MASERATI GRANCABRIO CONVERTIBLE 3.0 V6 2dr Auto

Maserati's GranCabrio luxury sports GT convertible comes in two very different forms in second generation guise. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Only Maserati still offers a proper four-seat luxury GT sports convertible in the form of this car, the GranCabrio. The second generation model offers a chance choice of a supercar-derived V6 or a full-EV powertrain. Either way, it's very desirable indeed.

Background

The idea of a four-seat luxury GT sports convertible is so appealing you wonder why it hasn't been more widely adopted. Most sports luxury convertibles are either two seat-only or have a couple of rear pews fit only for designer shopping bags. Hence Maserati's approach with the first generation GranCabrio - to provide properly comfortable adult rear seats, for short trips anyway. Before that original GranCabrio arrived back in 2010, the open-topped version of Maserati's GranTurismo coupe, the company's Viale Ciro Menotti factory had never before produced a four-seater convertible, despite a long history of open-topped sportscars stretching all the way back to the A6G Frua Spyder of 1950. But the GranCabrio showed this to be a successful formula and over 40,000 examples of that original model sold before the introduction of this MK2 design in 2024. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

Things have changed a lot for Maserati since the launch of the previous generation version of this car. Back then, the ties with Ferrari were still tight - hence that old model's Maranello-developed V8. For this MK2 GranCabrio, the drivetrain options are very different. The old-school choice is the Trofeo, which uses the Nettuno 3.0-litre bi turbo V6 borrowed from Maserati's MC20 supercar, which puts out 550hp and makes 62mph in 3.6s en route to 196mph. Roof down, toupees will need to be firmly attached. Unlike with the GranTurismo coupe, there's no entry-level 490hp Modena model The new alternative to combustion power in this car is the all-electric Folgore version, which uses three drive motors collectively putting out 761hp. Courtesy of 1,350Nm of torque, 62mph in this EV variant takes 2.8s en route to 180mph. There's 280 miles of EV range. The Folgore needs less chassis stiffening than the Trofeo because its enormous T-shaped 92.5kWh battery adds to the structural stiffness of the car. Inevitably, this EV model is heavier than its petrol counterpart (though not by as much as you might think - around 100kg). Still, you'll feel that through the corners. All GranCabrio's have 4WD and adaptive air suspension. Both powertrains feature Maserati's latest 'Vehicle Domain Control Module' (VDCM), which adjusts the level of electronic support provided according to the drive mode selected. The main settings are 'GT', 'Sport' and 'Corsa': on the Folgore, the V6 variant's 'Comfort' setting replaced by 'Max Range'. Maserati's spent ages creating a powertrain sound system that works with these settings. Particularly for the electric version, which delivers a unique soundtrack supposed to be a fusion of electric whirrs coupled with a V8 roar.

Design and Build

Maserati's experience with luxury convertibles goes back to the pre-war days and as you'd want, the GranCabrio is a gorgeous-looking thing, roof up or down. The fabric top retracts or erects in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 32mph. The low-set 'cofango' clamshell bonnet is flanked by smoked chrome headlights and there's a traditional grille, whichever powertrain you select, though the Trofeo has more vents for better breathing. Inside, this second generation GranCabrio has moved into a very different age. There's a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a pair of screens in the centre of the fascia, the top 12.3-inch one for infotainment and the lower 8.8-inch panel for comfort features. Disappointingly, the old analogue clock that used to decorate the middle of the dash is gone, replaced by a digital display with interchangeable faces. But Maserati still continues with physical buttons to control the automatic gearbox. Those slightly more spacious rear seats allow space for a couple of adults, but you wouldn't want to be stuck in them for more than short-to-medium-length journey. The provision of such seats explains a near-5-metre body length that's a little longer than the class norm. But it doesn't help with boot capacity, which at a meagre 172-litres is compromised by the hood folding mechanism and a letterbox-shaped aperture. This is much the same as before, which is disappointing because the second generation GranTurismo coupe this cabrio is based on has a much larger 310-litre boot than its predecessor. Go for the GranCabrio Folgore EV and boot capacity falls to just 151-litres, due to space given up to the pair of rear axle motors.

