CEO Davide Grasso said Maserati’s long-awaited Porsche Taycan rival is “undeniably a Maserati” but also “such a disruptive design project”, suggesting it will take inspiration from the latest Granturismo and Grecale but will sport a radical new look determined by its electrical underpinnings – likely to be influenced primarily by a focus on aerodynamic efficiency.
Grasso didn’t name any major rivals, but he suggested the new EV sedan could differentiate itself based on its overt luxury appeal and “Italian flair,” which will be crucial in cementing the company’s reputation as a bona fide luxury brand and helping it maintain the healthy profit margins it achieved in 2022.
The new sedan will be more on the Quattroporte end of the spectrum than the Ghibli and will be priced high as Maserati no longer focuses on volume sales in the mainstream executive segment.
“We make the choice not to do that,” Grasso told Autocar. “As a luxury brand you want to choose what you don’t do, and then you choose what you do do. This isn’t where I’m going to play. We are not there for everyone. We are for those who are willing to pay a premium for unique performance and luxury experience.”
Grasso called the Grecale a good example of how Maserati’s luxury credentials can be translated into a more accessible, volume-friendly package. He emphasized that the driver-oriented cockpit, rear legroom and attention to detail set it apart from the competition.
“We have freed ourselves from thinking about volume,” said Grasso. “Volume is a consequence of what we do. The driving force is profitability, because without profitability and quality, luxury does not exist.”
All indications point to the Quattroporte EV being a sibling to Alfa Romeo’s upcoming electric Giulia, which is expected to be based on the recently unveiled STLA Large platform and may share the promised 1,000hp powertrain in a fearsome Trofeo variant .
This platform accommodates batteries large enough for a range of 500 miles, as well as powerful engines that have the potential to make it Maserati’s fastest car yet.