Maserati’s All-Electric GranCabrio Foglore Is Good At Almost Everything

Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby visit the ‘queen’ of castles in Kent in Maserati’s new GranCabrio Folgore.

Test Drive: Maserati’s All Electric GranCabrio Folgore

JT-P: Question – what was the first Italian supercar powered by battery?

JT: Easy, we both drove the astonishing Pininfarina Battista a few years back. A collaboration with hypercar firm Rimac, the batty Battista has four electric motors, roars from 0-62 mph in 1.9 seconds and carries on to 222 mph.

That’s all very well and good but the Pininfarina cost a staggering £3.2 million. A more ‘affordable’ option is the new Maserati GranCabrio Folgore, which is priced roughly the same as a top-end Porsche.

There are hardly any all-electric convertible cars on sale at the moment but the Foglore is even more niche. A four-seat, open-roof grand tourer, powered by battery.

Almost unique?

I’d say. The Maserati is pricey too at £187,000. The market for battery-powered supercars is limited because enthusiasts spending that much tend to prefer a petrol engine with a snorting exhaust.

But the GranCabrio has plenty going for it, as we discovered on our drive to Leeds castle. It looks totally gorgeous – so what’s not to like? Check out that long, low bonnet and the muscular rear haunches. The Foglore is also very fast, silently whisking from 0-62 mph in 2.8 seconds.

And the interior is extremely comfortable for long journeys, air suspension soaking up the bumps. Wind protection in the cabin with the roof down is superb – plus the roof opens and closes fast to cope with the British climate.

We should mention for such a large car, the boot is tiny and even smaller with the roof down. The rear seats, only suitable for small children, will likely double up as extra storage space most of the time. But there is one big issue…

Indeed. While the claimed battery range is 260-280 miles, on our 122-mile drive from the Cotswolds to Kent the car only managed 138. It made for an interesting final stretch and more than a hint of range anxiety.

Worth it to arrive at Leeds Castle in style. This historic property dates to the 12th century and has been home to six medieval queens, as well as a palace for Henry VIII. It’s one of the UK’s top visitor attractions, with 500 acres to roam.

And where else might you find a dog collar museum? 

Yes, and it’s strangely engrossing – a fascinating collection of canine neckwear from the last five centuries. Get lost in an especially tricky maze, enjoy a falconry display and then cruise across the lake on the Black Swan Ferry.

While the Maserati has superfast charging – an extra 62 miles of range in just 15 minutes – a night at Leeds Castle in a luxurious manor house is not to be missed. Self-catering Battel Hall sleeps up to 10, boasts a beautiful English country garden and has direct access to walks and activities on the estate.

Yes, it’s in perfect keeping with Leeds Castle itself – like stepping into a bygone era but with all mod cons.

We especially liked the oak-panelled dining room. Two giant candelabras illuminate hearty suppers, while flames from a whopping fireplace flicker atmospherically across the ceiling.

Not so much a supper as a banquet. This is the focal point of the house, with two more intimate rooms to relax, read a book or listen to music in. The galleried hallway is quite a statement, with ecclesiastical nooks and crannies. Upstairs, five sumptuous bedrooms are warm and cosy, while an extra two are available for larger parties in the connecting Oast house.

It’s a dramatic property of character and extravagance. Even the heavyweight front door could have featured in Wolf Hall! You almost expect Henry VIII to appear at the entrance.

Not sure what he would make of a Maserati though…

BOOK IT

Find out more about the Maserati GranCabrio Foglore at maserati.com