The 2023 Maserati Grecale is the least expensive way to get the storied Maserati name. Known for its opulent cabin and choice of powerful drivetrains, it’s pricey — the size of a compact SUV but priced like a midsize luxury model. But, with the classic Maserati portholes and a lovely cabin dressed in more leather than most luxury models, it has real charm.
It’s about to get real spark, too. Maserati used the recent Shanghai Auto Show to show off a long-promised electric version of the Grecale.
It’s called the Grecale Folgore (Italian for “lightning”). Maserati hasn’t given a horsepower figure beyond saying it’s “above 500,” so we can’t yet be sure it’s the most powerful Grecale available (the twin-turbo V6 Grecale makes 523 horsepower).
It’s the second electric vehicle Maserati has unveiled. The company premiered a Folgore version of its plush GranTurismo grand tourer late last year, with more than 750 horsepower and a unique T-shaped battery designed to utilize the transmission tunnel of a gas-powered design.
Check out: The all-new 2023 Mercedes-EQ EQE electric luxury SUV
You’ll barely be able to tell it’s electric when you see it. The traditional Maserati trident sits on a concave false grille barely distinguishable from the functional grilles of internal combustion Grecales. A reshaped lower bumper also sets it apart from its gas-powered cousins but gives no hint of the electric power beneath.
Those three famous portholes, though, are lights — a subtle hint of what’s powering the Folgore. Trimwork, including logos, is done in a copper hue. Maserati says it “highlights the power of electricity and the audacious nature of Maserati.”
Inside, Econyl upholstery uses recycled fishing nets “with a unique laser-cut design inspired on the elegant moves of a ballerina.”
Maserati hasn’t published any data about charging times for the Folgore. The Italian automaker notes that it uses a 400-volt architecture. That’s a common setup — the one Tesla
TSLA,
uses — but charges slower than 800-volt architectures like those used in newer Porsche
POAHY,
and Hyundai
HYMTF,
EVs.
Also see: That new-car smell could be hazardous to your health
We expect to learn more, including pricing and a U.S. release date for the Grecale Folgore, in the coming months. Maserati promises by “2025, all Maserati models will be available in a full-electric version, and the entire Maserati range will run on electricity alone by 2030.”
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
This post was originally published on Market Watch
