This might be the closest thing to a Ferrari SUV.
Maserati has revealed the exterior of the Levante, the first SUV in the brand’s 101-year history. The new model completes the marque’s existing range of sporty saloons, coupes and cabriolets; namely the Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo and GranCabrio.
The design of the Levante features clear associations with the Maserati brand and its distinctive Italian character. For instance, the aggressive front introduces new, tapered headlights separated into two elements, with the upper lamp 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-pillars 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 sports car.
Apparently, the Levante’s chassis combines the outstanding on-road performance typical of every Maserati with unrivalled handling on low-grip surfaces and excellent off-road performance and ride. The Levante is equipped with both petrol and diesel engines that are all Euro 6-compliant.
The new SUV boasts a high level of equipment as standard. All versions feature sophisticated electronic suspension with controlled damping and air springs, which can be set on several levels, “Q4” intelligent all-wheel-drive and 8-speed automatic transmission specially calibrated for the car.
The Levante is built at the Mirafiori plant in Turin. The first production 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, including Singapore, which is expected to receive the Levante before Christmas.
(Click here for our review of the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic.)
(Click here for our review of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale.)
“Sports utility” doesn’t come much sportier than the sporty Levante.
