Maserati is well known all around the globe for its gorgeous sports cars, decadent sedans, and a rich motorsports heritage. Now the company enters a new chapter with the introduction of the first Maserati sport-utility vehicle called the Levante. The new model completes the existing range of saloon and sports cars, extending the offering together with the Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo and GranCabrio models.
The design of the Levante features clear associations with the Maserati brand and its distinctive Italian character: the aggressive front introduces new, tapered headlights separated into two elements, with the upper headlight unit connected to the radiator grille. Maserati’s design signature is clearly visible on the sides: the three iconic air vents on the front wings, the trapezoidal C-pillar with the “Saetta” logo and the large, frameless door windows. The rear is dominated by the very tapered back window and streamlined shape, both typical of a high-performance sports car.
Maserati says the Levante will be offered in both petrol and diesel engines, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The entry-level Levante will be powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine that produces 350hp. It will enable the crossover to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds before hitting a top speed of 243km/h.
Buyers looking for something more powerful can order a Levante with an upgraded 3.0-litre V6 engine that produces 430hp. Thanks to the extra oomph, the dash from 0-100km/h takes only 5.2 seconds and the top speed increases to 264km/h.
The Levante diesel on the other hand, has a 3.0-litre V6 engine with 275hp. It allows the SUV to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds before topping out at 230km/h.
The new SUV also features an electronic suspension with controlled damping and air springs, which can be set on several levels, “Q4” intelligent all-wheel drive.
The Maserati Levante is built at the Mirafiori plant in Turin; the first cars have already come off the assembly line with the launch planned for this spring in Europe, to be followed by the rest of the world later this year. Before it goes on sale, the Lavante will be making its first public debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next month.
