Is the 2026 Maserati Grecale Folgore Worth It? EV Review
Is the 2026 Maserati Grecale Folgore Worth It? EV Review
The electric vehicle (EV) market is evolving at lightning speed, and luxury automakers like Maserati are stepping up to meet the demand. The 2026 Maserati Grecale Folgore is the Italian brand's bold answer to the growing appetite for high-performance electric SUVs. As the all-electric variant of the Grecale lineup, the Folgore promises to deliver the same opulence and driving dynamics Maserati is known for—but with zero emissions. But is it worth the premium price tag? In this comprehensive 2026 Maserati Grecale Folgore review, we’ll dive into its design, performance, technology, charging capabilities, and overall value to help you decide if this EV fits your lifestyle and expectations.
Design and Styling: Italian Flair Meets Electric Elegance
Maserati has long been synonymous with elegance and performance, and the 2026 Grecale Folgore carries on that tradition. The exterior design blends aggressive lines with refined details, creating an SUV that’s both athletic and luxurious. From the iconic trident grille (now more of a sculptural accent than a functional air intake) to the sweeping roofline and muscular wheel arches, every element exudes confidence.
The Folgore features subtle design cues to distinguish it from its gasoline-powered siblings. These include blue accents on the brake calipers, a unique front fascia optimized for aerodynamics, and specific badging indicating its electric nature. The flush door handles and smooth underbody help reduce drag, contributing to a more efficient ride. LED headlights with adaptive beams and full matrix lighting ensure excellent visibility, while the taillights feature a modern, animated sequence that turns heads at night.
Inside, the cabin is where the Grecale Folgore truly shines. Premium materials such as soft Nappa leather, real wood inlays, and brushed aluminum trim are standard. Maserati offers a wide range of customization options, allowing buyers to tailor the interior to their taste. The 12.3-inch curved digital instrument cluster and central 12.3-inch infotainment screen dominate the dashboard, with a third 8.8-inch touchscreen controlling climate and comfort functions. The layout is sleek and modern, with minimal physical buttons—perfect for tech-savvy consumers.
Space is generous for both front and rear passengers. The Grecale Folgore offers ample legroom and headroom, making it ideal for long drives. The trunk capacity is slightly reduced compared to the combustion models due to the battery pack, but at 15.3 cubic feet, it’s still competitive in its class. Fold down the rear seats, and you get around 50 cubic feet of cargo space—plenty for weekend getaways or grocery runs.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 2026 Maserati Grecale Folgore is powered by dual electric motors—one on each axle—making it an all-wheel-drive powerhouse. Combined, they produce an impressive 558 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. That kind of output allows the SUV to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, rivaling performance SUVs like the Porsche Macan EV and Tesla Model Y Performance.
But performance isn’t just about speed. Maserati has tuned the Folgore’s suspension and steering to deliver a driving experience that feels both agile and luxurious. Adaptive air suspension comes standard, adjusting damping in real-time to road conditions and driving style. The SUV handles corners with precision, thanks to its low center of gravity from the underfloor battery pack, while still providing a comfortable ride over bumps and potholes.
Driving modes include GT, Sport, and Off-Road, each altering throttle response, suspension stiffness, and traction control settings. The Sport mode amplifies the artificial sound system, which simulates engine-like tones to enhance the driving experience—an homage to Maserati’s heritage. While some EV purists may scoff at synthetic sounds, many drivers appreciate the emotional engagement they bring.
The steering is responsive and well-weighted, offering excellent feedback without being overly heavy. Brake feel is also impressive, with a smooth blend between regenerative braking and mechanical brakes. Regen levels can be adjusted via paddles behind the steering wheel, allowing drivers to maximize energy recovery and even enable one-pedal driving in city conditions.
Battery and Charging: Range Realities and Infrastructure
At the heart of the Grecale Folgore is a 105 kWh lithium-ion battery pack—among the largest in the compact luxury SUV segment. Maserati claims an estimated EPA-estimated range of 280 miles on a full charge. While this number is respectable, it falls slightly behind rivals like the Tesla Model Y (up to 330 miles) and the Genesis GV70 Electrified (236 miles but with faster charging). However, real-world driving conditions—such as cold weather, aggressive driving, or use of climate control—can reduce this figure by 10–15%.
Charging speed is where the Folgore excels. Thanks to an 800-volt architecture (similar to the Porsche Taycan and Hyundai Ioniq 5), the SUV supports DC fast charging at up to 270 kW. This means you can recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes under optimal conditions. For home charging, the Grecale Folgore is compatible with a 11.5 kW onboard charger, allowing a full charge overnight using a Level 2 home charging station.
It’s worth noting that while the 800-volt system enables faster charging, widespread availability of 270 kW chargers is still limited in the U.S. Most public DC fast chargers operate at 50–150 kW, so actual charging times may vary. Still, the Folgore’s system future-proofs the vehicle as charging infrastructure continues to expand.
Technology and Infotainment: A Modern Digital Cockpit
The 2026 Grecale Folgore is packed with cutting-edge technology. The centerpiece is Maserati’s new infotainment system, powered by Android Automotive OS. This platform offers seamless integration with Google services, including Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store for apps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also supported, both wirelessly.
