric model range, which will start rolling out in 2023.

“The future of electrification is rooted in China,” says the Italian luxury brand. “The 2023 Shanghai Auto Show is, therefore, the ideal meeting point between the Asian market and the brand to remark on and enhance the concept of ‘Italian luxury performance’, at the dawn of a new era.”

Giorgio platform

The SUV, with the name inspired by the Mediterranean Gregale wind, already exists with a 300 or 330-hp mild-hybrid four-cylinder combustion engine or a 530-hp V6 Nettuno engine. The Grecale shares FCA’s Giorgio platform with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The fully electric version shown in Shanghai is recognizable by the special – inverted – Folgore grille with gloss black inserts on a slightly anodized silk black base. The splitters, door handles, DLO, and side skirts are also finished in gloss black. The badges and brake calipers are both in copper colors, while the side vents are illuminated.

Two 205 kW motors

The 4WD electric SUV features two 205 kW motors for a combined output of 410 kW (550 hp) and 820 Nm of torque. It gets a 105 kWh battery giving the 2 480 kg weighing SUV an estimated range of more than 500 km with an average energy consumption of 23.6 kWh/100 km.

The top speed is 220 km, and it can put on a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,1 seconds. Charging can be done at 22kW (AC) up to 150 kW (DC) at 400 volts. The latter should give you an extra 100 km in nine minutes.

Four driving modes

Grecale comes with four different driving modes: MAX RANGE, GT, SPORT, and OFFROAD, which can be initiated from a  selector on the steering wheel. After playing around too enthusiastically in SPORT mode, the Grecale driver can switch to MAX RANGE when the battery sinks below 16% charge. That will limit the top speed to 130 km/h, reduce the response of the accelerator pedal, and restrict the power of the climate control to get to a charger.

Needless to say, this Maserati also comes with all thinkable luxury like heated and ventilated 14-way adjustable electric seats, and including air suspension, as is the case for all Folgore models.