Maserati has showcased its new SUV, the Levante, at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the Quattroporte platform, the Levante is a luxury soft-roader will be built at Maserati’s factory in Mirafiori in Italy.
Maserati is known for its performance and the Levante is no different. It gets a Ferrari-built 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine. You can avail it in two states of tune – a 430bhp setup and a 350bhp setup. The Levante gets four-wheel drive standard the power to which is transmitted through an 8-speed ZF gearbox. You will also have a diesel engine option with 275bhp power produced from a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine. The pneumatic suspension adjusts itself on the basis of the drive modes selected and the car speed to offer optimum dynamics.
In terms of features, the Maserati offers a safety net of airbags, a ninth-generation ABS-ESP from Bosch with rollover mitigation, traction control et al. The luxury SUV gets all the bells and whistles like a 12-way adjustable front seats, electrically operated sunroof, dual-zone climate control and steering mounted controls. The upholstery is two tone and in leather. The 8.4-inch touchscreen system with a new rotary controller fob is complemented by a 17-speaker setup from Bowers and Wilkins.
The Levante looks mean with the signature Maserati grille and the trident emblem, the long hood and gills on the fender. The side profile is coupe-like with a sloping roof and has muscular flared wheel arches to add brawn. The LED tail lamps are decked high on the tailgate which looks sporty with the rear spoiler and the quad exhaust pipes.
The Levante will compete with the Porsche Macan, the Jaguar F-Pace and the upcoming Alfa Romeo SUV globally. Maserati currently has its entire global line-up in India which means, the Levante may be brought here sooner than later after its global launch.
