When it comes to premium SUVs, it’s firms such as the Audi, BMW Mercedes and Land Rover that usually dominate.
But as more manufacturers are entering this lucrative sector, it’s creating more luxury SUVs from firms not known for building this type of vehicle.
And a key firm this applies to is Maserati. The Italian manufacturer is known for producing its beautiful sports cars, and since 2016 has built this SUV with unique Italian flair – the Levante. Here’s what you need to know about Maserati’s stylish machine…
What engines are available?
It might not seem the norm for a Maserati to be fitted with a diesel engine, but to open the brand up new clients, it was a necessity for the Levante.
That said, it’s a powerful diesel – a 271bhp 3.0-litre unit, which comes paired to an eight-speed automatic diesel. This allows for a 0-60mph time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 142mph.
As for the petrol engines, there is a 3.0-litre petrol engine producing either 345bhp, or 424bhp in ‘S’ form.
The standard 345bhp version in the Levante is still able to accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds, while the Levante S manages the same sprint in five seconds. It also has a top speed of 156mph – 8mph faster than the standard petrol car.
All versions come with all-wheel-drive, and it’s unsurprisingly the diesel which is the most efficient. This can achieve a claimed fuel economy figure of 30mpg, along with CO2 emissions of 177g/km.
Further performance models are set to join the range shortly.
What trim levels are offered?
The Levante is offered in three trim levels, with the equipment as follows:
Levante – from £58,370
Standard equipment on the base Levante includes 18-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, a vehicle tracking system for security, a leather interior and an 8.4-inch touchscreen.
Granlusso – from £66,370
This luxurious trim adds 19-inch alloy wheels, black brake callipers, a silk interior, chrome exterior inserts and soft-closing doors.
Gransport – from £66,370
Sporty Gransport comes with a different bodykit including gloss black accents and a larger rear spoiler, along with sports seats and red brake callipers.
Powerful GTS and limited-edition Trofeo editions will be joining the line-up late in 2019.
What about personalisation?
Levante buyers have no shortage of options available to them. It starts with the colour choices. Admittedly it’s quite a reserved palette, but includes solid, metallic and pearlescent colours, with vibrant ‘Blue Emozione’ being our favourite.
There’s also a lengthy number of wheel choices, with each available in different paint finishes. Sizes rise to 21 inches, meaning there’s something to suit all tastes.
We also love the option of personalisation on the interiors. Maserati seems to offer one of the most impressive number of leather interiors across the manufacturers, with colours such as bright red, cream, black and brown available to buyers. That also extends to the trim, whereby more traditional wood finishes are available next to modern-looking carbon fibre.