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May 24, 2024 — In a strategic move that underscores the growing importance of software in automotive performance, Maserati has announced significant range improvements for its entire Folgore electric vehicle lineup. The updates, centered on new energy management algorithms, deliver up to an additional 85 kilometers (53 miles) of WLTP range for flagship models. This enhancement arrives at a critical juncture for the storied Italian marque, which is grappling with a severe sales downturn and an uncertain corporate future within the Stellantis conglomerate.
The most substantial gain is seen in the GranTurismo Folgore coupe, whose estimated range now exceeds 540 kilometers (335 miles), a notable jump from its previous rating of approximately 456 km. Maserati engineers achieved this not through hardware changes but by refining the software that governs the tri-motor, 800-volt powertrain. The update optimizes power distribution and energy recuperation, effectively squeezing more distance from the existing 92.5 kWh battery pack. This approach mirrors a broader industry trend where manufacturers unlock latent performance in existing hardware via over-the-air or dealer-applied updates, a tactic pioneered by brands like Tesla.
Beyond the headline range figure, the software refresh introduces new driving modes designed to enhance versatility. A ‘Country’ mode raises the GranTurismo’s ride height by 20 mm for rough terrain, while a ‘Max Range’ mode prioritizes efficiency. The brand’s Performance Optimizer, active in the track-focused Corsa mode, can now deliver up to 10% more power by intelligently vectoring torque across the front and two rear motors. The open-top GranCabrio Folgore, touted as the world's fastest electric convertible, benefits from the same algorithmic upgrades, though Maserati has not released a revised range spec for this variant.
For the Grecale Folgore SUV, the range story is one of incremental gains building upon an already solid foundation. The model year 2026 variant confirms a maximum 580 km range, with slight improvements attributed to detailed aerodynamic tweaks. A new active Air Grille Shutter system, revised front bumper and underbody aero, and more efficient tires contribute an extra 9 to 53 km of range, depending on wheel size. The SUV retains its 550 hp, 400-volt all-wheel-drive system featuring the clever AWD Disconnect, which can de-couple the front axle in milliseconds to boost efficiency during cruising.
Exclusive Perspective: The Silent Priority Shift While the EV range gains are technically impressive, the narrative surrounding their announcement reveals a profound strategic pivot. The Folgore news was deliberately embedded within a larger press release dominated by updates to Maserati’s internal combustion engines, including a power boost for the Nettuno V6. This framing, emphasizing parity between ICE and EV development, marks a stark retreat from the brand’s 2022 pledge to go fully electric by 2030. Industry analysts view this as a pragmatic, if not desperate, attempt to reassure a traditional customer base that still drives the majority of its minuscule sales volume, which cratered to a mere 7,900 units globally in 2025.
The context is one of existential crisis. Parent company Stellantis is actively negotiating with potential partners to secure Maserati's survival, with a decision expected by year's end. Sales have collapsed by over 85% since their 2017 peak. In this climate, the brand cannot afford to alienate its core enthusiasts who covet the thunder of a high-performance Italian V6. The simultaneous promotion of more powerful gasoline engines and more efficient EVs is a calculated balancing act, attempting to project a future-ready image while clinging to the profitable past.
Market Reality: A Compelling Product in a Precarious Position On pure specification, the updated Folgore models are now more competitive within the luxury EV segment. The GranTurismo’s 540+ km range places it closer to rivals, while the Grecale SUV’s combination of range, performance, and its clever AWD system makes it a compelling option. However, Maserati’s commercial scale renders these comparisons almost theoretical. The brand sold fewer vehicles worldwide in all of 2025 than Porsche sells Taycan electric sedans in a single quarter. Furthermore, its dealer network and brand momentum pale in comparison to German competitors like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, which all field strong electric SUVs in the Grecale’s price bracket.
The primary challenge is no longer engineering. First-drive reviews of the Folgore models consistently praise their driving dynamics, luxury, and technology. The core issue is whether Maserati, as a business entity, will exist in its current form long enough to manufacture and sell these vehicles in meaningful numbers. The range improvement is a testament to a capable engineering team working within a brand whose commercial foundations are eroding. For potential buyers, the calculus now involves not just vehicle specs and price, but also the long-term viability of the manufacturer and its support network.
This latest update episode reflects a larger tension within the Stellantis empire regarding electrification pace. The group's “FaSTLAne 2030” product plan now showcases a more diluted EV focus than previously advertised. Maserati’s current path—a careful, dual-track promotion of electric and combustion power—may be its only viable short-term strategy. Yet, it leaves the brand straddling two worlds, needing to excel in both while resources are stretched thin and the clock is ticking on finding a new partner or strategic direction.
