Maserati launches GranTurismo Folgore and Grecale Folgore in Malaysia, Italian EV performance from RM588k

Maserati’s electric era has officially begun in Malaysia with the debut of the all-new GranTurismo Folgore and Grecale Folgore. These are the first fully electric models from the iconic Italian marque to land on our shores, with prices starting from RM998,800 for the GranTurismo Folgore and RM588,000 for the Grecale Folgore.

Maserati Malaysia, operated under Naza Italia, is managing the sales and aftersales operations from its flagship showroom in Petaling Jaya. By the way, the name “Folgore” might not conjure up Italian fury in its phonetic attributes, but given it’s the Italian word for lightning, it does bear a fitting connection to both these cars, and does at least do a better job at differentiating their fully electric variants than nomenclature used by other automakers.

Let’s start with the GranTurismo Folgore, which stands out in the EV world, not just for its performance, but also for its unique position opposite its twin-turbo Nettuno V6 counterpart. As a sleek 2-door grand tourer, it occupies a niche untouched by most electric rivals, which tend to be four-door sedans like the Porsche Taycan or Lotus Emeya. The GranTurismo Folgore shares its silhouette with its petrol-powered sibling, but under that long bonnet, it's an entirely different animal.

Powering the GranTurismo Folgore are a total of three electric motors that, combined, deliver a staggering 1,200 PS. However, seeing as that might be a little excessive, Maserati has capped real-world output to a slightly more modest 771 PS, but the result is still blistering: 0–100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds, intoxicating roll-on performance with 1,350Nm of instant torque, and a top speed claimed at a staggering 325 km/h; a figure only matched by something wearing a Rimac badge, or the Lotus Evija.

At its heart is a 92.5kWh battery that enables a 450 km range (WLTP), and thanks to its 800-volt charging system, you can add 100 km of range in just 5 minutes or charge from 20% to 80% in around 18 minutes at 270kW.

Inside, the cabin of the GranTurismo Folgore doesn’t differ much to the combustion version, maintaining an aura of fine Italian craftsmanship with a blend of premium leather, wood, carbon fibre trims, and a clean, modern dashboard design filled with digital displays.

Despite its performance focus, the coupe still offers 270 litres of boot space, enough for weekend travel, and assuming you manage to extract all of its claimed range.

Onto the more everyday-friendly Grecale Folgore, on the other hand, which enters the fiercely competitive mid-size electric SUV segment. Priced locally from RM588,000, it rivals the all-electric Porsche Macan, Lotus Eletre, and  Audi SQ8 e-tron.

Equipped with dual electric motors drawing from an even larger battery at 105kWh, the Grecale Folgore produces 558PS and 820Nm and sprints from 0–100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, topping out at 220 km/h.

At a push, it’s capable of 500 km of range (WLTP) and supports DC fast charging that can replenish 100 km of range in about 9 minutes at 150kW, and AC charging up to 22 kW.

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