Market and Model

You'll need to allow a budget of around £170,000 for the V6 550hp GranCabrio V6 Trofeo. If you want the GranCabrio Folgore all-electric model, then you're going to need to think in terms of a £185,000 budget. Either way, you get plenty of equipment for that, with features like sumptuous Italian leather upholstery, a digital rear view mirror and a 360-degree surround view camera system. There's also a glorious Sonus faber 3D sound set-up offering 'an all-round sound experience' with two levels of customisation, featuring up to 19 speakers and 3D sound with a thumping output of up to 1,195-watts. Drive assist tech includes adaptive cruise control with lane centring and autonomous emergency braking, which also works when reversing. Alexa integration is built into the central 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, which also includes the brand's voice-activated 'Maserati Intelligent Assistant' and has over-the-air update capability, plus wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. A configurable head-up display is optional.

Cost of Ownership

With a combustion GranCabrio, you're going to have to pay for your pleasures at the pumps of course. For the V6 Trofeo, you're looking at 26.9-27.1mpg on the combined cycle - good luck with that. And you'll be taxed royally at 236-238g/km of CO2. But all of this is par for the course for a V6 GT luxury Coupe in this segment. And you should cheer up a bit when it comes to considering residuals, which should be very solid indeed given this car's extreme rarity. Of course, if you really cared about efficiency, then you'd opt for the all-electric Folgore version. The 92.5kWh battery (just 83kWh of which is actually usable) can be charged at speeds of up to 270kW, making the GranCabrio in this form one of the fastest-charging EVs on sale. At an appropriately powerful ultra-fast public charger, up to 62 miles of range can be added in just five minutes thanks to the car's 800-volt electrical architecture. The GranCabrio Folgore's claimed driving range is up to 280 miles, though for that you'll need to be easy on the throttle and make plenty of use of the car's four brake regeneration settings, accessed via steering wheel paddle-shifters. You'll also need to engage the Folgore's 'Max Range' drive mode, which limits top speed to 80mph, softens throttle response and restricts climate system output. Folgore owners have access to a charging app loaded with a database of over 335,000 charging points around Europe. Sadly, Maserati plans to ditch combustion engines completely by 2030.

Summary

Many will buy this car simply because it's a Maserati. And because it looks drop-dead gorgeous. The difference though, with this Trident badged-brand in the modern era is that its products also stack up on more sensible grounds. Some will rightly point out that this is a vastly more expensive car than obvious alternatives. But it's also true to say that most actual Maserati buyers wouldn't regard a BMW 8 Series Convertible or even a Mercedes-AMG SL as a 'obvious' rival. These, they would say, are merely cars that you buy if you can't quite afford a GranCabrio. If you can and want the option of carrying two adult rear seat passengers in something still describable as a 'proper sportscar', then it's hard to think of a better choice, though you'll need to take that tiny boot into account before thinking of too much Grand Touring. In the end, there are, it's true, faster and even more exclusive ways of rewarding yourself for a lifetime's toil than this. But none of the other open-topped luxury sportscars you could choose are as practical for rear passengers and many cost a lot more. So while buying a GranCabrio will always be a Grand gesture, it's also one you could justify to yourself. Not that you should have to. To its owner, this car will be beauty and the best. Which'll be all that matters.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Laminated front glass with high thermal and noise insulation

Heated washer nozzles

Anti pinch sensor for front electric windows

Brakes

Maserati stability programme (MSP)

Vehicle domain control module (VDCM)

Electronic parking brake

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Air suspension with electronically variable active damping control system

Double wishbone suspension with semi-virtual steering axis and multilink rear suspension

Communication

Wi-Fi hotspot

Cyber security gateway

Apple car play and Android auto

Maserati connect

TBM (Telematic Box Module) for Connectivity

Voice control system

Driver Aids

Front and rear parking sensors with rear active braking

Electronic Power Steering (EPS)

Drive mode selector: Comfort mode, GT mode, Sport mode with launch control

Driver Convenience

Wireless charger

Start and stop engine function

Driver Information

8.8" multifunction comfort display with smart gestures (controls for front/rear climate, seats, headlights, ambient lighting, clock & air suspension)

Connectivity Services (Europe)

12.3" HD touch screen central display with Maserati Intelligent Assistant (M.I.A) and satelite navigation, Android Automotive OS

e-Call (emergency call)

