Maserati Levante

Maserati Levante is a medium sized sports car of crossover type, premium class, which became the debut serial jeep car from the Italian company. The new sports crossover was presented to the world at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016. It is worth noting that the company has long kept the veil closed and everyone was waiting for this world premiere. It is not by chance that the name of the car was given to Levante. In fact, it is a warm Mediterranean wind, the strength of which at any moment can change from a light breeze to a strong storm wind.

Partly, these qualities are reflected in the character of the new car. Back in 2011, the conceptual version of Kubang was shown, which was supposed to be the first serial version of the SUV, but its production was constantly postponed. As a result, it was used as the basis for our hero, the crossover of Maserati Levante, who inherited from the concept of the radiator grille, underpins on the wings and bodywork. From the version of Grand Cherokee in the role of the chassis, Italian experts decided not to take anything (the chassis is used the same as on Quattroporte). The whole model range is Maserati.

Exterior

One look at the appearance of Maserati Levante 2016-2017 reveals that the car has similar branded family traits. This applies to the impressive “nose” with a massive grille and three traditional openings for air ducts, which are located on the front wings of the machine.

The car has got a little bit more “look” of the front optics, in what perfectly synchronized bixenon and today’s fashion, LED lights. Fans of the company will be able to see the image of the Kubang concept in the exterior of Maserati Levante, which was demonstrated at the Frankfurt Exhibition Centre in 2011. The appearance of the car was created in the full style of the Maserati company and there are some elements of all the models of the company.

The car has short overhangs and a rather stretched hood, and the interior itself is stretched to the back. The massive front bumper has a wide air intake and two fog lights that have been planted high. The side part of the novelty shows the presence of a muscular sports silhouette with a sloping roof line and clear for the cars of the company rear posts, which are crowned with the logo of the Italian company.

All the strength, power and swiftness of the Italian crossover are emphasized by large wheels, which received a corporate pattern with the logo logo of the production. The presence of a high window roof gives the machine swiftness and dynamism. The presence of inflated wheel arches makes the car even more aggressive with the help of arched muscles.

In crossover variants it is rare, but in this case, the doors of the machine were made without frames. The Italian designers decided not to be shy and used an abundance of chrome in the design of the exterior of the car. Although the car of such class shiny body parts go only “to the face”.

In addition to the sparkling radiator grille, chrome plated door handles, frames of side doors and decorative parts, which can be found on the wings, installed in front and the luggage compartment doors. The aft part of the Italian is fascinating with the elegant spoiler, which is an extension of the roof and four chrome pipes of the exhaust system (two on each side).

The luggage compartment door has a spoiler, and the tail lights are connected by a chrome molding. If you look at the rear of the car, it is noticeably thrown into the eyes and emphasize the appearance of the already mentioned exhaust pipes. There is a stronger modification, which is sold outward with the help of aerodynamic dodger and disks.

In general, the appearance of the Italian car leaves no doubt that Maserati Levante is a real sports car, which tried on the kind of crossover. The aerodynamic drag coefficient is 0.31 cm.

Interior

When you’re inside an Italian premium car, you’ll initially look at the stylish console in the centre, the analogue clock and the massive multimedia screen that supports touch input. Adjustment can be done with a special joystick.

Even the basic equipment of the car has high quality leather and polished aluminum inserts, and as a separate option, the driver can install inside the car natural wood, carbon and even silk.

It is already standard that for the company Maserati, the buyer can make the maximum personalization of the interior, in which he will be helped to choose more than 25 different colors, the number of which will gradually grow.

The machine is equipped with advanced electronic active security systems and a high-end multimedia system Maserati TC, which includes an 8.4-inch color display and 8 speakers Base Audio System.

Lovers of quality music can choose from the premium Harman/Kardon system, which features 14 speakers, or the fully-clear Bowers & Wolkins Surrond System. As well as that, the basic equipment list includes:

• Systems of 2-zone climate control;
• Forward pair of seats with electric adjustment and memory function;
• Heating and ventilating options for driver and front passenger seats
• Rear seat backrest adjustable in several different positions.

The basic rear-view camera can be exchanged for an optional all-around visibility system with blind spot sensors. The car comes with a small 3-spoke steering wheel, which is covered with perforated leather of the highest quality and has a special influx for even better natural and comfortable grip.

