Author: Steve Allen |
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Equipped with the latest evolution of the Maserati 3-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine, the Levante 350 hp makes it to 100 km/h in 6.0” and has a top speed of 251 km/h.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

The Maserati petrol engine, that was designed in conjunction with Ferrari and is manufactured in Maranello, is further developed to suit the specific character of the Levante. The V6 unit is globally acclaimed for its unique Maserati signature sound and for its exceptional performance.

This new generation of Maserati engines is more powerful, more exciting to drive and more eco-friendly than ever.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

With the Levante a new wind is blowing through the SUV segment, guaranteeing the passion, the flair and the exclusivity that have distinguished all Maserati models for over a century.

The Maserati Levante is a turning point in Maserati’s history. The brand new model, which made its World Premiere at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, enables the Trident to access the largest luxury segment in the world. The Levante significantly contributes to the creation of the most complete product line-up in Maserati’s history.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

The Levante name was inspired by a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV.

The Levante is based on the evolution of the sedan platform, designed exclusively by Maserati. The car chassis has been specifically developed to offer unique on-road drivability and competitive off-road capability, with day-to-day comfort and practicality. The top notch Italian SUV was conceived around three main pillars: Design, Exclusivity and Performance. It represents the optimum blend of these three elements in the SUV world.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

The Levante’s design is distinctive and attractive, embracing the most valuable aesthetic elements of Italian style. A central asset, its design brings a new concept to the SUV world, combining spaciousness and coupé lines while achieving the best aerodynamic efficiency in its segment with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31.

Its exclusivity stems from technical features like Air Suspension and the Q4 AWD system, which come as standard equipment, and the high level of customisation that includes two cutting-edge packages, Sport and Luxury. The result is a driving experience that is as unique as the Maserati brand and its customers.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

The thoroughbred on-road handling typical of all Maserati cars and the solid off-road capabilities, as demanded in the SUV segment, describe the car’s overall ethos. The Levante is here to excite any sports car driver counting on performance-oriented features, such as the extensive use of lightweight materials, ideal 50-50% weight distribution and its lowest in class centre of gravity. Features that deliver unparalleled agility in the luxury SUV class.

The aluminium “double wishbone – five link” suspension layout is comprised of standard Air Springs and electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers. In conjunction with the intelligent Q4 All-Wheel-Drive system and the newly introduced Torque Vectoring system which deliver GT on-road behaviour and surprising – for a Maserati – off-road capabilities: the Levante is designed to deliver best in class comfort on rough roads and handling on snow and ice.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

On a par with this, the off-road equipment completes a product made to surprise avid travellers and adventure lovers as well.

Engine-wise, the Levante 350 hp is equipped with the latest evolution of the Maserati 3-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine which is globally acclaimed for its unique Maserati signature sound and for its exceptional performance.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante adopts the eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox that provides seamless comfort and fast gear shifting, depending on the selected drive mode. The Levante driver can choose between four drive modes, “Normal”, I.C.E., “Sport” and “Off-road”. Each one constitutes a distinct car character intelligently altering engine, transmission, suspension and electronics features.

The Levante introduces several innovations to the current Maserati line-up; from safety to convenience options and through to the brand new Human Machine Interface and the dedicated cargo solutions. The range of equipment options is wider and more complete than ever.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

The Levante has entered the SUV segment with a marked advantage in terms of new content. The innovative features of the car include: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View camera, capacitive 8.4″ Touch Screen display with brand new rotary control, plus the AHA function, an addition to the Maserati Touch Control Plus which extends the AM, FM and DAB digital radio with a network connection option: the AHA function dialogues with the user’s network-connected mobile device to give access to on-line services (radio stations, programmes, etc.) while on the move.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

A new state-of-the-art production line was set up exclusively for the Levante in the historic Mirafiori plant, where high quality standards in every area, from design to development and from process controls to fabrication, are applied in full.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati’s more than 100-year tradition of craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology guarantees outstanding quality right down to the tiniest of details.

State-of-the-art 3-litre V6

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati’s new V6 engines have been a great success since they were introduced in the Ghibli and Quattroporte models.

The V6 petrol engine is twin turbo with the latest GDI technology developed by the Maserati Powertrain in conjunction with the Ferrari Powertrain development team. This new generation of Maserati engines is more powerful, more exciting to drive and more eco-friendly than ever.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

The high efficiency Maserati V6 petrol engine features high efficient fluid-dynamic and combustion, low inertia parallel twin turbos, double continuous cam phasers for each cylinder head and high-pressure (200 bar) fuel injection.

Maximum torque is available well below 2,000 rpm ensuring superb day-to-day drivability. In the “sport” driving mode, the exhaust by-pass system provides a unique Maserati sound experience.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

The V6 engine features advanced valve control technology with hydraulic roller finger followers and four cam phasers, twin turbocharging and direct injection-ignition system.

The Levante’s 3-litre 350 hp engine has been designed to offer an outstanding driving experience along with a frugal use of fuel. It delivers 500 Nm torque from 1,750 up to 4,750 rpm. Equipped with this V6 engine, the Levante reaches 0-100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds and has a top speed of 251 km/h, a combined consumption of 10.7 l/100 km on the NEDC test cycle and 249 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Maserati Levante © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

In the best Maserati tradition, the petrol engine’s exhaust system is controlled by pneumatic valves to maintain the rich aural signature of the brand. In the default driving mode, the bypass valves are closed for a comfortable and discreet engine sound.

By selecting the “Sport” mode, not only do the car’s handling parameters change, but the exhaust valves are opened, providing the shortest possible way to the exhaust gases. This gives the Levante its maximum engine performance and the unique Maserati engine sound. Beneath the rear bumper, the exhaust gases emerge through two double tailpipes in polished steel.

Price

Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $72,000

 


LEVANTE 350 hp


Engine Layout


Petrol 600 V6, twin-turbo - direct injection (GDI)


Displacement (cc)


2,979


Max. Power (kW / hp @ rpm)


257 / 350 @ 5,750


Max. Torque (Nm @ rpm)


500 @ 4,500-5,000


Fuel consumption l/100 km (NEDC)


10.7


CO2 (g/km)


249


0-100 km/h (sec)


6.0


Top speed (km/h)


251


Gearbox


8-speed automatic ZF AT8 - HP70


Transmission


Q4 All Wheel Drive with rear limited slip differential


Suspension Front


Double Wishbone, adjustable Air Springs, Skyhook shock absorbers


Suspension Rear


Multi Link, adjustable Air Springs, Skyhook shock absorbers


Length/width/height (mm)


5,003 / 1,968 / 1,679


Wheelbase (mm)


3,004


Tyres (standard)


255/60 ZR18


4.9 Out of 5
EXTERIOR STYLE / DESIGN
INTERIOR & SPACE
EQUIPMENT & FEATURES
LUXURY FEATURES
COMFORT & QUALITY
HANDLING & BRAKING
PRICE & FUEL EFFICIENCY