Engine emission level default

Miles Speedometer - Contamiglia

Driving Mirrors

Frameless rear view mirror

Power folding and heated door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Linear Graphic effect stitching on seats, door panels and dashboard

Engine

Battery 95 Ah

GSR Ready

Entertainment

2 USB ports (A and C) and 12v socket in front cabin

2 USB ports (A and C) in rear cabin

Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB)

Exterior Body Features

Black side air vent inserts

Front grille surround frame, trident logo on C-pillar in gloss black and Maserati script and blade on boot lid in Satin chrome

Silver tailpipes

Registration Plate Holder- Ece

Classic front bumper, rear bumper and diffuser

Lower fascia in gloss black

Active aerodynamics (Air shutter control)

Body coloured side skirts

Rear boot

Black door handle inserts

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlamp activation with dusk sensor

3rd brake light

Taillamps with high visibility full LED lights

Proximity sensor with welcome lighting

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Two zone automatic climate control with humidity sensor

Rear seats air ducts

Interior Features

Aluminium gear shift paddles

Power height and reach adjustable steering column

Trident logo embossed on headrests

Two front and two rear cupholders

Driver and passenger sunvisors

Dashboard glovebox with valet lock

Maserati digital smart clock on dashboard

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting on dashboard, door panels, front storage and front footwells

Safety

Automated emergency braking with pedestrian cyclist recognition including forward collision warning

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Roll over protection

Front seatbelt reminder

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Airbag System Cabrio 2 Front and Side Head & Thorax

Seats

Isofix rear child seat attachments with hook covers

Front head restraints

Rear head restraints

Heated front seats

18-way power front sport seats with drivers memory function

Single front passenger seat

2 individual seats in 2nd row

Security

Premium alarm system (perimeter and volumetric sensing, anti-lift device, electronic immobiliser)

E-latch opening system

2nd key fob

Keyless entry via smartphone

Keyless entry, keyless go and easy entry

Vodafone stolen vehicle recovery with automatic driver recognition and remote inhibition

Wearable key

Transmission

ZF-8 speed automatic transmission

Maserati all wheel drive system

Wheels - Spare

Fix and go tyre sealing compound and electric air compressor

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 385

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 245

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 193

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 196

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 230

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 385

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 385

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 245

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 245

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 193

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 193

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 196

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 196

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 230

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 230

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 88

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 82

CC: 2992

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: V6

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: MID ENGINE NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 16.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 26.5

WLTP - MPG - High: 33.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 32.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 27.6

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 16.6

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 16.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 26.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 26.5

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 33.2

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 33.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 32.8

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 32.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 27.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 27.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 17

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 10.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 8.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 10.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 17

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 17

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 10.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 10.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 8.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 8.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.2

General

Coin Series: N

Coin Description: V6

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 490

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4

Top Speed: 186

Engine Power - BHP: 490

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 360

Engine Power - RPM: 6500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 443

Engine Torque - NM: 600

Engine Torque - RPM: 3000

Engine Torque - MKG: 61.2

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 265/30 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 295/30 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: CRIO

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4959

Width: 1957

Wheelbase: 2929

Width (including mirrors): 2113

Height: 1365

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1895

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 70

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 172

No. of Seats: 4

Max. Roof Load: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.4

Brakes

Red painted brake calipers

Black painted brake calipers

Blue painted brake calipers

Yellow painted brake calipers

Fuoriserie orange painted brake callipers

Fuoriserie lime painted brake callipers

Anodised red painted brake calipers

Fuoriserie white painted brake callipers

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

High gloss carbon macrotwill trim

High gloss carbon fibre with copper thread trim for selected interior details

Entertainment

Sonus Faber high premium 1195 W surround system with 16 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Mica paint

Wind deflector

Special metallic paint

Additional Metallic paint

Matte paint

Additional mica paint

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint

Fuoriserie - Solid paint

Fuoriserie - Matte paint

Fuoriserie - Special metallic paint

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint

Special mica paint

Fuoriserie - Additional metallic paint

Fuoriserie - Additional Matte paint

Model badge removal

Fuoriserie - Quadricoat paint

Fuoriserie - Additional three coat paint

Matte Tricoat paint

Additional Special mica paint

Exterior Lights

Full LED Matrix adaptive dark finish headlights,Matrix adaptive high/low beam,static bending light,LED DRL and LED front turn indicators