Gearshifting can be done with the help of a gear selector, as well as with the help of petals, which can be found under the steering wheel, which is just a sign of the sports tilt of the car. Sensor of speed and speed of the power unit is located in stylish deep wells, between which a large screen of the board computer is installed, which provides the most necessary information for the driver about the condition and behavior of the car.

The front seats are soft and comfortable and have good side support. Even in the basic equipment, seats have an electric drive and heating function, which is very important for the Russian Federation. With the help of off-road landing, the driver has excellent visibility.

The seats are separated by a high transmission tunnel, in which boxes for various trifles and cup holders are placed. The back row of seats, though made for three passengers, but the pillow itself is decorated under a couple of people, so the 3rd passenger will be a little uncomfortable here. However, there is more than enough space on the back and front row.

No competitor has a 3-meter-long wheelbase. In general, the entire salon of the Italian crossover, which is already standard for the model line of the company, is sold high quality assembly, exclusive materials and stylish modern design.

Dimensions of the luggage compartment of Maserati Levante in the base composition are equal to 580 liters, but if necessary, this volume can be increased, folded backrest chairs, which will result in 1,614 liters of useful space.

The seats can be folded in the standard 60/40 ratio. In order to open the luggage door more conveniently, it is equipped with an electric drive and can be equipped with touch-opening technology as an option.

Specifications

Mower unit

The Maserati Levante 2016 is equipped with 3 powertrains to give the Italian sports crossover its power. The most initial one has a volume of 3.0-liter and runs on diesel fuel. It produces 275 horsepower, which allows you to reach a mark of 100 km / h in 6.9 seconds, and the maximum speed is 230 km / h.

The diesel variation consumes about 8 litres per 100 km in urban areas, and only 6 litres are used on the country road. This is followed by a gasoline 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, producing 350 horses, which achieves the first hundred in 6.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 251 km/h.

The most senior engine is represented by a 3.0-liter 450-strong monster, which reaches the mark of 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds and accelerates to 264 km/h, which is for the crossover is a very good result. Outside the city, this engine will require 8.4 liters, but in the city about 15 liters, which is quite a lot. A little later, there should appear 8-cylinder V-shaped gasoline engine, which develops about 560 horsepower.

Moreover, it is planned to produce a hybrid modification of Maserati Levante with a technical configuration from the minivan Chrysler Pacifica 2. It will have a 250 hp gasoline “six”, electric motor, a set of batteries, which has a capacity of 16 kW/h and 9-band automatic gearbox.

Transmission

Despite the version of the installed power unit on the Italian, it will have a four-wheel drive system and a non-alternative 8-speed automatic box ZF of 6 generation Quattroporte, where there are interchangeable modes of operation, which can be used, depending on the road.

When the car is used in normal conditions, all 100 percent of the traction is given only to the rear wheels, but when necessary, the multi-disc clutch can transfer up to 50 percent of the torque to the front wheels in 150 milliseconds. A rear mounted friction differential is included with all Levante versions.

The system has a 25% blocking during acceleration and a 35% blocking during gas discharge. This, together with the optimal 50:50 vehicle weighting, significantly improves the perception of the new product, especially for those who like to drive fast.

Carriage

The machine was designed on the platform of universal base, which is used by designers to assemble models Quattroporte and Ghibli. If we talk about the suspension of the car, it is completely independent with the presence of adaptive shock absorbers. The nose part of the suspension works on the transverse double levers, and the 5-lever system functions at the back.

The machine has a low centre of gravity and almost perfect weight distribution. The steering is sharp enough and therefore the vehicle is more precise for driving on an asphalt road, showing excellent handling, but it can also demonstrate itself well where there is no road.
In standard driving, the ground clearance of the Italian car’s air-sprung adaptive suspension is 207 millimetres (“Normal” mode), but on hard surfaces, the ground clearance can be reduced by 20 millimetres to improve the combination of comfort and sportiness. This is done by switching the suspension to “Aero 1” mode.

Only in these two modes of air suspension, which are regulated by the electronic system, can you change the settings to sports by changing the rigidity of the chassis, the reaction to the gasoline supply and the principle of the box “automatic”. In “Off-road 1” and “Off-road 2” modes, it is possible to raise the body by 25 and 15 millimeters respectively, in relation to the “Normal” position. As a result, it provides a whole 247 millimeters of clearance.

