After a half-decade of soul searching, Maserati has a good idea of who it is. Finally. Not since the 80s has the automaker’s vehicle priorities been so well defined. It’s about power. About design. About attitude.
The new GranCabrio capitalizes on that. The automaker says that the pillars of the car’s engineering and design are open-top elegance, performance, cutting-edge technology and iconic design. It hits those on the head.
A model in its own right, the 2025 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore builds on the foundation of the gas-powered version of the car. Or is it the other way around? In the model, unlike most vehicles that come out with multiple powertrain options, it’s a classic chicken or the egg scenario.
That’s not a bad thing, in fact, it’s quite good, helping the GranCabrio stand on its own as a model with powertrain options rather than having to choose “an electric vehicle” or “a Maserati”.
Maserati
If you want to choose “a Maserati” you can go with the gasoline-powered 2024 Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo, which follows in the long line of performance models with a new, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine.
The models were designed in parallel with the GranTurismo and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. This purposeful decision was made by Maserati head designer Klaus Busse, who simply didn’t see the need to make grand changes, he told Newsweek during a walk-around explanation of the model.
Though GranCabrio is sporty, it is clearly not a sports car, design-wise or operationally. Its cabin is big enough for four though larger adults won’t be comfortable in the rear for long. And, its tragically wide turning circle means precision in the city isn’t its specialty.
The easiest way to tell the gas model from the all-electric version is the grille. GranCabrio Trofeo models sport a classically concave structure while GranCabrio Folgore has a more enclosed design. The Folgore also comes with unique wheels, designed to maximize aerodynamic efficiency without getting in the way of good style.
Both models feature a nose that dives down with curves emanating that yield to a uniquely curvaceous mid-hood, riding to the windscreen. Long coupe doors move the eyes rearward. From behind, the GranCabrio looks as wide as it feels when you’re inside thanks in part to staggered back tires that are larger than the front’s.
A sophisticated color palette complete with matte colors that glisten in the sunlight raises the elegance level of the design. The cars have their own unique color palette options.
Maserati
Maserati
Their interiors are nearly identical too, with the only difference being that the electric version is able to be equipped with Econyl seats. The material uses regenerated nylon, recovered nylon waste, as surface cover. And, GranCabrio Folgore exclusively features high-frequency printed leather that is inspired by the fashion world.
Though they look and feel similar, they don’t drive that way.
Whether climbing mountains, descending hills, winding through towns or riding rural roads, being behind the wheel of this electric tourer offers pleasure. Smooth throttle response that delivers rapid acceleration when called on, but also modulates for elegance when left for more gentle movement.
It’s not without sound. There’s some, which is more natural than what you’ll find in most other battery-electric vehicles. The Maserati isn’t trying to sound like a spaceship or human flatulence. But, it’s not completely silent like the Volvo EX90. That’s deliberate, Maserati says, saying that there’s a human relation to sound and speed that should not be ignored.
The car offers regenerative braking technology that provides three grip levels. The strength kicks up pretty fast with the mild first level being the most comfortable for daily driving situations. Otherwise, braking is smooth and comfortable, the complete opposite of the McLaren Artura Spider.
Maserati
Up or down the mountains, the car was grounded and stable, not front-heavy like its gasoline-powered counterpart. The battery’s location in the middle of the car, not flat under the floor like many other electric vehicles, allows the car to feel centered more than flat.
That feeling is helped by impressive handling dynamics, courtesy of torque vectoring technology, which are only aided by the car’s drive modes. GranCabrio Folgore is offered with four drive modes: Maximum Range, GT, Sport and Corsa.
Maximum Range is the mild sauce in the vat, and is likely best for daily drivers in America that are bound to sit in Miami traffic.
Switching to GT mode turns the car into a comfortable cruiser while Sport mode is pushes the model to a whole new level of fun. Corsa takes Sport dynamics a step further but the ride is harsher.
Adjusting the drive modes via the dial on the steering wheel is very AMG, but in operation it’s somehow less offensive.
Where the steering wheel design fails is in its lack of white-on-black printing. Instead, buttons are black-on-black and hard to see to use, especially in the direct sunlight afforded by the open roof, and with sunglasses on.
Even in direct sunlight, the car’s 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen remain easily able to be viewed and utilized, without any gimmicky screen coatings or a mechanism to tilt the screen just right. The head-up display is easy to use as well.
Depending on the drive mode, the instrument cluster’s design changes.
The car has a unique digital clock above the infotainment touchscreen that offers a modern take on the iconic touch of luxury. The design of the clock can be chosen by the driver from three different faces.
Maserati
The same display can also feature four animations: compass, G-force meter, accelerator and stopwatch. It also has contextual pop-ups, like a phone and battery icon that appears when a smartphone is resting on the car’s wireless charging pad.
The Android Auto-backed system can store up to five user profiles that customize the ride and drive experience.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.
GranCabrio is equipped with a number of driver assistance and safety features, including hands-on lane keeping technology with accident avoidance steering assist. The car can automatically apply the brakes if it believes a rear collision is imminent when in reverse. Parking assistance is offered via a surround view camera and parking sensors.
Maserati lists the 2025 GranCabrio Folgore at $206,995 with an added $1,995 destination fee. That’s approximately $13,000 more than the GranCabrio Trofeo, and worth every penny.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.