Maserati’s electric SUV will be able to drive farther on a single charge thanks to a drivetrain tweak that sounds so simple but is probably quite difficult to engineer.

Beginning with the 2026 model year, the Maserati Grecale Folgore will gain an AWD-disconnect system.

When all-wheel traction is not needed, the system physically disconnects the front axle shafts from the hubs, which reduces energy consumption, resulting in an increase in range.

The idea seems easy enough, but the system does more than simply turn off the front electric motor.

“This solution, unlike other systems on the market that limit disconnection to the engine or differential level, allows for true and complete isolation of the transmission, thus maximizing energy savings. The entire process is managed by an autonomous control strategy that requires no interaction from the driver,” Maserati said in a news release.

The AWD-disconnect system uses smart traction management, which involves sensors and algorithms processing thousands of parameters per second, Maserati said.

The switch between all-wheel and rear-wheel drive happens in 500 milliseconds.

Maserati said the 2026 Grecale Folgore will have a driving range of up to 580 kilometres. The current model tops out at about 500 kilometres. These range estimates are based on WLTP standards typically observed in Europe.

The Grecale range includes SUVs powered by four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, plus the battery-electric Grecale Folgore model.

The EV has a dual-motor drivetrain with 542 hp and 604 lb.-ft. of torque. Supplying energy to the motors is a battery with a capacity of 105 kWh.

Maserati said the Grecale Folgore can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and has a stop speed of 220 km/h.

Pricing for the 2026 model year hasn’t been announced yet. The 2025 Grecale Folgore starts at $136,000 in Canada.

For updates, visit the Maserati website.

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