The Maserati Levante Is A Slippery SUV With Up To 425bhp
It’s taken Maserati a little while to get around to it, but at last it’s here: the company’s first SUV. It’s called the Levante, and we’ve known what it looks like for a week and a half thanks to a recent image leak. Now it’s here in full, and with all the juicy details.
Up front there’s a choice of two twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol V6s and a solitary turbodiesel V6. The base 345bhp petrol will do 0-62mph in six seconds dead and top out at 156mph, while the 425bhp version takes 5.2 seconds and maxes out at 164mph. The V6 diesel meanwhile puts out 271bhp, does 0-62mph in a more modest 6.9 seconds, and runs out of go at 143mph. It’s a lot more economical though, with an average figure of 39mpg, and CO2 emissions of 189g/km, compared to 26mpg for the two petrols.
All models use an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and have an “intelligent” Q4 all-wheel drive system which is able to transfer torque between axles instantly, if required.
Will the company’s V8 make an appearance? We’re not sure just yet, although it is based on the same architecture as the Quattroporte, so it might be possible. There is also talk of a hybrid model joining the ranks eventually.
The Levante’s cabin is treated to a load of stupidly posh materials including Ermenegildo Zegna silk (nope, us neither) and the finest leather. In the midst of all this is a new version of Maserati Touch Control, which is based around an 8.4-inch touch screen.
We’re more interested in the car’s sleek exterior however, as it has a drag coefficient of just 0.31cd, which according to Maserati is the lowest in class.
While we’re on the subject of the body, we may as well discuss the looks. It’s certainly not ugly, but I have heard more than a few people label it as ‘bland’. What do you think?
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Thats no wheres near enough power. A standard x50i with m sport package makes 480. They need atleast 550 to compete with other super suv’s.
Once they drop the V8, along with its soundtrack, into this thing, it’ll match those specs…and sound the best too.
Not sure about the looks, but otherwise it seems cool. If it has the same raspy soundtrack as the Ghibli/Quattroporte then I’m sold.
I think it looks pretty good for an SUV. Now maserati, go make a proper sports car with all that presumed profit
6.9 secs and 39 mpg GOD DAMN
The Girls love the accelaration. 6.9, 69…..
The back of a Porsche Cayenne, the front of a combined Ghibli and a Jeep, over everything a diesel engine in a Maserati? I’m a Maserati fan, but I don’t like this!
The diesel was already available in the Ghibli as well.
No brand is sacred anymore. It won’t be too long until Ferrari is next.
designer was like
I love who you just cut of your gf in your profile picture 🙄
Dat photoshop
I think it looks pretty good. Although the horsepower is atrocious compared to other sporty SUVs, it looks really good. I hope the ride quality is excellent
Anyone remember reading I think it was John Phillips in Car & Driver about how over rated Maseratis are? I like them but they really have no business building crossovers. I’m surprised BMW //M, New Jaguar, and AMG haven’t killed off the Maserati yet. That aside, GT car manufacturers need to stop with the crossover bullsh*t. Please.
the reason the Germans and the Brits are struggling with Maserati its because they cant kill the sound that there v8 makes and the look of uniqueness and sharp lines.There are always a market for that !!
Bentayga or Levante?
ewww