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Maserati Levante Prototype 2015: What the Disguised Test Car Showed
In spring 2015 a camouflaged Maserati Levante prototype was photographed during road testing in Germany. It had wide wheel arches, raised ground clearance and test equipment inside. Reports at the time expected a Detroit debut in January 2016. The production SUV was instead revealed in Geneva on 1 March 2016 and stayed in production until March 2024.
Key takeaways
- The May 2015 1cars report described a disguised test car with flared arches and higher ride height.
- Its shape was expected to follow the Kubang concept of the 2011 Frankfurt show.
- Forecast engines were a petrol V6 of over 294 kW (400 hp), a 3.8 V8 and a 206 kW (280 hp) diesel; all three arrived, the V8 only in 2018.
- The Levante was built at Mirafiori in Turin from March 2016 to March 2024.
What the 2015 Levante prototype showed
The prototype wore heavy wrapping that hid the lights and body lines. Observers noted three things: generous wheel arches, a gap between body and road well above a saloon's, and measuring gear in the cabin. Maserati had said about a year earlier that its first SUV would appear around 2016. A test fleet on public roads meant development was in its final stage.
The design brief was already public. The Kubang concept, shown at Frankfurt in 2011, used the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform and a 4.2-litre V8. The production SUV kept the Kubang look but moved to the architecture of the Ghibli saloon. Our Levante debut story explains how the launch plan shifted.
Forecast against the production car
| 2015 forecast | What Maserati built |
|---|---|
| Debut in Detroit, January 2016 | Geneva Motor Show, 1 March 2016 |
| 3.0 petrol, over 294 kW (400 hp) | 3.0 twin-turbo V6, 257 kW (350 PS) and 316 kW (430 PS) |
| 3.8 petrol, 390 kW (530 hp) | 3.8 twin-turbo V8 from 2018; Trofeo at 434 kW (590 PS) |
| 3.0 diesel, 206 kW (280 hp) | 3.0 V6 diesel, 202 kW (275 PS) |
| Kubang-style body | Confirmed: the Levante's design is based on the Kubang |
The forecasters were close on engines and wrong on the venue. By our calculation, the Trofeo's 434 kW beat the forecast 390 kW by about 11 %. The V8 took two more years: the Trofeo was unveiled at the New York show in 2018. A 243 kW (330 PS) four-cylinder mild hybrid was added later and was never part of the 2015 rumours.
How the Levante story ended
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Spring 2015 | Camouflaged prototypes testing in Germany |
| 1 Mar 2016 | Production Levante unveiled in Geneva |
| Mar 2016 | Series production starts at Mirafiori, Turin |
| 2018 | V8 Trofeo revealed in New York |
| Mar 2024 | Production ends; the 2024 model year closes with a special edition |
For specifications of every version, see our Maserati Levante overview. The brand's wider story is in Maserati's history.
The Levante in 2026: which one to buy
In October 2026 the Levante is no longer built, and Maserati's SUV is the smaller Grecale. Used Levantes are common, and the early prototypes are factory property, not cars you can buy.
Which one to look for: the 316 kW V6 S balances pace and cost, and the V8 Trofeo is the version the 2015 forecasters had in mind. Check its rivals with the comparison tool, see the power leaders in our rankings and browse the Maserati catalogue.
FAQ
Where was the Maserati Levante prototype tested?
Camouflaged test cars were seen on public roads in Germany in the spring of 2015. They had flared arches, extra ground clearance and test equipment inside.
Was the Levante first shown in Detroit?
No. Early reports expected the January 2016 Detroit show, but Maserati unveiled the Levante at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March 2016. Series production in Turin started that same month.
Did the Levante get a V8 engine?
Yes, but not at launch. The 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 came in 2018, with the Trofeo producing 434 kW (590 PS). At launch in 2016 only V6 petrol and diesel engines were offered.
Is the Levante built on a Jeep platform?
The 2011 Kubang concept was listed on the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform. The production Levante instead shared its architecture, gearbox and all-wheel drive with the Ghibli.
