Update: ‘Platform & Specifications’ and ‘Release Date’ sections updated.
Maserati, best known for gorgeous Italian sports and luxury vehicles, is going big with electrification, intending to become an EV-exclusive brand by the end of the decade. During this revamp, the Trident brand has plans to release six new electric vehicles by 2025. Among the models is the Maserati Levante Folgore, its second all-electric SUV.
Second-gen Levante to be available as an electric car
The Maserati Levante is the Italian luxury automaker’s first SUV, released in 2016. The second-gen model will come as an electric vehicle, a departure from the current lineup. Maserati is releasing all of its electric cars with the suffix ‘Folgore.’
All Maserati models will come in a 100% electric version by 2025: the MC20 super sports car, the new Quattroporte sport sedan and the all-new full-size Levante SUV will complete the Maserati Folgore offering, to attract the new luxury consumer in all market segments.
Maserati, announcing plans for its future electric range on 17 March 2022
Platform & Specifications
Battery & Range
Since the current Giorgio platform was designed for traditional thermal engines and thus has its limitations, the Maserati Levante Folgore can opt for the bespoke ‘STLA Large’ platform, one of the most advanced “BEV-centric platforms” under the STLA platform family. Either way, expect the Levante Electric to be available with high-density battery packs having installed energy of 101-118 kWh, enough for an EPA-est. range of around 300 miles (482 km).
It’s rumored that the Levante Folgore will make use of new-generation batteries that are capable of going more miles per charge when compared to their predecessors, claims an Autocar report published on January 3, 2023. It was also reported that the Quattroporte Folgore sports sedan will be the first recipient of a new energy-dense battery system, while the Levante Folgore e-SUV is expected to get the same batteries a little later.
Output
In addition to the largest supported battery packs, Maserati will likely use the most potent Electric Drive Modules (EDMs) that is available to it. The inverter used for these EDMs should run at both 400 and 800 volts and have phased current capability from 350 to 750 amps.
The British publication surmised that the Maserati Levante Folgore would be available with multiple powertrain options, while the top-end variant is expected to be powered by three electric motors borrowed from the GranTurismo Folgore. In the sleek coupe, an 800-volt electric architecture energizes the permanent magnet motors to produce 760 hp. Considering the higher curb weight of the Levante Folgore, we can expect a similar setup in the electric SUV as well, even if it’s only offered on the high-spec variant.
Next-gen infotainment system
Stellantis has tied up with Qualcomm to leverage Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms and 5G capabilities for its telematics systems. It will use these technologies for the STLA Brain and STLA SmartCockpit technology platforms starting in 2024.
Next-gen Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms will power the in-car communication and infotainment systems for STLA SmartCockpit, which Stellantis is designing and engineering in collaboration with Foxconn and Amazon. The company will use Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms to improve STLA Brain as well. The next-gen Stellantis infotainment system featuring Qualcomm tech will debut in a Maserati model, which could be the Maserati Levante Folgore.
Release Date
Announcing its 2021 results and electrification plan on March 17, 2022, Maserati revealed that the Levante Folgore will break cover in 2024 or 2025. The above-mentioned Autocar report supports a similar timeline as well, adding that the electric SUV’s arrival will be preceded by the debut of the MC20 Folgore. Meanwhile, the first of the six Maserati EVs will be the GranTurismo Folgore, which is to be followed by the GranCabrio Folgore and the Grecale Folgore this year.
When it comes to its prospective competitors, the Maserati Levante Folgore would go up against the Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX, and Mercedes EQS SUV.
TopElectricSUV says
By the time the Levante Folgore enters the market, the segment of high-performance electric SUVs will already be a flurry of activity. However, can Maserati’s expertise in melding craftsmanship with performance translate into a compelling EV for Italian car lovers?
Maserati Levante Electric FAQs
What is the Maserati Levante Electric release date?
The Maserati Levante Folgore will arrive by 2025.
Which SUVs would the Maserati Levante Electric rival?
The Maserati Levante electric will go up against the Audi Q8 e-tron & BMW iX.
What will be the price of the Maserati Levante Folgore?
The Maserati Levante electric is expected to be priced upwards of USD 85,000.
The featured image is a mere representation of what the Levante Folgore may look like based on what we have seen on the Grecale Folgore with the ‘Rame Folgore’ body color. Rest assured that there’s no connection to the next-generation model.
A Mechanical Engineer by qualification, I started out as an automotive editor of a regional magazine in 2011. In my 11 years of experience in creating automotive content, I’ve traveled around the world to review, analyze and report on the world’s top electrified cars.
