But Maserati has done much to make this puppy perform, placing air shocks at each corner that adjust along with the driveline through its GT, Sport, Offroad, and Max Range driving modes. Like other Grecales, the Grecale Folgore employs a front double wishbone and a rear multi-link suspension. It makes for one athletic Italian.

Once the road twists and turns, the Grecale Folgore handles it admirably. It’s well-mannered, with very little body movement and minor body lean. It's a Maserati, after all, although some might find the softest GT setting a little too stiff. However, the battery pack’s additional weight inhibits the Grecale Folgore from hanging its tail out when cornering like the gas-powered Grecale Trofeo. But it gives the Grecale Folgore a low center of gravity and aids in bump absorption, which is far less noticeable than in other Grecale models.

Most observers will have a hard time distinguishing the Grecale Folgore from its siblings as there are few visual modifications. The Grecale Folgore has an updated rear-end die to the lack of an exhaust. Up front, there’s a more aerodynamic nose, a redesigned grille, portholes on the front fender with LED lighting and aerodynamic wheels.

Climb inside and you’ll find the transmission shifter is gone, its job now handled by pushbuttons. And the paddle shifters by the steering wheel do not shift the transmission. After all, it has one forward gear. Instead, it adjusts the amount of regenerative braking – that’s the amount of energy recovered during deceleration used to recharge the battery.

Other interior tech is top-notch. The instrument panel houses a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 8.8-inch touchscreen for other vehicle functions, such as climate control. There’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, two simultaneous Bluetooth phone connections and an excellent 1,200-watt, 21-speaker Sonus Faber audio system.

Throw in sumptuous cabin finishes, and you have a uniquely favored EV that stands apart in an increasingly crowded part of the market. If you’re looking for a luxury electric SUV that has the chops to perform and stands apart in a sea of Mercedes-Benz EQs, BMW iXs and Audi Q8 e-trons, Maserati has your sumptuous automotive gelato.

2024 Maserati Grecale Folgore

Base price: TBA

Powertrain: Dual 205-kW electric motors

Horsepower/Torque: 550/605 pound-feet

...continued

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC