2025 Maserati GranCabrio Showdown: The Ultimate Gas vs. Electric Battle
Head or heart? It's a question that Maserati dares to ask with the release of its 2025 GranCabrio models. On one side, you have the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) version, and on the other, an electric-only marvel. At first glance, these twin beasts appear near-identical, but a closer look reveals the exciting dichotomy between the age-old roar of a V6 and the futuristic hum of electric motors.
From a design perspective, the new GranCabrio seems like an evolution rather than a revolution. Maserati touts its 'visual longevity,' a timeless appeal highlighted by MC20-style vertical headlights and a sculptural single-piece hood made from a single sheet of aluminum. This design element, referred to as 'cofango,' sounds as exotic as it looks. Rear tail lamps give a nostalgic nod to the boomerang design of the 3200GT.
Distinguishing between the Folgore and Trofeo from the rear is straightforward—the Folgore, Maserati's electric model, lacks tailpipes. Walk around the front and you'll notice a grille with fewer cooling vents in the Folgore. Badging further differentiates the two, with the Folgore's logos featuring copper accents while the Trofeo opts for chrome.
The interiors of the GranCabrio twins are a shared sanctuary of luxury, with the Folgore offering a unique recycled Econyl option that features intricate laser etching.
Under the Hood: Gas vs. Electric
Here's where the siblings part ways significantly. Lift the 'cofango' on the Trofeo, and you'll find a twin-turbo V-6 engine delivering 542 hp, an evolution of the Nettuno engine that debuted in the MC20. This powertrain catapults the Trofeo from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.
In contrast, the Folgore employs three electric motors—two at the rear, one at the front—producing a maximum output of 760 hp. The electric setup includes a hefty 92.5 kWh battery pack, making it the first Maserati to use an 800-volt architecture. The result? A blistering 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds.
The Drive Experience
A hundred miles of driving through Italy's picturesque Lake Maggiore and mountainous terrains reveal the differing characters of these cars.
The Trofeo offers an amiable drive, seamlessly changing from comfort to Sport and Corsa modes. The V-6 engine sings a glorious symphony, especially with the roof down. However, it feels heavy in tight corners, and the turbo lag occasionally intrudes on the driving experience.
Switch to the Folgore, and the experience is almost otherworldly. The instantaneous torque and precise torque vectoring make uphill twists and turns feel almost effortless. Despite its extra weight, the Folgore feels surprisingly nimble. Its regenerative braking system provides near one-pedal driving, adding to the car's sophisticated appeal.
Highway & Grand Touring
Both cars excel on highways. The Trofeo impresses with its subdued noise levels and plush ride quality. The Folgore, however, takes luxury up a notch. Thanks to its electric drivetrain, the Folgore is eerily quiet and even more refined. It can charge at up to 270 kW, offering the possibility of genuine grand touring with minimal downtime.
Safety features and tech-savvy touches are abundant in both models, from adaptive cruise control to a high-quality Sonos Faber audio system. Yet, the head-up display in the Trofeo leaves something to be desired, often disappearing under bright sunlight.
Price & Exclusivity
On almost every measure, the Folgore outshines the Trofeo, and this is reflected in the pricing. The Trofeo starts at $192,000, whereas the Folgore commands a wallet-busting $205,000. This price tag places the Folgore in a class of its own—it’s the only four-seater, fully-electric, luxury convertible on the market right now.
So, when deciding between head or heart, tradition or innovation, both the Trofeo and Folgore offer compelling arguments. The question remains: Are you ready to embrace the future today?
Specs: 2025 Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo
- Price: $193,995 (base MSRP with destination)
- Powertrain: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Horsepower: 542 hp @6500 rpm
- Torque: 479 lb-ft @3000 rpm
- Layout: All-wheel drive, two-seat cabriolet
- Curb weight: 4317 pounds
- Fuel economy: 19 mpg average
- 0–60 mph: 3.4 seconds
Specs: 2025 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore
- Price: $206,995 (base MSRP with destination)
- Powertrain: 92.5 kWh battery, 3 electric motors
- Horsepower: 760 hp
- Torque: 1069 lb-ft
- Layout: All-wheel drive, two-seat cabriolet
- Curb weight: 5159 pounds
- Range: 278 miles (European WLTP)
- 0–60 mph: 2.8 seconds