Dimensions

The Italian new Maserati Levante 2016 has a width of 1,968 mm, a height of 1,679 mm, which indicates its athletic aspects, which tends to compete for victory. The wheelbase has a wheelbase of 3,004 mm. The height of the ground clearance can be changed by using a pneumatic system, from 162 to 247 mm. The usual position of the suspension brings the Italian crossover to a height of 207 mm.

Safety

It is no secret that many premium cars are equipped with a large number of different passive and active safety systems. Maserati Levante 2016 has an anti-lock system and stabilization system, a lane change system, control of all blind spots, collision prediction and adaptive cruise control.

The crossover has 6 airbags, where the pair is in front, the pair is on the side and the pair is in the ceiling to prevent head injuries in case of a possible accident. The Italian has a good braking system made by a well-known company in this field, Brembo. The brake system is represented by ventilated perforated discs.

The calipers function with the help of 6 pistons, which are installed in the aluminum block, with the help of which the machine perfectly brakes. It is very important that during intensive braking, their strength is not reduced. In addition, there is a round-vision camera, anti-jump trailer, electronics that can control the descent from the hill, the function of climbing on the mountain, the installed fixing points ISOFIX.

Complete sets and prices

And while the production of the new Maserati Levante has already started, it was even set up at the company’s factory in Turin. Therefore, sales of the new Italian sports crossover in European countries have already started in spring 2016, and other markets will receive the car by the end of the year, at least, this is expected.

The car is equipped with a multimedia system with an 8.4-inch display, adaptive cruise control and other various security systems. The cost of the new Maserati Levante will be from 75000 euros.

The gasoline variation will start at €77300, while the top 420-horsepower version will cost from €98800. All the basic equipment will be available:

• Full electric package;
• Seat and rudder leather upholstery;
• Harman Kardon multimedia system with 15 Bowers & Wilkins;
• Two-level climate control;
• Systems of keyless access to the salon;
• Rain sensors;
• Electrically adjustable pedal unit;
• Cameras of circular visibility;
• Panoramic roof;
• Light sensors;
• High quality sports seats with many different settings;
• Innovative ventilation system.

In addition, there will be a braking assistant, a lane function, a button start, an electric luggage door drive, tilting rear seats, and a Maserati Active Sound system that has two sound actuators installed near the exhaust pipes to artificially improve the engine’s sound.

Comparison with competitors

The main competitors of the Italian crossover are very serious. But also Maserati Levante is an ambitious model, aimed at customers with a large purse. In a role of the first opponent acts Porsche Cayenne which cost begins from 59350 dollars and comes to an end with the solid price list in 96550 dollars.

Further there goes BMW X5 which can be already got a little bit cheaper – from $55 695 to $72 495. The list “namesake” BMW X6 with the price tag from 61 595 to 76 295 dollars completes. Prices were taken into account for the North American market.

Pluses and minuses

We sum up

Summing up the results of the Italian novelty of 2016, Maserati Levante, I would like to say that the whole company worked well. This is already visible in the appearance of the car, which is simply stuffed with sports qualities and aggressiveness, but at the same time is restrained stylish. The massive radiator grille gives solidity to the crossover, and at once it is evident.

Large arches of wheels with no less massive rims of unique shape. The sides of the ribs indicate a desire for speed in this sports car. Everything behind is restrained and stylish, powerful exhaust pipes have been split on the sides and have two pipes. But Maserati Levante 2016 looks great not only on the outside, but also inside.

Everything here is on top, the quality of materials used and the quality of the assembly itself is very high. Nice dashboard, stylish center console with 8.4-inch color screen from which you can control various systems and settings of the car. The steering wheel is very comfortable and made of quality leather.

The armchairs have a good fit and side support, and also have different settings, memory, heating and ventilation functions. The rear sofa can comfortably accommodate only a couple of passengers, although it is possible and three, but it will not be quite comfortable.

There’s plenty of room in the car. The luggage compartment has a solid stock of volume, which will allow you to take with you the most important things on the road. Powerful power units perfectly cope with their tasks, the car has good dynamic characteristics. True, top models eat too much fuel.
Italians have paid much attention to ensuring a proper level of safety not only for the driver, but also for the passengers sitting next to him.

There are various systems to help the driver. I am glad that even the standard equipment can offer a lot to the consumer. Only because of the exchange rate of currencies, there is a sports and stylish crossover, not enough. In general, the Italian novelty turned out to be stylish, powerful, beautiful and comfortable.

We advise you to read the article: History of Maserati

Maserati Levante photo

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