Maserati Levante

Maserati Levante at a glance

For decades Maserati built only saloons, coupés and sports cars. An SUV had been discussed for years: the Kubang concept shown at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show was meant to become Maserati's first production SUV, but its launch was repeatedly postponed. The Levante that finally appeared kept many of the Kubang's styling cues. The Levante finally entered the luxury-SUV market in 2016. It is related to the Maserati Ghibli saloon and uses the eight-speed ZF automatic from the sixth-generation Quattroporte. Maserati's story is told in the history of Maserati, and its models, including the Maserati GranTurismo, are in the Maserati catalogue.

Design and exterior

The Levante has typical Maserati features: a long bonnet, short overhangs, a large concave grille with the trident badge and three air vents in each front wing. Bi-xenon or LED headlights frame the grille, and the profile shows muscular wheel arches and a coupé-like sloping roofline that echoes the Kubang concept. At the rear, the exhaust is split into two pairs of pipes. The car is 5,003 mm long, 1,968 mm wide and 1,679 mm high.

Interior and practicality

The cabin combines leather, an analogue clock in the centre of the dashboard and the Maserati Touch Control infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, also operated by a rotary controller. A standard eight-speaker audio system could be upgraded to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a Bowers & Wilkins surround system, and more than 25 interior colours were offered. The front seats are electrically adjustable with memory, heating and ventilation, and paddle shifters sit behind the steering wheel. The rear bench is designed mainly for two adults; a third passenger is less comfortable because of the high transmission tunnel. The boot holds 580 litres and up to 1,614 litres with the 60/40 split seats folded, and the electric tailgate can be ordered with hands-free opening.

Engines and performance

The twin-turbo V6 and V8 petrol engines were built by Ferrari. According to the old 1cars text, the diesel uses about 8 L/100 km in town and 6 L/100 km on the open road, while the 430 PS V6 needs about 15 L/100 km in town. All versions have Q4 all-wheel drive, and a limited-slip rear differential (25% locking under acceleration, 35% on the overrun) and near 50:50 weight distribution help handling. Air suspension allows the ride height to be adjusted.

Dimensions

Safety and driver assistance

The Levante has ABS, stability control and a full set of airbags, and it offers driver aids such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assistance and collision warning.

Strengths and weaknesses in everyday use

Owners and testers liked the Levante's distinctive looks, with the massive grille, muscular wheel arches and large tailgate with an integrated spoiler. They also praised the adjustable ride height, the all-wheel-drive system and the powerful engines. The interior is well finished, the seats are comfortable, the cabin is spacious for four and the audio systems are of high quality. Even base models are richly equipped, and the brakes are strong. On the other side, fuel consumption is high, especially with the petrol engines. The car's size makes it harder to park in town, only two adults sit comfortably in the rear, and running costs are typical of a luxury brand.

Prices and end of production

According to the old 1cars text, European prices at launch in 2016 started at about €77,300 for the 350 PS petrol V6, with the 430 PS Levante S from about €98,800. Sales began in Europe in May 2016 and in the USA the same year. Production at Mirafiori ended in March 2024, and a special edition with the most powerful V6 marked the end of the Levante.

Rivals: how the Levante compares

The Levante competed with the Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 and X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q7 and Q8. Its strengths are Italian design, characterful Ferrari-built engines, sharp handling for an SUV and a long list of personalisation options. Its weaknesses are a rear seat best suited to two adults and the high fuel consumption of the petrol engines.