MASERATI GRANCABRIO FOLGORE

Mega-powerful, tri-motor electric version of convertible GT comes to UK

- VICKY PARROTT

Unique' is an oft-misused word, but it really does apply to Maserati's new Grancabrio Folgore: there are very, very few electric convertibles on the market, and this is the only one that has four seats.

Everything about it is ultra rapid, from the 800V electrical architecture for charging at rates of up to 270kW (good enough for 62 miles of range in five minutes) to the tri-motor powertrain that delivers 818bhp for 0-62mph in 2.8sec.

And just look at it. The classic proportions and elegant styling are understated yet still ooze glamour, which is a tricky thing to pull off - especially when you've got 83kWh worth of battery cells to shoehorn into the platform.

So here we are with a £185,610, four-seat, electric cabriolet that's as fast as the Ferrari 296 GTB to 62mph, despite weighing 2.4 tonnes.

How does that translate to UK roads? Well, despite the seemingly nauseating headline figures, the Grancabrio is an enjoyable GT. Forget the outright pace: between the adaptive air suspension and four-wheel drive that it has in common with the 542bhp, V6-engined Grancabrio Trofeo, this is a charming, long-legged cruiser.