The main 12.3-inch touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, with crisp graphics and logical menu structures. Voice commands work well, and the system supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring your software stays current without visiting a dealership.
Additional tech highlights include a premium 14-speaker Sonus Faber audio system (upgradable to 21 speakers), wireless phone charging, head-up display, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The latter includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automated parking. While not a full hands-free driving system, the suite of features makes highway driving safer and less fatiguing.
Maserati also includes a digital key feature, allowing you to unlock and start the vehicle using your smartphone. This adds convenience and modern flair, especially for tech-forward buyers.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is a top priority, and the 2026 Grecale Folgore comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features expand this list to include highway assist, rear cross-traffic braking, and a 360-degree camera system.
The SUV’s rigid platform and low center of gravity enhance stability and reduce rollover risk. The battery pack is encased in a protective aluminum housing, designed to withstand impacts and prevent thermal runaway. While official NHTSA and IIHS crash test ratings won’t be available until later in 2026, Maserati has followed rigorous safety protocols during development.
Additionally, the Grecale Folgore features predictive safety systems that use navigation data and real-time traffic information to anticipate hazards. For example, if the vehicle detects a sharp curve ahead, it can pre-charge the regenerative braking system and alert the driver to reduce speed.
Ownership and Maintenance: The Cost of Luxury EVs
The 2026 Maserati Grecale Folgore starts at $95,995, placing it firmly in the premium EV segment. Fully loaded models with optional packages can exceed $110,000. While this is undeniably expensive, it’s in line with competitors like the BMW iX, Audi e-tron GT, and the aforementioned Porsche Macan EV.
One advantage of EV ownership is lower maintenance costs. With fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines, the Folgore requires no oil changes, spark plug replacements, or exhaust system repairs. Regenerative braking also reduces wear on brake pads. However, luxury EVs often come with higher insurance premiums and potential costs for tire replacement (due to the vehicle’s weight and performance).
Maserati offers a standard 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty. While this battery coverage is decent, it falls short of Tesla’s 8-year/unlimited-mile warranty on certain models. Extended service plans are available for purchase, providing peace of mind for long-term owners.
Charging costs vary depending on your location and electricity rates. On average, it costs about $12–$15 to fully charge the Grecale Folgore at home, translating to roughly $0.05 per mile. This is significantly cheaper than gasoline-powered SUVs, especially with rising fuel prices.
How It Compares to the Competition
To determine whether the Grecale Folgore is worth it, it’s essential to compare it with key rivals in the luxury electric SUV space.
- Tesla Model Y: Starting around $47,000, the Model Y is much more affordable and offers superior range and charging infrastructure. However, it lacks the Italian craftsmanship, premium materials, and brand prestige of the Maserati.
- Porsche Macan EV: Expected to launch around the same time, the Macan EV promises similar performance and a 400-mile range. Porsche’s reputation for driving dynamics and build quality makes it a strong contender, but it may come at a higher price.
- Audi Q8 e-tron: With a starting price near $70,000, the Q8 e-tron offers solid performance and luxury, but its design and tech feel less cutting-edge compared to the Folgore.
- Genesis GV70 Electrified: Priced around $80,000, this Korean option delivers strong performance and luxury features but has a shorter range and slower charging than the Folgore.
What sets the Grecale Folgore apart is its blend of Italian style, performance, and exclusivity. If you value design, brand heritage, and a luxurious driving experience over maximum range or lowest cost, the Folgore makes a compelling case.
Target Audience: Who Is the Grecale Folgore For?
The 2026 Maserati Grecale Folgore isn’t for everyone—and that’s by design. It’s tailored for affluent buyers who want a luxury EV with emotional appeal, not just efficiency. Ideal customers include:
- Luxury car enthusiasts who appreciate Maserati’s design heritage.
- Urban professionals seeking a stylish, high-performance daily driver.
- Early adopters of EV technology who want exclusivity and cutting-edge features.
- Drivers who prioritize driving dynamics and interior comfort over maximum range.
If you’re looking for the most practical or cost-effective EV, the Grecale Folgore may not be your best choice. But if you want a statement vehicle that combines performance, elegance, and sustainability, it’s a strong contender.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Maserati is making strides toward sustainability with the Grecale Folgore. The company has committed to becoming fully electric by 2030, and the Folgore is a key part of that roadmap. The manufacturing process includes increased use of recycled materials, and Maserati is working with suppliers to reduce carbon emissions across the supply chain.
The battery production process still has an environmental footprint, but Maserati is investing in renewable energy for its factories. Additionally, the long lifespan of EV batteries and the potential for second-life applications (such as home energy storage) help reduce long-term impact.
While no vehicle is entirely “green,” the Grecale Folgore represents a step toward more sustainable luxury motoring—especially when charged using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
The Verdict: Is the 2026 Maserati Grecale Folgore Worth It?
After evaluating every aspect of the 2026 Maserati Grecale Folgore—from design and performance to technology and value—the answer depends on what you’re looking for in an EV.
Yes, it’s worth it if:
- You value Italian design and craftsmanship.
- You want a high-performance luxury SUV with emotional appeal.
- You appreciate cutting-edge technology and fast charging capabilities.