It takes 13 seconds from the time I open G M, to the time the "loading" message disappears at the top right of the map screen. But in just 3 seconds, the satellite view is up on the screen. Fast enough for me!
Maybe it more has to do with the network around here right now, because when I've tried it on wifi it is smoking fast. But unfortunately you don't really need your maps that bad when you are using wifi.