Hoods

Power Soft Top - Granata

Power Soft Top - Titan

Power Soft Top - Blu Marine

Power Soft Top - Greige

Interior Features

Cigarette lighter

Special leather upholstery

Full grain leather upholstery

Trident stitching on headrest

Rooflining in Alcantara along with pillars and sun visors

Leather sport, multifunction, heated steering wheel with Drive mode selector

Additional fuoriserie full grain leather upholstery

Additional full grain leather upholstery

Folgore specific econyl upholstery perforated seat squab+backrests centres+graphic design on seat, door panel dashboard with tan stitching

Fuoriserie modena leather upholstery

Additional full grain premium leather upholstery with perf seat squab, backrest centres + Campidoglio effect stitching, door panels and dashboard

Packs

Advance driver assistance full pack with adaptive cruise control with stop and go - Grancabrio

Tech assistance pack - Grancabrio

Comfort pack with ventilated front seats - Grancabrio

Sport design pack Modena - Grancabrio

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Grigio Maratea

Metallic paint - Bianco Astro

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Urban green

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Blu victory

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Blu maserati

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Orange zest

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Blu graphite

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Bordeaux Pontevecchio

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Blu Royale

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Liquid rose gold

Paint - Mica

Mica - Blu emozione

Mica paint - Nero Assoluto

Special mica paint - Blu modena

Paint - Solid

Fuoriserie - Solid paint - Hypergreen

Fuoriserie - Solid paint - Blu pastello

Fuoriserie - Solid paint - Bianco pastello

Fuoriserie - Solid paint - Orange glow

Fuoriserie - Solid paint - Vintage ochre

Paint - Special

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Grigio Cangiante

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Rosso GranTurismo

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Giallo corse

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Aquamarina

Fuoriserie Matte paint - Blu corse

Fuoriserie - Matte paint - Military teal

Matte paint - Grigio maratea

Fuoriserie - Quadricoat paint - Blu nobile

Fuoriserie - Matte paint - Grigio lamiera

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Azzurro astro glossy

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Galactic orange

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Gold venus

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Green jupiter

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Nero cometa glossy

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Dark aurora boreale

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Blu inchiostro

Fuoriserie Matte paint - Digital aurora

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Blu sofisticato

Special mica paint - Devil orange

Special mica paint - Verde Giada

Matte Tricoat paint - Rame Folgore

Special metallic paint - Night interaction

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Verde smeraldo

Fuoriserie Special metallic - Giallo genio glossy

Fuoriserie Matte paint - Digital mint

Fuoriserie Matte paint - Azzuro astro

Safety

Airscarf neck warmer

Trim - Cloth

Black Econyl perforated seat squab + backrests centres + graphic design on seat, door panel dashboard with tan stitching

Trim - Leather

Leather - Ice with black carpet and black headliner

Full grain leather - Black with grey stitching and black headlining

Full grain leather - Black with yellow stitching and black headlining

Full grain leather - Black with yellow stitching and grey headlining

Full grain leather - Black with red stitching and black headlining

Full grain leather - Black with red stitching and grey headlining

Full grain leather - Red with black headlining

Fuoriserie modena leather - Greige with greige headlining, carpet and belts

Fuoriserie modena leather - Greige with greige headlining, black carpet and belts

Fuoriserie full grain leather - Greige with black headlining, carpet, and griege belts

Full grain premium leather - Black with perf seat squab, backrest centres + Campidoglio effect stitching, door panels and dashboard

Additional full grain premium leather - Tan with perf seat squab, backrest centres + Campidoglio effect stitching, door panels and dashboard

Wheels - Alloy

20" front / 21" rear Pegaso design full forged wheels with black gloss finish

20" front / 21" rear Pegaso design full forged wheels with diamond cut black gloss finish

20" front / 21" rear Astreo design wheels with gloss black matt aluminium

Fuoriserie - 20" front / 21" rear Astreo design forged twilight blue wheels with C class tyre

20" front / 21" rear Astreo design gloss dark myron with C class tyres