2025 Maserati GranCabrio

2020 was a cruel year for automotive enthusiasts. Of course, there was the COVID-19 pandemic. But this was also the year that Alfa Romeo discontinued the 4C. Not only would we have to stay inside alone, but in the rare moments that we allowed ourselves fun, we couldn't even get behind the wheel of a hardcore mid-engine Italian sports car that cost less than $200,000. Thankfully, the launch of the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo solved the second problem (and to close the circle, vaccines took care of the first issue). And now, you can even take in the sun with up to three friends, thanks to the 2025 Maserati GranCabrio drop-top.

What's under the GranCabrio's hood?

The GranCabrio is the convertible version of the GranTurismo, so it's no surprise that the GC is powered by the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 "Nettuno" engine. Launching in the range-topping Trofeo trim level, the GranCabrio's motor churns out an impressive 542 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Maserati says that despite being more than 200 pounds heavier than the coupe, the GranCabrio is only marginally slower; the 0-62 mph sprint is accomplished in 3.6 seconds, just 0.1 second slower than the GranTurismo Trofeo.

There's also a GranCabrio Folgore, which is a fully electric model powered by a 92.5-kWh battery pack and three electric motors. Total output here is 751 hp and 996 lb-ft of torque, which is plentiful, but good, since this car also weighs a hefty 5,249 pounds.

How does the GranCabrio drive?

The GranCabrio Folgore hides that heft well, with a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. There’s little understeer, and the all-wheel-drive system keeps things safely in check. While I’d like more feedback from the steering, there’s no denying the big convertible’s impressive grip; it exhibits flat cornering characteristics with good overall balance.

The standard GT mode is a bit of a mixed bag. I don’t love the throttle response, as there’s a very un-EV-like delay between when the pedal is pressed and when the power kicks in. This is definitely a setting meant for more leisurely cruising. But here’s the thing: You don’t really need it. In fact, you don’t really need the middle-ground Sport mode either.

The Trofeo’s driving experience is starkly different from the Folgore’s, though not always in the ways you might expect. It’s certainly lighter on its feet, but that comes at the cost of ride quality. It’s much easier to upset the Trofeo’s suspension; Corsa mode is too stiff for all but the smoothest roads, making Sport the ideal choice in most situations. Don’t get me wrong, the Trofeo isn’t uncomfortable, but it’s nothing compared to the Folgore.

That said, this model’s lighter weight is appreciated along winding roads. The Trofeo feels more tossable than the Folgore, often in ways that seem to defy its size and weight. This is particularly impressive when you consider that the previous GranCabrio was a bit of a boat. Maserati clearly put a lot of work into the new car’s handling, and it shows. Grip is as impressive here as it is with the Folgore, though the steering remains largely deft of feedback.

How's the GranCabrio's interior?

The GranCabrio's cabin is a spitting image of the GranTurismo's, and that's fine by us. Passengers are surrounded by sumptuous leather and lightweight carbon fiber as far as the eye can see. That is, of course, until you focus on the dashboard, which is dominated by two central touchscreens. The lower 8.8-inch screen controls seat, climate and lighting functions. One of its virtual buttons will raise and lower the canvas soft-top at speeds up to 31 mph, and another activates the standard front-seat neck warmers. The upper 12.3-inch touchscreen is loaded with the Android-based Maserati Intelligent Assistant operating system, which features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, among other infotainment options. Two Sonus Faber audio systems are available: a standard 13-speaker, 815-watt option and a 16-speaker, 1,060-watt upgrade.

How's the GranCabrio's tech?

While sports cars aren't usually at the forefront of driver assistance technology, the GranCabrio is surprisingly replete with advanced safety systems. The drop-top offers a 360-degree top-down camera, lane keeping assistance, rear emergency braking, a head-up display and Maserati's Dynamic Road View tech, which provides a dynamic 3D image of surrounding vehicles in the digital instrument cluster.

We're glad to have another drop-top Italian sports car for sale in the U.S.