Overview

Electric convertibles remain a rare breed. You'd think EVs would lend themselves perfectly to roof-down motoring thanks to their near-silent operation and zero-emission cruising, but the extra weight of a battery pack makes engineering a convertible even more challenging.

MINI briefly offered an electric Convertible in 2023, but production was limited to just 999 cars across Europe, with only 150 destined for the UK. Fiat's 500e Convertible features a retractable fabric roof rather than a full cabriolet design, while the Smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio is now only available used and struggles to achieve 100 miles on a charge.

That leaves just two genuine electric convertibles: the MG Cyberster and the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore. The MG is a two-seater starting from around £55,000. The Maserati? It starts at a staggering £182,400 before you've even begun exploring the options list. Add the Advance Driver Assistance Pack and a handful of desirable extras, and you're approaching £200,000.

It's certainly not a volume seller, but it is something genuinely unique. The GranCabrio Folgore is the world's first all-electric four-seat convertible, bringing Maserati's glamorous grand touring heritage into the EV era.

Its nearest rival is arguably the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. While it lacks a folding roof, the Porsche offers greater range, faster charging, superior practicality and sharper handling. Choosing the Maserati is therefore an emotional decision rather than a logical one – and that's exactly the point.

Driving

The GranCabrio Folgore uses three electric motors – one at the front and two at the rear – which combine to produce an astonishing 761hp and almost 1,000lb ft of torque. Performance is nothing short of spectacular. It sprints from 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds, making it around 0.7 seconds quicker than its V6-powered sibling.

Unlike many performance EVs, Maserati hasn't ignored the emotional side of driving. The Folgore features an artificial soundtrack inspired by the company's V8 engines. It may never replace the real thing, but it adds welcome character and theatre without becoming overbearing.

There are four driving modes: GT prioritises comfort while limiting power to 80%, although it's still seriously quick; Maximum Range softens the accelerator response, reduces climate control output and limits top speed to maximise efficiency; Sport lowers the ride height and sharpens the suspension for enthusiastic road driving; and Corsa unlocks maximum performance, further stiffens the chassis and allows adjustment of the traction control and torque vectoring systems.

Despite weighing around 2.4 tonnes – roughly 420kg more than the petrol GranCabrio – the Folgore disguises its mass remarkably well. Steering is precise, braking is confidence-inspiring and the balance remains surprisingly neutral thanks to its 50:50 weight distribution.

It's no Porsche Taycan when the road turns twisty, but it isn't trying to be. The Maserati prioritises effortless pace, refinement and drama over outright driver involvement, making it an exceptional grand tourer.

Regenerative braking is adjusted via the long aluminium paddles behind the steering wheel, offering four levels from free coasting to an almost one-pedal driving experience. It's a neat reuse of the paddles found on the V6 model, although their size makes the indicator stalks slightly awkward to reach.

Ride quality is another highlight. Even without the optional air suspension, the electronically controlled damping delivers impressive comfort, while body flex – inevitable in any convertible – is kept well under control.

Range and running costs

The GranCabrio Folgore is powered by an 800V electrical architecture capable of charging at up to 270kW, allowing around 62 miles of range to be added in just five minutes under ideal conditions. Official WLTP range is up to 277 miles.

In reality, expect somewhere between 170 and 220 miles depending on conditions, with our test car indicating around 247 miles when fully charged. That's acceptable for many journeys, but disappointing considering both the price and the car's role as a long-distance grand tourer.

The Porsche Taycan comfortably betters the Maserati in real-world driving, typically returning between 250 and 275 miles, making it the more convincing option for regular long-distance use.

Running costs will naturally be lower than an equivalent petrol grand tourer, particularly if charged at home, but depreciation is likely to be significant. Given its £182,400 starting price, this could become a very tempting used buy several years down the line.

Design

If ever there were an EV capable of stopping people in their tracks, this is it. The GranCabrio Folgore is absolutely stunning. Its long bonnet – measuring over three square metres in surface area – low roofline, short rear overhang and classic GT proportions create one of the most elegant electric cars on sale today.

Unlike many EVs, Maserati has resisted the temptation to radically alter the styling. The differences from the petrol model are subtle, consisting of a closed honeycomb grille, unique alloy wheels, discreet Folgore badging and a charging port neatly integrated beneath the rear light cluster.

Most people won't even realise it's electric. During our test, one admirer at a petrol station simply refused to believe it wasn't powered by a combustion engine.

Our car looked particularly striking in grey with the optional Granata red fabric roof. Other notable options included dark copper brake calipers and beautiful carbon fibre interior trim.

Comfort and Practicality

Step inside and the GranCabrio immediately feels worthy of its price tag. The cabin is beautifully finished and possesses a sense of occasion that arguably surpasses the Porsche Taycan. Optional leather upholstery and carbon fibre trim only enhance the experience.

Maserati's latest infotainment system is split across two displays: a 12.3-inch upper touchscreen handling media and navigation, and a lower 8.8-inch screen controlling climate functions, heated seats and various vehicle settings.

While visually impressive, the system can be fiddly to operate on the move. The touch-sensitive roof controls are particularly frustrating – you have to keep your finger pressed on the screen for the full 15-second opening or closing cycle. A physical switch would have been far simpler.

The optional Air Scarf neck warmer is a welcome addition for cooler days, although it does produce a noticeable fan noise behind your head.

Practicality isn't the Folgore's strongest suit. While it technically seats four, the T-shaped battery limits rear legroom, making the back seats best suited to children or shorter adults.

Boot space is also extremely limited, offering just 151 litres with the roof raised and only 114 litres when folded. More frustratingly, there's no front luggage compartment despite that enormous bonnet. Realistically, this is a car for weekends away rather than airport runs or family holidays.

Verdict

The Maserati GranCabrio Folgore is a wonderfully irrational car. Its range disappoints, practicality is limited and the asking price borders on the outrageous. From a purely objective standpoint, cars such as the Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT and Lotus Emeya deliver more capability for considerably less money. Yet none of those cars offers what the Maserati does. There are currently no direct rivals if you want a four-seat electric convertible, and the GranCabrio Folgore combines breathtaking styling, immense performance, genuine luxury and Italian charisma in a way few EVs can match.

This isn't a driver's car in the same mould as the Taycan, nor is it intended to be. It's a glamorous grand tourer designed to make every journey feel special, whether you're crossing continents or simply taking the long way home on a summer evening.
It's an impressive engineering achievement and proof that electrification doesn't have to come at the expense of emotion. Would I spend £182,400 on one? Probably not. Would I love to own one after a few years of depreciation? Absolutely.

For those fortunate enough to afford it, the GranCabrio Folgore is perhaps the most desirable electric convertible money can buy.

Key Specs

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore

Price (RRP OTR): From £185,400
Top speed: 180mph
0–62mph: 2.8 seconds
Power: 610kW (818bhp)
Torque: 995lb-ft 
Driving range (combined): Up to 278 miles (WLTP)
Charging time: ~4 hrs 50 min (22kW, 0–100%), 18 min (270kW, 20–80%)
Insurance group: 50
Vehicle warranty: 3 years / unlimited mileage
Battery warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles